Funds
China robotics: Rise of the machines
China’s robotics start-ups are riding a wave of innovation and exploring many previously unexpected paths. As the scope of applications broadens, they need to keep up the pace
China second-hand car trading platform Renrenche raises $85m
Tencent Holdings has led a $85 million Series C round of funding for Renrenche.com, a Chinese peer-to-peer second-hand car trading platform.
Australia's QIC in $735m first close on global infrastructure fund
QIC, an investment manager controlled by the Queensland government, has reached a first close of more than A$1 billion ($735 million) on its global infrastructure fund. The overall target is A$1.75 billion.
KKR to invest $150m in Indian polyester manufacturer
KKR has agreed to invest $150 million in JBF Industries, an India-based polyester products manufacturer, with a portion of the capital going to the company’s international subsidiaries.
All-Stars Investment leads $300m round for China's Tujia
All-Stars Investment has led a $300 million new funding round for Tujia.com, valuing the Chinese vacation-rental website at more than $1 billion.
India's TripFactory raises Series A round from Aarin Capital
Aarin Capital has committed a Series A round to Indian online travel agent TripFactory.
Ajisen, Hina back Baidu's online food-ordering platform
Ajisen Holdings, a Chinese fast casual restaurant chain operator, has teamed up with The Hina Group and its affiliate Hanking Group to invest up to $70 million in Baidu Takeout Delivery, an online food delivery ordering platform run by the Chinese search...
Indian home services portal Zimmber raises $2m
IDG Ventures and Sherpalo Ventures have taken part in a $2 million pre-Series A round for Rejuvenate Solutions, operator of Indian home services portal Zimmber.
Australia's NAB to invest $36m in fintech start-ups
National Australia Bank (NAB) will set up a A$50 million ($36 million) fund to invest in start-ups that help enhance its financial services product offerings.
IVFA reaches $700m final close on India fund
India Value Fund Advisors (IVFA) has reached a final close on its fifth India-focused fund at the hard cap of $700 million.
Carlyle commits $85m to China's Ubox
The Carlyle Group has invested RMB530 million ($85 million) in Beijing Ubox Technology & Trade, a vending machine operator in China.
PE-backed online liquor retailer Jiuxian gets another $81m
Jiuxian.com, a Chinese e-commerce site that sells wines and spirits, has raised RMB500 million ($81 million) in a new round of funding.
Golden Gate reaches first close on SE Asia VC fund
Singapore-based Golden Gate Ventures has reached a first close of $35 million on its second Southeast Asia-focused fund, Golden Gate Ventures Fund II.
Chunxiao invests $16m in China agri e-commerce player
Chunxiao Capital has provided RMB100 million ($16 million) in Series A plus funding for Cloud Farm, a China-based e-commerce platform dedicated to the agricultural sector.
Sequoia leads $12.5m round for China app tech developer
Sequoia Capital has led a $12.5 million Series B round for Easemob.com, a Chinese provider of mobile communication services, with participation from SIG China and Matrix Partners China.
Chinese celebrities in VC: Profile booster
Chinese celebrities are entering the venture capital space, offering start-ups endorsement as well as financial support. But can a pop star’s cachet translate into long-term sustainable growth?
Fund focus: GSR fuels its global ambition
Bringing overseas technology to China is a popular investment thesis among GPs. However, while the likes of Fosun International and Hony Capital have completed several cross-border deals, this is not their sole proficiency. GSR Capital is therefore an...
Deal focus: MedGenome aims to fill the sequencing gap
India's vast assortment of ethnic groups represents a golden opportunity for MedGenome. The 2,000 groups that inhabit the subcontinent are a treasure trove of information waiting to be harvested and put to work.
Deal focus: NSI Ventures in robot kitchen play
The old proverb is that necessity is the mother of invention, but in an age of robotics it seems that simple inconvenience is enough to give birth to the next great innovation. Such is the case with the Rotimatic, a “robot” invented specifically to make...
Worst case scenarios: How GPs recover value
There are various ways for PE investors to seek legal recourse against portfolio companies that have behaved improperly – provided they have structured deals properly and don’t mind getting their hands dirty
New Zealand's Booktrack receives $5m Series B round
Booktrack, a New Zealand-based company that provides movie-style soundtracks and ambient audio for eBooks, has raised $5 million in Series B funding led by Coent Venture Partners and Sparkbox Ventures.
India's furniture retailer Pepperfry raises $100m
Online furniture retailer Pepperfry has raised $100 million in Series D funding from a group of investors including Goldman Sachs and Zodius Technology Fund.
VCs invest $4.4m in Japanese filter technology start-up
The state-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), shipping conglomerate investment arm Tsuneishi Partners and Future Venture Capital (FVC) have together invested JPY550 million ($4.4 million) in NanoMist Technologies, creator of a filtering...
Allegro buys controlling stake in New Zealand's Carpet Court
Australasia distress specialist Allegro Funds has announced the third investment from its second fund with the acquisition of a controlling stake in Carpet Court, a New Zealand-based flooring retailer.