Funds
Eastern Bell raises $2b across US dollar, renminbi funds
Eastern Bell Capital has closed its second US dollar-denominated fund and its sixth renminbi-denominated fund with aggregate commitments of more than CNY 13bn (USD 2bn).
Northstar raises $590m for fifth Southeast Asia fund
Northstar Group has closed its fifth Southeast Asia-focused fund with $590 million in commitments. The target was $800 million.
Openspace promotes growth fund head to partner
Jessica Huang Pouleur, who was recruited by Openspace Ventures last year to lead the Southeast Asia-focused venture capital firm’s growth equity strategy, has been promoted to partner.
NewQuest set for TPG windfall if Fund V hits $1.75b
The management team of Asia secondaries specialist NewQuest Capital Partners stands to receive a $10 million payout if the firm raises $1.75 billion for its fifth fund, as part of TPG’s acquisition agreement.
Singapore’s 1982 hits $12.5m first close on seed fund
Singapore’s 1982 Ventures has reached a $12.5 million first close on its debut seed fund, which will focus on financial technology in Southeast Asia. The target is $15 million.
2022 preview: China fundraising
Investors held fire on commitments to China managers amid uncertainty over regulatory reforms. Industry participants hope the government will provide clarity, but the fear LPs won’t hurry back
Japan's Global Brain launches two VC funds, expands global remit
Japan’s Global Brain has launched its eighth flagship VC fund, seeking JPY40 billion ($352 million) for a more international-facing mandate. It has also launched a follow-on fund targeting JPY10 billion.
Circulate hits second close on climate tech fund
Circulate Capital, a Singapore-based GP dedicated to reducing plastics pollution, has reached a second close of $25 million on its second fund.
Fund focus: Lightspeed bets on green-tech
Green-tech is the latest big idea being championed by Lightspeed China Partners. It has inspired a change in the firm’s name and it will underpin deployment of the new $920 million fund
LP interview: Pictet
Switzerland-headquartered private bank Pictet is adding headcount in Asia – to assess investments as well as woo clients – as the introduction of new strategies increases exposure to the region
Fund focus: AC Ventures hits its stride early
AC Ventures rallies global investors for an Indonesia-heavy Southeast Asia thesis, more than doubling its expected corpus as pandemic disruption changes everything but the plan
Goldman invests $96m in Australia disability housing player
Goldman Sachs Asset Management has committed A$137 million ($96 million) to Synergis, an Australian investment platform focused on providing housing for people with disabilities.
Lightspeed China closes US dollar fund at $920m
Lightspeed China Partners has closed its latest US dollar-denominated fund at $920 million. It is the largest fund raised by the firm and brings assets under management to $3 billion.
Indonesia’s AC Ventures closes debut fund at $205 million
AC Ventures, an early-stage investor created through the merger of Indonesia’s Agaeti Ventures and Convergence Ventures, has closed its debut fund at $205 million. The target was $80 million.
Fund focus: A91 basks in India afterglow
Having increased its Fund II hard cap to $550 million in response to investor demand, the Indian manager is ready to address an Indian market that is increasingly digital, VC-exposed, and expensive
Legend hits first close on healthcare fund, launches TMT vehicle
Legend Capital has reached a first close of $177 million on its third US dollar-denominated China healthcare fund. It is one of five vehicles the GP has in the market, including its recently launched ninth flagship technology, media, and telecom (TMT)...
Blume hits $105m first close on fourth India VC fund
Indian venture capital investor Blume Ventures has achieved a first close of $105 million on its fourth fund, exceeding the full amount raised in the previous vintage.
Australia's Five V raises $398m for Fund IV
Five V Capital, a growth-oriented investor in Australia and New Zealand, has achieved a first and final close on its fourth fund with more than A$550 million ($398 million) in commitments.
EQT buys Australia cancer care business from PE consortium
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, QIC, and Pagoda Investment – a China-focused GP set up by a former QIC executive – have agreed to sell Australia cancer care provider Icon Group to EQT for a reported valuation of A$2.3 billion ($1.67 billion).
Singapore's Leo Capital targets $125m for third VC fund
Singapore-based early-stage venture capital firm Leo Capital has launched its third fund focused on India and Southeast Asia with a target of $125 million.
Australia's Allegro hits overall target with Fund IV first close
Allegro Funds, an Australia-based turnaround specialist, has reached a first close of A$600 million ($449 million) on its fourth fund, hitting the overall target for the vehicle.
Kejora, Sunway launch $25m Malaysia VC fund
Indonesia-based Kejora Capital and Malaysian conglomerate Sunway Group have established a $25 million VC fund focused on early-stage start-ups in Malaysia.
China's Bits x Bites closes second food tech fund at $100m
Bits x Bites, a Chinese VC firm focused on agriculture and food technology such as alternative protein, has closed its second fund at $100 million, beating a target of $70 million.
CBC, APG launch China healthcare infra fund
Specialist healthcare investor CBC Group has teamed up with APG Asset Management to launch a $1.5 billion fund dedicated to the development of healthcare infrastructure in China.