AVCJ: A new format

Business models - or in the case of AVCJ, modes of delivery – change. On our inception in 1988, Asian Venture Capital Journal was a research report-style quarterly publication. It gradually evolved into a monthly magazine with a focus on news. The industry was still in its early stages, as evidenced by the 211 entries in our (printed) directory.

In 1998, with the internet gaining traction, we switched from a print product to a PDF, becoming the first business publication in Asia to make this transition. Removing printing and “snail” mail from the equation meant it no longer took 2-3 weeks for AVCJ to reach its readers. The process was reduced to a few hours; a lifetime now, but a revelation in the days of dial-up internet connections.

In 2003, with 1,600 entries in our (online) directory, we increased the publication frequency of AVCJ to weekly to keep up with the barrage of activity in the market. Our connection with readers deepened shortly thereafter with the launch of avcj.com and the introduction of our daily email newsletter. Suddenly, there was an almost constant flow of deal updates and industry insights.

Which brings us to 2021, looking back on 12 months of unprecedented change for everyone. Restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 have forced the private equity and venture capital industry to rethink how it raises and deploys capital, oversees investments, manages exits, and communicates with stakeholders.

Remote working has accelerated digitalization, which has in turn transformed how – and how quickly – we can share information. What does that mean for AVCJ? In short, this is the last standard issue of the weekly journal you will receive in PDF form (it will be revived for special issues). After 22 years of service, it is time to find new ways to meet the needs of our dynamic and ever-evolving market.

In its place, we offer a weekly email digest featuring the best of our coverage. Look out for the first one on March 17. It represents a change in format, not a change in editorial philosophy: from interviews with prominent LPs and GPs to analysis pieces on key market trends, the nature of AVCJ’s content will be familiar. Our daily news bulletin will continue to provide updates on the latest funds, deals, and people moves.

In addition, subscribers will receive complimentary membership of the Private Markets+ community, a global network of LPs, GPs and advisors. This service comprises a regular newsletter on people shaping private markets, trend reports and market research, and priority invitations to virtual and hybrid events.

The driving force behind these innovations is a desire to deliver a better user experience across all our platforms. As Asia’s private equity and venture capital industry continues to get larger and more complex – the number of entries in our directory now exceeds 8,000 – we will continue our longstanding tradition of evolving in step with it.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we wish you every success in the coming year.

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