Venture
Japan VC: Positive energy
Japan’s quiet venture capital space is booming within its own borders. Signs of a stronger exit market and an exuberant influx of corporate involvement are encouraging themes, but they will play out slowly
DNX Ventures launches $300m Japan-US VC fund
DNX Ventures, formerly known as Draper Nexus Ventures, has launched its third Japan-US cross-border VC fund with a target of $300 million.
Japan's Infinity Ventures targets $120m for fourth fund
Japan-based Infinity Ventures has launched its fourth fund focused on Japan and China with a target of $120 million.
Australia's King River launches debut VC fund
Newly established Australian venture capital firm King River Capital has confirmed the launch of its debut fund and two initial investments.
Omidyar spins out fintech arm as Flourish Ventures
Omidyar Network, a global impact investment firm launched by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar that is an active investor in Asia, has spun out its financial technology division into a new VC firm called Flourish Ventures.
China's MSA reaches $200m first close on second VC fund
MagicStone Alternative Investments (MSA) has reached a first close of $200 million on its second venture capital fund, which will focus on technology companies in China.
Salesforce launches $50m Australia VC fund
US-based enterprise software giant Salesforce has launched a $50 million venture capital fund focused on Australian technology start-ups.
AirAsia sets up venture capital fund
Malaysia’s AirAsia has launched a venture capital fund in partnership with US-based 500 Startups that will focus on digital Southeast Asian businesses in travel, logistics and financial technology.
Singapore investors launch $100m fintech fund
Singapore-based investors Quantum Energy Asset Management and RE Lee International Capital have launched a fund targeting $100 million for early to growth-stage financial technology start-ups.
A91 seeks $330m for debut India VC fund
A91 Partners, an Indian venture capital firm founded by three former managing directors at Sequoia Capital, is seeking $330 million for its debut fund.
China's Tiantu Capital closes first angel fund at $75m
Tiantu Capital has closed its debut angel investment fund at RMB500 million ($75 million), complementing the GP’s coverage for companies from early to late stages in China.
Australia VC: Debutantes' ball
Long timeframes of incremental growth from a shallow base will test the staying power of a new generation of Australian venture capital funds. But confidence is running high
BaltCap, JBIC launch $113m Europe-Japan VC fund
Estonian private equity firm BaltCap and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have launched a EUR100 million ($113 million) Europe-Asia cross-border VC fund with a focus on Japan.
Australia's Artesian launches $36m agtech fund
Australia’s Artesian Venture Partners and government-backed Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) have launched a A$50 million ($36 million) agriculture technology VC fund.
Shenzhen Capital, SOSV to launch angel, growth funds
Shenzhen Capital Group and SOSV Investments have agreed to establish a China-focused angel investment fund as well as a growth stage vehicle targeting European companies.
Fund focus: EVP mines Australia's budding VC space
Driven by an existing portfolio that includes workforce management platform Deputy, Australia's EVP successfully tapped high net worth investors for its $25 million second fund
Fund focus: Intudo proves a tight focus has broad appeal
Intudo Ventures has raised $50 million for its second Indonesia-focused fund, drawing on strong support from international investors such as Founders Fund
Lilly Asia Ventures closes Fund V at $750m hard cap
Lilly Asia Ventures (LAV) has closed its fifth healthcare fund – which operates globally but primarily backs companies with a China angle – at the hard cap of $750 million. It represents a meaningful step up in size from the $450 million raised for Fund...
Singapore to invest $74m in local start-ups
Singapore’s government plans to invest S$100 million ($74 million) in Singapore-based start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2019, along with other measures aimed at promoting local businesses.
Australia's EVP closes second VC fund at $25m
Australia’s Equity Venture Partners (EVP) has closed its second VC fund at A$35 million ($25 million). It will make early-stage investments in local B2B software companies.
Intudo closes second Indonesia fund at $50m
Intudo Ventures has closed its second fund focused exclusively on Indonesian early-stage companies at $50 million. The firm raised $20 million for its debut vehicle last year.
New Zealand's Enterprise Angels launches third fund
Enterprise Angels, a New Zealand angel investor network that focuses on domestic IT, agriculture, food, horticulture, life science and biotech companies, has launched its third early-stage VC fund.
India's 3one4 achieves first close on $50m VC fund
Indian venture capital firm 3one4 Capital has reached a first close on a INR3.5 billion ($50 million) fund with INR1.5 billion in commitments.
Fund focus: Redpoint China leverages its brand
Redpoint China Ventures secures $400 million for its traditional early-stage investments as well as for an expansion into growth round coverage