Articles by Justin Niessner
Australia's QIC closes global infrastructure fund at $1.8b
QIC, an investment manager controlled by the Queensland state government, has closed its global infrastructure fund at the hard cap of A$2.3 billion ($1.8 billion), beating the A$1.7 billion target.
EDBI, Philips launch Singapore health tech investment platform
Singapore’s EDBI and Philips have formally launched an Asia-focused investment platform that targets companies in digital healthcare services.
Quona, Accion close $141m global fintech fund
Quona Capital and emerging markets microfinance group Accion International have closed a $141 million global venture fund dedicated to financial technology. It will focus in part on India and Southeast Asia.
Hosen closes $440m China food and agri fund
China-focused food and agriculture specialist Hosen Capital has closed its third private equity fund at $440 million after eight months in the market. The target was $400 million.
Sequoia leads $30m Series B for Hong Kong's Klook
Sequoia Capital China has led a $30 million Series B funding round for Hong Kong-based travel services company Klook.
EDBI, Hewlett Packard back US IT player's Asia push
Singapore's EDBI and the venture arm of Hewlett Packard’s software spin-off HPE have joined a $21.5 million Series C funding round for an Asian expansion drive by US-based IT company Hedvig.
Fund focus: ChrysCapital banks on reputation with Fund VII
Having fully realized its first four funds and returned more than 100% of the fifth, ChrysCapital had a strong exits story to tell in raising $600 million for Fund VII
PAG to pay $612m for Yingde Gases stake
PAG Asia Capital has submitted a cash offer worth HK$4.7 billion ($612 million) for a 42.1% stake in Chinese industrial supply company Yingde Gases.
PE and funeral services: Untapped eternity
Increased urgency around demographic tailwinds in the funeral services space has coincided with a spate of investment activity in recent years. Private equity could be well positioned to play a leading role
Sequoia leads $10m round for India's Belong
Sequoia Capital India has led a $10 million Series B funding round for Bengaluru-based online recruitment platform provider Belong.
IFM invests Australian fashion retailer
IFM Investors’ private equity arm has acquired a significant minority stake in Colette By Colette Hayman, an Australian retailer of handbags and fashion accessories.
INCJ, First Eastern in partial exit from Japanese airline
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) and Hong Kong-based First Eastern Investment Group have agreed to sell a combined 28.3% holding in Japanese airline Peach Aviation for JPY30.4 billion ($271 million).
US online lender SoFi raises $500m to expand in Australia
US online lender and financial services company SoFi has secured a $500 million Series F funding round led by Silver Lake for an expansion effort into Australia.
K2 Global raises $183m for US-Asia VC fund
K2 Global has raised $183 million for its debut venture fund, which aims to promote cross-border development in Asian and US technology start-ups.
AirTree leads $19m investment in Australia's Prospa
AirTree Ventures has led a A$25 million ($19.2 million) investment in Australian financial technology company Prospa.
US materials group gets $15m for China, Korea push
A group of investors including GSR Ventures has committed $15 million to C3Nano, a US-based supplier for the touchscreen and digital display industry looking to expand its footprint in China and Korea.
Australia mining: Desert stirrings
A stronger commodity price environment has spurred some opportunistic private equity investment in Australian mining services, but caution remains the mantra in this industry of capricious value drivers
IFC set for $60m investment in SE Asian medical player
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has proposed a commitment of $60 million to IDS Medical Systems, a Hong Kong-based healthcare industry supplier for Southeast Asia.
Japan's Mercari buys VC-backed e-commerce player
Japanese e-commerce company Mercari has agreed to acquire domestic competitor Zawatt, setting up an exit for a number of venture capital backers.
Global Brain backs Japan cybersecurity, driverless car play
Global Brain has led a Series A funding round of undisclosed size for Trillium, a Japanese cybersecurity company focused on the emerging autonomous vehicle industry.
IAG launches fintech incubator in Singapore
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has agreed to establish a financial technology incubator in Singapore to focus on promoting start-ups targeting innovation in the insurance industry.
Singapore's CapBridge launches $100m VC fund
Singapore-based investor CapBridge Investment Trust (CIT) is targeting $100 million for a growth-stage VC fund that aims to improve access to established start-ups for institutional investors.
VCs commit $60m to US VR firm for Asia push
Several Asian VC investors have joined a $60 million Series D round for US-based virtual reality (VR) and digital cinematography technology developer Lytro to support its expansion into Asia.
Singapore's mClinica raises $6.3m Series A round
US-based venture capital firm Unitus Impact has led a $6.5 million Series A funding round for Singaporean healthcare technology start-up mClinica.