Fundraising
India fundraising: Speed matters
Kedaara Capital's fundraise is expected to move quickly by Indian private equity standards, but the GP will need to answer the same questions as its peers on timing and re-ups
Indonesia's MDI Ventures raises $500m fund
MDI Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of state-controlled Telkom Indonesia, has closed its latest fund at $500 million.
Lightspeed closes third India fund at $275m
Lightspeed Venture Partners has closed its third India-focused fund at $275 million targeting early-stage consumer and enterprise technology start-ups.
Lever VC reaches $23m first close on food fund
Lever VC, a Hong Kong and US-based food tech specialist, has confirmed a $23 million first close for its debut fund, which will invest alternative protein start-ups globally with a strong focus on China.
India's Lumikai launches gaming VC fund
Lumikai, an Indian venture capital firm, has launched a fund targeting local gaming and interactive entertainment start-ups. The size of the fund was not disclosed.
Direct Capital, ACC back New Zealand logistics player
New Zealand PE firm Direct Capital and the government’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) have taken a combined 50% stake in local logistics operator Mondiale for an undisclosed sum.
Airbus Ventures sets up Japan office
Airbus Ventures, the US-based VC unit of European aeronautics giant Airbus, has set up an office in Japan and received investment from a number of Japanese investors for its third fund.
Rocketship targets Asia with second global VC fund
Rocketship, a US-based data science-focused venture capital firm that has backed a number of Indian start-ups, has closed its second global fund at $100 million with a strong focus on Asia.
Australia's Blackbird raises $357m for fourth fund
Australia’s Blackbird Ventures has raised A$500 million ($357 million) for its fourth fund and named Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes as chairman.
MUFG launches Singapore venture debt business
Japan’s MUFG Bank has set up a Singapore-based venture debt business alongside Israeli financial technology start-up Liquidity Capital. Its debut fund has been set up with an initial $80 million.
Australia's PEP closes Fund VI at $1.8b
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has reached a final close on its sixth Australia and New Zealand-focused buyout fund at the hard cap of A$2.5 billion ($1.8 billion).
China's Sherpa closes debut US dollar fund at $200m
Sherpa Healthcare Partners, founded by former healthcare heads at Legend Capital, has closed its first US dollar fund at $200 million.
China launches $12b National Green Development Fund
China has raised an initial RMB88 billion ($12.6 billion) for the first dedicated environmental fund launched by the central government.
Sequoia scales up for China growth deals
Sequoia Capital China’s recent $3.68 billion fundraising effort has significantly expanded its scope to participate in later-stage deals. The three funds include a growth vehicle of $2.8 billion, a 55% increase on the previous vintage.
Oyo founder establishes VC firm in Singapore
Ritesh Agarwal (pictured), the founder of Indian hotel booking platform Oyo, has launched a Singapore-headquartered venture capital firm called Aroa Ventures.
Fund focus: Tidal makes early-stage wave
With $21 million in dry powder, Tidal Ventures wants to bring institutional rigor to Australia's seed stage, helping prepare start-ups for Series A rounds
China launches $1.4b semiconductor fund
Suzhou High-tech Zone has launched a RMB10 billion ($1.4 billion) integrated circuit (IC) fund with support from local government guidance funds, corporates, and financial institutions.
SPACs: Flavor of the month
Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) are gaining popularity among private equity investors in Asia. While these structures have various attractive qualities, they aren't for everyone
Australia's OneVentures closes credit fund at $57m
OneVentures has reached a final close of A$80 million ($57 million) on a venture debt fund said to be the first and largest vehicle of its kind in Australia.
Trustbridge spin-out Vitalbridge closes debut China fund
Vitalbridge Capital, a Chinese venture capital firm established by Jinjian Zhang, formerly of Trustbridge Partners, has raised $150 million for its debut fund.
India's True North closes sixth fund below target
Indian private equity firm True North closed its sixth fund last year at about $600 million, falling short of a revised target.
Canyon Bridge, K2 Venture founders join Asia SPAC wave
Two more groups featuring Asian private equity executives have listed special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) on US bourses as interest in these structures continues to rise globally.
Singapore's Her Capital targets $10m for debut fund
Singapore-headquartered venture capital firm Her Capital is seeking to raise a debut $10 million fund to invest in Southeast Asia with a gender lens-focused thesis.
DCP, Qiming support China medical devices fund
Ascendum Capital Partners, a healthcare investment firm established by DCP Capital, Qiming Venture Partners and Chinese medical devices manufacturer Venus Medtech, is looking to raise $200 million for its debut fund.