Articles by Justin Niessner
IFC proposes $15m investment in India's Clean Max
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has proposed a commitment of up to $15 million to Indian solar power company Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions.
Asia value creation: Internal repairs
Private equity investors in Asia are responding to an increasingly competitive deal-sourcing environment with a stronger focus on value-add, but successful implementation will require a cultural commitment
NZ hologram tech player receives $27m Series B round
Time Warner Investments has led a group of investors, including China’s Baidu Ventures, in a $27 million Series B funding round for New Zealand-based holographic technology company 8i.
Vertex leads $7.5m Series A for India's Flutura
Vertex Ventures, the VC arm of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has led a $7.5 million investment in Flutura Business Solutions, an Indian data services provider that uses internet-of-things (IoT) technology.
New Zealand's Direct Capital closes Fund V at $270m
New Zealand-based private equity investor Direct Capital has closed its fifth buyout and growth fund at NZ$375 million ($270 million).
Peepul Capital invests in Unibic India
Peepul Capital has cemented its control of snack food maker Unibic India by acquiring the entire stake of minority investor Lighthouse Funds.
Beyond Next Ventures leads $3.4m round for Japan's CureApp
Japan-based investor Beyond Next Ventures has led a JPY380 million ($3.4 million) round for domestic healthcare software developer CureApp.
Deal focus: Equis cracks Australian solar market
Finding a reliable local counterparty for a power purchasing agreement gave Equis the confidence to commit $302 million to solar projects in Australia
India's Sathguru launches $100m agritech fund
India-based Sathguru Management Consultants has launched a $100 million fund to invest in start-ups focused on innovation in the food and agriculture sector.
Singapore's CXA raises $25m Series B round
The investment arm of Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDBI) and B Capital Group have led a $25 million Series B funding round for Singaporean health technology start-up CXA Group.
Investec leads $19.5m round for Singapore image recognition player
Investec Bank has led a $19.5 million funding round for Trax Image Recognition, a Singapore-based company that uses visual technology to support manufacturers and retailers.
Japan VCs back domestic fintech start-up
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), SBI Investment and Dentsu Digital Holdings have contributed to a JPY800 million ($7.1 million) funding round for Tokyo-based financial technology company Coiney.
German strategic buys majority stake in ICG-backed Cura Group
German healthcare services and equipment provider Fresenius Medical Care has agreed to take control of Australia’s Cura Group, a hospital operator backed by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG).
South African GP acquires Australia's Decor
South African private equity investor Coast2Coast Capital has acquired Australia’s Decor, a company that designs and manufactures household lifestyle products.
Japan’s Advantage exits GTA TeleGuam to US investor
Japan-based Advantage Partners has agreed to sell its controlling stake in GTA TeleGuam, the principal telecommunications provider on the US island of Guam, to US-based family office Huntsman Family Investments (HFI).
Thailand’s Kuvera leads $3m round for domestic IT start-up
Thai investment firm Kuvera Capital has led a $3 million round of funding for Bangkok-based IT services provider D8.
Singapore's Jubilee Capital in $3m round for NZ fintech start-up
Latitude Technologies (Latipay), a New Zealand-based financial technology company that helps e-commerce players target Chinese consumers, has raised NZ$4.1 million ($3 million) from a group of investors including Singapore’s Jubilee Capital.
iSigma exits Japan's Sweet Style
ISigma, a mid-size buyout firm controlled by trading and investment conglomerate Marubeni, has exited its 100% stake in Japanese food and beverage company Sweet Style to Mitsuuroko Group.
New Zealand's VC-backed Phitek Systems sold to US tech player
New Zealand-based audio equipment and technology developer Phitek Systems has been sold to a US strategic buyer, providing an exit for a number of domestic VC investors.
Horizons invests $23m in US auto group's China push
Horizons Ventures - an investment firm controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing - has led a $23 million round for a Chinese business development effort by US-based automotive technology company Divergent 3D.
Abraaj acquires Pakistan wind power company
The Abraaj Group has agreed to buy a majority stake in Pakistani wind farm operator Jhimpir Power from energy sector investor Burj Capital.
Deal focus: Pencarrow profits from grocery wars
Having bought BrewGroup by taking advantage of competitive deadlock in New Zealand's supermarket space, Pencarrow Private Equity grew the business in Australia and has now sold it to Jacobs Douwe Egberts
India's Muthoot Microfin raises $19m from US-based GP
US private equity firm Creation Investments has committed about INR1.3 billion ($19 million) for an 11% stake in Indian microfinance services provider Muthoot Microfin.
Fund focus: TukTuks answers call for Thai exposure
Domestic high net worth individuals and corporates are the major contributors as 500 Startups closes its debut Thailand venture capital fund above target at $15.4 million