Early-stage
IDG, Jungle back India's Vayana Network
IDG Ventures India and Jungle Ventures have jointly invested $4 million in a Series A funding round for Indian financial services company Vayana Network.
China logistics platform Yimidida secures $44m Series B
CDH Investments has led a RMB300 million ($44 million) Series B round for Yimidida, a Shanghai-based logistics services platform that focuses on rural areas.
AirTree leads Series B for Australia consulting marketplace
AirTree Ventures has led a A$13 million ($10.1 million) Series B round of funding for Expert360, an Australia-based online marketplace that connects small companies with independent consultants.
Asian space debris start-up gets $25m Series C
Astroscale, a Singapore-based satellite technology company focused on removing hazardous debris from orbit, has raised a $25 million Series C round with participation from a number of Japanese venture firms.
Financial institutions and fintech: Bouncing checks
Southeast Asia’s traditional banks have begun to take a strong interest in the financial technology environment, but their early-stage involvement in the ecosystem is still tentative
Singapore’s BeMyGuest raises $8.4m Series A round
Singapore’s Raffles Venture Partners has led a Series A funding round for domestic travel start-up BeMyGuest that brings the company’s total equity funding to S$11.5 million ($8.4 million).
China warehouse robot developer gets $60m Series B
Geek+, a Chinese manufacturer of robots for use in logistics and warehousing, has received $60 million in Series B funding led by Warburg Pincus. Several existing investors, including Volcanics Ventures, also participated.
China's SenseTime closes $410m Series B round
Sense Time, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technology start-up has closed a $410 million Series B round of funding across two tranches, led by CDH Investments and Sailing Capital, respectively.
GGV leads $10m round for Asian snacks business
GGV Capital has led a $10 million Series A funding round for Yamibuy, a US-based e-commerce player focused on Asian snacks, beauty products, health supplements and home appliances.
Frontier markets: Late to the boom
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar are among the last frontier markets in Asia but well positioned to benefit from accelerating interest in the ASEAN region. Private equity success will require a nimble approach
Hong Kong's CompareAsiaGroup gets $50m Series B
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has led a number of venture capital firms in a $50 million Series B funding round for Hong Kong-based financial comparison platform CompareAsiaGroup.
Verlinvest leads $14m Series B for Indian food player
Verlinvest has led a INR900 million ($14 million) Series B funding round for India-based Drums Food International, the parent company of the Epigamia yogurt brand.
Kalaari, Nexus back Indian online grocery marketplace
Kalaari Capital and Nexus Venture Partners have committed $8.5 million in Series A funding to Indian online grocery marketplace Jumbotail.
VC-backed Omise raises $25m, acquires Thai competitor
Omise, a Thailand-based financial technology company backed by a number of venture capital firms, has raised $25 million and acquired Paysbuy, a fintech subsidiary of domestic telecom player Dtac.
VCs back $26m investment in Singapore blockchain player
Several venture capital firms have backed a $26 million investment in Funfair, a Singapore-based company that uses blockchain technology to operate an online cryptocurrency casino.
Chinese smart city platform receives $73m
China Everbright, IDG Capital and CITIC Private Equity have participated in a RMB500 million ($73.5 million) Series A round of funding for Terminus Technologies, which claims to be China’s largest city-level mobile internet platform.
Japan's Floadia closes $14m Series B
Floadia, a Japan-based company specializing in microchip memory technology, has closed a JPY1.6 billion ($14.1 million) Series B fund round from a number of Taiwanese, Japanese and US venture capital firms.
China-US EV: Electric avenue
US cleantech start-ups have emerged as important suppliers in China’s fast-growing electric vehicle industry. Venture capital firms will play a key role in keeping the cross-border traffic flowing
GSR leads $13m round for Singapore's InstaRem
GSR Ventures has led a $13 million Series B funding round for Singapore-based financial technology start-up InstaRem.
China cross-border VC: Home from home
Chinese capital is chasing deals in America’s technology space, but success in Silicon Valley requires a long-term commitment. Does the new breed of US-born Chinese VCs have the right cross-border strategy?
Yunfeng leads $29m round for China media company
China-focused PE firm Yunfeng Capital has led a RMB200 million ($29 million) Series B round of funding for Tianjin Galaxy Cool Media, a local online video content producer.
Deal focus: EMIA rethinks financial services in Cambodia
Emerging Markets Investment Advisors is backing iCare Benefits to develop workable credit schemes for low-income consumers in Southeast Asia through partnerships with employers and product suppliers
Zombie start-ups: On the same side
Zombie companies present a special challenge for VC investors, whose exit goals may not match the aims of the founders. Successful GPs will try to ensure a positive experience for all parties
Legend leads $18m round for Chinese book publisher
China-focused Legend Capital has led a RMB128 million ($18 million) Series A round for Dook Book, a Shanghai-based book publisher that also has digital media and film operations.