Articles by Andrew Woodman
Early stage Japan: Accelerating Tokyo
The numbers suggest that early-stage investing is in the midst of a renaissance in Japan. While the emergence of incubators and angels is encouraging, the start-up community still lacks depth
VCs back iYogi's Spanish strategy
Bearing in mind Spanish has the second- largest number of native speakers in the world - 410 million - after Mandarin, it is little wonder that many businesses see the value in learning the language. India-based technology support services provider iYogi...
Japan's Next Capital exits massage chair maker to Asahi
Next Capital has agreed to exit its stake in Fuji Medical Instruments (Fujiiryoki), a Japanese manufacturer of massage chairs and other health-related products, to Asahi Holdings for JPY7.8 billion ($76.7 million).
Century Bridge invests $60m in China residential developments
Sino-US real estate investor Century Bridge Capital has committed $60 million to two joint venture developments in China.
TPG sole bidder for Australian engineering carve-out - report
TPG is said to have emerged as the sole final bidder for DTZ, the property services arm of Australian engineering and property management company UGL.
DCM leads $14.6m round for Japan CRM start-up
DCM has led a JPY1.46 billion ($14.6 million) round of investment for Sansan, the Japanese start-up behind business card-based customer relationship management (CRM) solution Eight.
INCJ invests $4m in Japan's Customer Communications
The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has invested JPY400 million ($4 million) in Customer Communications (CCL), which provides analytics for consumer purchasing behavior.
Japan's Gree Ventures reaches $50m first close on tech fund
Gree Ventures - the corporate VC arm of the Japanese mobile gaming firm Gree - has held an initial close on its second fund, AT-I Investment, of JPY5 billion ($50 million).
Fenox, Mizuho lead $10m round for Japan e-scooter maker
Fenox Ventures and Mizuho Capital have led a $10 million round of investment in Terra Motors Corp, a Japanese manufacturer of two and three-wheeler electric vehicles.
Ventureast exits India's Bioserve to Cancer Genetics
US biotech firm Cancer Genetics has acquired India's BioServe Biotechnologies for around $1.9 million, paving an exit for early-stage investor Ventureast.
Riverside closes second Asia fund at $235m
Global mid-market buyout firm Riverside has reached a final close of $235 million on its second Asia fund - Riverside Asia-Pacific Fund II (RAF II), 57% above its original target of $150 million.
Helion backs India IT mobility solutions provider
Helion Venture Partners has committed a INR250 million ($4.2 million) Series A round of funding to India-based RapidValue IT Services, which specializes in mobile IT solutions.
FidelisWorld backs India's Smaaash Entertainment
Sport, media and entertainment-focused GP Fidelis World Asset Management has invested in India's Smaaash Entertainment, a sports-centric digital entertainment complex.
India cabinet clears KKR for Gland Pharma deal
The Indian government has given KKR the go-ahead to acquire stakes in Gland Pharma and its affiliate Gland Celcus Bio Chemicals in a deal said to be worth around $230 million.
DBJ invests $14m in Japan's Diamond Electric
The Development Bank of Japan(DBJ) has invested JPY1.5 billion ($14 million) in Diamond Electric, a Tokyo-listed electronic devices manufacturer, for a 49.5% a stake.
Denham mines Pembroke talent
When Barry Tudor stepped down as CEO of listed mining firm Gloucester Coal in 2012, he left behind quite a legacy. Tudor and his team shepherded the firm through a number of high-profile acquisitions – including that of Australia’s Middlemount Project...
Wearable technology: Heart on your sleeve
Wearables promise to be the next disruptive technology, redefining our daily lives. Are venture capitalists right to be excited and are they getting excited about the right things?
Manish Chokani to head TPG Growth India
Manish Chokhani has been appointed chairman of TPG Growth India.
Anthem Asia backs Myanmar PR agency
Anthem Asia, a recently established private equity firm based in Myanmar, has invested in Blink, a PR and digital marketing agency.
Global Brain, 500 Startups lead Series C for couples app
VCNC, the Korean start-up behind couples app Between, has raised a Series C round of investment from Japanese venture capital firm Global Brain and US investor 500 Startups.
Matrix makes partial exit form India's Tree House
Matrix India has exited a portion of its holding in school management firm Tree House Education and Accessories, selling 4.84% stake in the company to local conglomerate Bajaj Holdings & Investment for INR504 million ($8.4 million).
GIC leads $170m investment in Brazil's Netshoes
Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC Private has led a $170 million investment in Netshoes, a Brazilian e-commerce site focusing on sporting goods.
POSCO VC leads Series A for Korean online video provider
POSCO Venture Capital - the corporate VC arm Korean steel maker POSCO - has led a $3 million Series A round of funding for online video start-up Shakr Media.
GGV reaches $622m final close on Fund V - Update
GGV has confirmed the final close of its fifth Sino-US venture capital fund. The firm said it had raised $620 million, although regulatory filings indicate the final total is $621.9 million.