Venture
Fund focus: A91 scouts overlooked VC opportunities
A91 Partners closes its debut fund at $351 million with a plan to explore the untapped depths of the Indian business sector. Consumer, financial services, healthcare, and technology are top of mind
India's A91 closes debut fund at $351m
A91 Partners, an Indian venture capital firm founded by three former managing directors at Sequoia Capital, has closed its debut fund at $351 million.
Southeast Asia VC: Waiting for the breakout
Fundraising has accelerated in Southeast Asia’s venture capital space in recent years, but the ecosystem remains fragile. Expansion will be difficult until GPs can prove the viability of the market to LPs
New Zealand opens $200m VC scheme to private managers
New Zealand has opened a NZ$300 million ($199 million) government-backed venture capital scheme to applications from domestic and international private fund managers.
China VC and US regulation: Defensive positions
Chinese venture capital firms and strategic investors have found their path to US tech start-ups barred by new regulations. It is possible to find a way around, but it requires compromise
Sony partners Japan's Daiwa for $186m VC fund
Sony has joined Daiwa Capital Holdings, a subsidiary of Japan’s Daiwa Securities Group, for a JPY20 billion ($186 million) VC fund targeting start-ups in high growth industries.
Japan's TDK sets up VC arm, $50m fund
Japanese electronics giant TDK Corporation has established a venture capital unit with the launch of a $50 million fund that will focus on early-stage start-ups.
Sequoia launches India seed fund
Sequoia Capital is deepening its focus on early-stage start-ups in India with a new seed fund that will invest separately from its existing vehicles.
Paytm founder backs $29m debut fund from India's Roots
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of Indian online payments platform Paytm, has joined the INR2 billion ($29 million) debut fund of Indian venture capital firm Roots Ventures as an anchor investor.
Australia's Square Peg confirms $237m close for Fund II
Australia’s Square Peg has secured two new superannuation fund backers for its second fund, which has closed at A$340 million ($237 million).
Cathay reaches $358m first close for second VC fund
Cathay Innovation, the venture affiliate of middle-market focused Cathay Capital Private Equity, has reached a first close of EUR320 million ($358 million) on its second fund targeting start-ups in China, Europe, and North America.
Malaysia's Kenanga launches late-stage VC fund
Malaysia’s Kenanga Investment Bank has launched a venture fund of undisclosed size that will invest exclusively in companies that have achieved unicorn status or are within 6-24 months of IPO.
Catalys seeks $100m for Japan healthcare VC fund
Newly established Japanese venture capital firm Catalys Pacific has launched its debut fund with a view to raise $100 million for investments in early-stage life science start-ups globally.
Asia Partners raises $70m for SE Asia growth deals - update
Asia Partners, a Singapore-based VC firm co-founded by Nick Nash, the former group president of mobile internet and gaming platform Sea, has raised more than $70 million for its debut fund, which will invest in Southeast Asian technology companies at...
500 Startups launches second Korea fund
500 Startups has launched its second Korea fund focused on early-stage technology companies in the country.
Singapore's Wavemaker reaches $60m first close on third fund
US and Singapore-based early-stage VC firm Wavemaker Partners has reached a first close of $60 million for its third Southeast Asia-focused fund. The target is $100 million.
Joy Capital sets $350m target for third China VC fund
Joy Capital is seeking $350 million for its third China-focused venture capital fund, which would take the four-year-old firm’s assets under management past the $1 billion mark.
GP profile: Chiratae Ventures
Patient, culture-oriented Chiratae Ventures has grown and diversified in step with India’s gradually blossoming VC market. Its latest expansions suggest this trajectory is set to accelerate
ComfortDelGro backs Singapore logistics start-ups
Singapore land transport services company ComfortDelGro has backed two local logistics start-ups via its recently launched venture capital arm.
Fund focus: EV Growth fills the gap
East Ventures, Sinar Mas Digital Ventures, and YJ Capital have raised $200 million for a fund that will target Southeast Asia's underserved Series B and above space
Southeast Asia venture debt: Getting acquainted
A host of early movers in Southeast Asian venture debt are attempting to fill one of the last big gaps in the region’s start-up infrastructure. The outlook is promising, but adoption rates remain a concern
Legend Capital hires PV Wang, ups fundraising ambitions
Chinese venture capital firm Legend Capital has appointed Asia PE industry veteran Piau-Voon Wang (pictured) as a managing director and COO as part of efforts to institutionalize operations and diversify its LP base.
Singapore's EV Growth closes debut fund at $200m
Singapore-based EV Growth, a joint venture between East Ventures, Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Digital Ventures (SMDV) and Japan’s YJ Capital, has closed its first fund at $200 million.
Singapore's VisVires launches $150m food tech fund
VisVires New Protein, a Singapore-based VC firm specializing in food technology, has launched its second fund with a target of $150 million. Fund I closed at $40 million in 2016.
