Funds
IFC commits $200m to emerging markets fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has committed $200 million to its IFC Emerging Asia Fund (EAF).
MPM Capital forms VC fund with Japan's Astellas Pharma
MPM Capital, a US venture firm focused on early-stage life science companies, has launched a new investment vehicle in partnership with Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma.
Green House, WiL partner on $52m India fund
India's Green House Ventures (GHV) Accelerator will partner with Japan and US-based early-stage investor World Innovation Labs (WiL) to launch a INR3.5 billion ($52 million) fund for investments in Indian start-ups.
US-based Wonder Workshop raises $20m for China push
Wonder Workshop, the children's robotics manufacturer that recently agreed a distribution partnership with Chinese online retailer JD.com, has raised a $20 million Series B round to support further expansion in China.
O3 targets $150m for India hospitality fund
Indian boutique investment bank O3 Capital has launched a fund targeting $120-150 million that will focus on domestic, early-stage hospitality sector investments.
Japan analytics platform Abeja gets $5m
Japanese corporate analytics platform Abeja has raised a JPY530 million ($5 million) Series B round from Innovation Corporation of Japan (INCJ) and Archetype Ventures.
Portfolio: Creador and Indonesia's Simba
By acquiring Simba, Creador has entrenched itself in a small but fast-growing Indonesian cereal story. Now it will take logistical and marketing expertise to realize the potential of the local consumer market
INCJ leads $16m investment in Japan's Atonarp
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has led a $16 million funding round for Tokyo-based chemical sensor developer Atonarp.
Deal Focus: IvyCap sees upside in India's online jewels
Bluestone's work to reshape India's jewelry industry and change customers' attitudes appeals to the domestic VC firm
Rocket Internet: The human wave
Rocket Internet has played a major role in developing Southeast Asia’s e-commerce sector, but industry players say the firm’s most lasting effect will likely be the large talent pool that it is creating in the region
Hamilton Lane closes global fund-of-funds at $516m
Hamilton Lane has closed its latest global fund-of-funds at $516 million, exceeding a target of $400 million on the back of strong international investor interest.
China venture capital: Contrarian view
While capital is widely available in China's VC scene, investors continue to worry worry that the market is not developing as it should
Permira reaches $6.9b first close on latest global fund
Permira has achieved a first close for its sixth global buyout fund, with about EUR6.3 billion ($6.9 billion) in commitments.
Australia's Brandon Capital expands into New Zealand
Australian life sciences-focused VC firm Brandon Capital has expanded the mandate of its third Medical Research Commercialization Fund (MRCF) to include New Zealand.
China big data start-up gets $30m Series C
Yonghong Tech, a Chinese big data analytics software provider, has raised RMB200 million ($30 million) in Series C funding from Tencent Holdings’ VC unit, Yuansheng Capital, Oriental Fortune Capital, and Matrix Partners.
Alibaba Pictures launches $300m TV, movie fund
Alibaba Pictures, the Chinese internet giant’s Hong Kong-listed film and entertainment unit, has launched a RMB2 billion ($300 million) fund that will make movie and TV-related investments.
Accel, Helion in funding round for India's Qwikcilver
Indian gift card technology provider Qwikcilver has raised a new round of funding with participation from existing investors Accel India and Helion Venture Partners.
Polaris buys Japanese timber company
Polaris Capital has agreed to acquire 100% of Japanese precut timber and building materials company Hivic for an undisclosed sum from domestic construction group Lixil.
PE must define itself to take advantage of Asia buyout opportunities - AVCJ Forum
Asia continues to offer buyout opportunities, but funds looking to take advantage of them must define their benefits to company leaders, industry leaders told the AVCJ Singapore Forum.
Vickers Venture Partners raises $63m
Singapore’s Vickers Venture Partners has reached an S$86 million ($63.3 million) first close for its fifth fund, which is targeting early and expansion stage Asian companies.
Brookfield, State Bank of India plan $1b distress fund
Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management has signed a preliminary agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) to invest about INR70 billion ($1 billion) in stressed assets in India.
KKR's Kravis sees Asia promise amid global macro volatility
Henry Kravis, co-founder of KKR, emphasized the importance of Asia’s rising middle class and the diversification of his firm’s investment approach as continued volatility globally is likely to deliver both uncertainty and opportunity.
Volatility drives opportunities in Southeast Asia - AVCJ Forum
Southeast Asia is expected to maintain a strong level of private equity investment opportunities thanks to continued regional volatility, leading industry players told the AVCJ Singapore Forum.
500 Startups raises $8.3m for enlarged Thai fund
US-based 500 Startups has received $8.3 million in LP commitments for its Thailand-focused early-stage fund 500 TukTuks after expanding its targeted scope on the back of increased investor interest.