Articles by Winnie Liu
The IT crowd: Australia embraces crowdfunding
Australia has embraced crowdfunding as a supplement to an early-stage traditional VC market that has yet to regain its former strength. Industry participants are seeking differentiation and deregulation
CDH pays $40m for 20% stake in China gold project
CDH Investments will acquire a 20% stake in Eastern Dragon project, a gold reserve base owned by Canadian miner Eldorado Gold Corporation, for $40 million in cash.
China’s NSSF joins cornerstones for Poly Culture IPO
China’s National Council for Social Security Fund (NSSF) will commit about $19.8 million as a cornerstone investor in Poly Culture’s HK$2.57 billion ($331 million) Hong Kong IPO.
Ventech invests in China P2P lending platform Jimubox
Ventech Capital, a France-based VC firm, has provided a Series A round of funding for Beijing-based peer-to-peer (P2P) online lending platform Jimubox.com. Transaction details were not disclosed but the investment is worth about $10 million.
Morningside raises $412m across three China TMT funds
Morningside Technologies, an investment company set up by Hong Kong's Chan family - owners of property developer Hang Lung Group - has raised $412 million across three China technology-focused funds.
CSRC to restructure, introduce private equity department
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is undergoing a restructuring that will see the creation of four divisions to oversee fast-moving markets, including private equity.
Chinese insurers approved to commit more to private equity
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has raised the cap on insurers’ exposure to publicly traded companies and private equity to 30% of total assets.
GGV targets $500m for new Sino-US fund
GGV Capital, the US- and China-focused venture capital investor, is seeking $500 million for its fifth fund.
Artesian launches Australian crowdfunding platform
Early-stage venture capital firm Artesian Venture Partners has launched its equity-based crowdfunding platform – VentureCrowd – in Australia with over 200 registered investors and 36 start-ups.
Jungle Ventures, Spring Seeds back big data start-up
Jungle Ventures has led a S$1.5 million ($1.2 million) round of funding for Crayong Data, a Singapore-based big data start-up, with participation from Spring Seeds Capital.
Fosun Venture leads Series B round for Kmsocial
Fosun Venture Capital Investment has led a Series B round of funding for Kongming, a Beijing-based social media marketing solutions provider, with participation from previous investor Fidelity Growth Partners Asia. The investment size is about $10 million.
CITIC PE considers Biosensors acquisition – update
CITIC Private Equity has held talks about potentially increasing its stake in Singapore-listed portfolio company Biosensors International, the medical device maker said on Wednesday.
CITIC PE to buy medical devices firm Biosensors - report
CITIC Private Equity is said to be looking to buy full control of its Singapore-listed portfolio company Biosensors International, a medical device maker.
Horizon Ventures leads $23m round for Hampton Creek Food
Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing’s Horizon Ventures has led a $23 million Series B financing round for Hampton Creek, a US-based food technology firm.
Spain's Telefonica signs up Chinese incubator
Wayra, Spanish telecom giant Telefonica’s accelerator initiative, has signed an agreement with Virtue Inno Valley (VIV), an incubator program backed by China’s Tsinghua University.
Superangel swoops in to support Vancl
Chinese smart phone maker Xiaomi is a smash hit, valued at $10 billion in its most recent round of funding. Lei Jun, the company’s founder, is riding high. In contrast, Chen Nian (pictured), who set up online clothing retailer Vancl six years ago, is...
Jack Ma returns to school
Jack Ma was an English teacher at Hangzhou Dianzi University before he went on to found Alibaba Group. Now he has returned to the education sector to support the next generation.
Adveq buys into Australia’s king of crops
The term "real assets" doesn't generally conjure up images of almonds. And these assets aren’t widely available. California, Spain and Australia account for around 80% of a global almond market set to be worth $5 billion in 2013.
ClearVue Partners closes $262m China consumer fund
ClearVue Partners has closed its first fund, ClearVue Partners Fund I, at $262 million. It has exceeded the original target of $200 million.
Fosun invests $35m in Malaysian restaurant chain
Fosun Group, China’s largest privately-owned conglomerate, has committed RMB210.5 million ($35 million) to Malaysia’s Secret Recipe, becoming the second-largest shareholder in the restaurant chain.
Sequoia leads Series B for China home renovation site to8to
Sequoia Capital has led a Series B round of funding for to8to, a Chinese online renovation site, with participation from existing investor Matrix Partners.
Alibaba, Temasek, Qiming pump $100m into China's TutorGroup
Alibaba Group, Temasek Holdings and existing backer Qiming Venture Partners have invested $100 million in a Series B round of funding for TutorGroup, a China-based online education service provider.
China travel site 17u raises $82m from Tencent, Boyu, Oriza
Chinese online travel agency 17u.cn has received a RMB500 million ($82 million) round of investment from Tencent Holdings, Boyu Capital and Oriza Holdings.
Sequoia leads $50m round for second-hand car platform Cheyipai
Sequoia Capital has led a $50 million round of funding for Cheyipai, a Chinese second-hand car trading platform. Existing backers Morningside Ventures, Matrix Partners and CITIC Capital also participated.