Articles by Andrew Woodman
Fuji Startup Ventures backs Japanese classifieds site
Fuji Startup Ventures (FSV), the VC investment arm of Japanese national TV network Fuji Terebi, has invested JPY50 million ($500,000) in classifieds website JMTY.com - pronounced "Jimoti."
Baird Capital invests in China's Kedu Healthcare
Baird Capital, the private investment arm of Robert W. Baird & Co, has invested in Kedu Healthcare, one of China's largest independent medical equipment service providers.
American Capital exits Miami flight school to Japan's ANA for $79m
American Capital has exited its majority stake in the Miami-based Pan Am International Flight Academy to Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) for $79 million, claiming a compound annual rate of return of 16% over the lifetime of the investment.
INCJ leads $11m investment in Japan blood biotech venture
The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has led a JPY1.16 billion ($11.7 million) investment in Megakaryon Corp, which is developing technology to produce blood platelets using reprogrammed stem cells.
China-focused BVCF leads $25m round for MicuRx Pharma
BVCF, a China-focused private equity growth fund specializing in life sciences, has a led a $25 million Series B round for MicuRX Paharmaceuticals, a biopaharma firm developing next generation antibiotics. The round also includes existing backers Morningside...
Oaktree, Centerbridge make renewed Billabong refinancing offer
Oaktree Capital and Centerbridge Partners have made a fresh recapitalization offer of A$325 million ($292 million) for ailing Australian surfwear brand Billabong to compete with a revised proposal put forward by an Altamont Capital Partners-led consortium...
CPE backs Adamas China credit fund, first close expected by end of August
China Private Equity Investment Holdings (CPE) is to invest $1 million in Adamas Asset Management's $275 million Greater China Credit Fund. The vehicle has received commitments from around 35 LPs and is on course to reach a first close of $78 million...
Nippon Venture Capital invests $1.7m in internet start-up Volare
Nippon Venture Capital has invested JPY170 million ($1.7 million) in Japanese web solutions start-up Volare.
Cathay Capital invests $20m in China cold chain company
Cathay Capital Private Equity has agreed to invest RMB120 million ($19.6 million) in Chinese refrigerated transport company Shanghai Zhengming Modern Logistics (ZM Logistics). The size of the stake was not disclosed.
Profile: 500 Startups' Dave McClure
A Silicon Valley veteran of nearly 25 years standing, 500 Startups founder Dave McClure has worked for PayPal and sold a software firm to Intel. Now he is bringing his own brand of angel investing to Asia
IMM, Mirae forge POSCO steel investment
POSCO Specialty Steel (PSS) CAME into being 1997 when steelmaker POSCO bought most of manufacturing facilities of Sammi Specialty Steel, one of a host of Korean corporates struggling to service its debts in the midst of a credit crisis.
Bain exits Domino's Japan, retains slice
The pizza delivery market in Japan is very different from that of the US. Rather than a budget takeout option, pizza is treated as something of a luxury and customers are willing to pay a premium for quality. Japanese tastes differ too. In addition to...
Advantage to acquire Japan massage salon chain Riraku
Advantage Partners has agreed to buy Japanese massage salon chain Riraku for an undisclosed sum. The mid-market buyout firm is acquiring the business from the founder and CEO and other shareholders.
CyberAgent, Gree, GMO invest in Japan's Kaizen platform
CyberAgent Ventures, Gree Ventures and GMO Venture Partners have together invested $800,000 in Kaizen platform, the Japanese start-up behind website service planBCD.
Japan's Alt Plus buys stake in VC-backed Korean mobile game developer
Japanese mobile game developer Alt Plus, has acquired a 10% stake in Emagine, a Korean mobile game start-up backed by Lead Capital Management and Ant Capital Partners. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Quantum-backed Intrepid Mines loses CEO
Brad Gordon, the chief executive of Intrepid Mines - the embattled Australia-listed resources company backed by Hong Kong private equity firm Quantum Pacific - has resigned.
Korea's KIC to boost alternatives exposure to as much as $10b
Korea Investment Corp. (KIC) is planning to triple its allocation to alternative assets - spending as much as $10 billion in an effort to diversify its portfolio.
Scentan Ventures takes part in $2m round for Japanese curation app Antenna
Singapore's Scentan Ventures has joined Tokyo-based strategic investor Macromill in investing JPY1.5 billion ($15.5 million) in Glider Associates, the Japanese startup behind smartphone curation app Antenna, for a 25.6% stake.
IFM takes 34% stake in NZ's Scottish Pacific
Australia's Industry Funds Management (IFM) has taken a 34% stake in New Zealand financial services company Scottish Pacific.
Anacacia reaches Fund II final close
Anacacia has reached a final close on its second fund, Anacacia Fund II, at a hard-cap of A$150 million. The fund, which was first launched in July last year with a target of A$50-100 million ($44-89 million), reached its first close of A$80 million within...
CLSA exits Japan apparel business Baroque to CDH, Belle International
CLSA Capital Partners has exited its majority stake in apparel business Baroque Japan to China's CDH Investments and Chinese women's shoe retailer Belle International.
Australia's IRESS acquires LDC-backed software firm Avelo
Australian software company IRESS is to acquire UK tech firm Avelo Financial Services Holdings from a private equity consortium including Lloyds TSB Development Capital (LTDC) for GBP210 million ($321 million)
Draper Nexus leads $2m round for Japan travel site startup Trippiece
Draper Nexus Venture Partners has led a JPY200 million ($2 million) round of investment in Tokyo-based travel site startup Trippiece.
Japan's secondaries surge
Secondary deals in Japan spiked in 2011 as buyouts from before the global financial crisis found an exit. With the country's economic prospects improving, industry participants expect the flow to continue