Funds
Fidelity, DBJ lead $20m round for Japan's Raksul
Fidelity Investments and the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) have led a JPY2.1 billion ($20.3 million) round of funding for Japanese online printing start-up Raksul.
Australian government launches $191m biomedical VC fund
The Australian government has seeded $250 million ($191 million) from its Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to a biomedical technology-focused venture investment vehicle. It will match private sector commitments, bringing the total available for deployment...
Discovery buys stake in CMC-backed VS Media
US media company Discovery Communications has acquired a minority stake in VS Media Group, a Hong Kong-based multi-channel network (MCN) that counts China’s CMC Holdings among its investors.
SE Asia tech IPOs: Loosening up
The Singapore Exchange has found limited success in attracting regional tech IPOs. Investors say it needs greater flexibility and understanding to grab a piece of the market
China’s AMAC clamps down on domestic private funds
The Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) – an industry body set up by the securities regulator – has cancelled the registrations of more than 10,000 domestic private fund firms in the past six months as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal...
HTC VR accelerator adds 8 VC funds, backs 33 companies
Vive X, the accelerator program for virtual reality (VR) start-ups backed by Taiwan-based hardware developer HTC, has added eight VC funds to its backers, and announced the first 33 companies to receive its support.
New Zealand's Powerhouse Ventures files for $15m IPO
New Zealand-based start-up incubator and investor Powerhouse Ventures has filed to raise as much as A$20 million ($15.2 million) through an Australian IPO.
India's Mandala reaches $140m first close on Fund II
Mandala Capital, a South Asia-focused PE firm that invests in the agricultural sector, has reportedly reached a first close of about $140 million on its second fund.
Ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing to acquire Uber China
Didi Chuxing, the leading ride-hailing app operator in China, has announced that it will acquire Uber's local operation, ending a costly battle between the two unprofitable businesses. Both companies have received substantial private equity and strategic...
Apollo, ICICI to form India distressed asset JV
Apollo Global Management and ICICI Bank have agreed to launch a joint venture for investments in distressed assets in India.
Chinese regulator to ban domestic VC firms from investing in A-shares
The Chinese government is considering new policies that could ban VC firms from investing in A-share listed companies, a senior official from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) told an industry conference.
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.