Fundraising
CVC closes fifth Asia fund at $4.5b
CVC Capital Partners has closed its fifth Asia fund at the hard cap of $4.5 billion. The firm said the step up from $3.5 billion for Fund IV reflects an expansion in its regional investment capabilities.
TNB Aura launches COVID-19 special situations fund
Singapore VC firm TNB Aura has launched an open-ended special situations fund that will support early-stage start-ups under financial pressure related to COVID-19.
Fund focus: Carlyle stokes Japan bullishness
Expecting to see a surge in deal flow driven by divestments and succession planning situations, The Carlyle Group has bulked up to $2.3 billion for its latest Japan fund
China LP defaults: Battle of wills
A protracted legal dispute between a cross-border private equity firm and a Chinese investor is a reminder of the difficulties that can arise over fund defaults. Negotiation is always the preferred course of action
Unicorn India Ventures reaches first close on second fund
Unicorn India Ventures, a Mumbai-headquartered seed investor, has achieved a first close of INR900 million ($11.9 million) on its second venture capital fund.
China Renaissance looks for opportunities amid turbulence
China Renaissance ended 2019 holding RMB7.2 billion ($1 billion) in dry powder across its latest flagship renminbi and US dollar-denominated funds, with the firm noting that “great investment windows typically surface during turbulent times.”
Vickers raises $200m for sixth VC fund
Singapore-based Vickers Venture Partners has confirmed a $200 million first close on its sixth global fund, which is targeting $500 million.
Carlyle raises $2.3b for fourth Japan buyout fund
The Carlyle Group has raised JPY258 billion ($2.3 billion) for its fourth Japan buyout fund. The vehicle is more than twice the size of its predecessor, which closed at JPY119.5 billion in 2015.
Fund focus: Quona doubles down on financial inclusion
Financial technology player Quona's $203 million second fund is expected to feature more early-stage rounds, more 'adjacency' plays in previously inaccessible segments, and more start-ups outside of India and Indonesia
Colombia VC to bridge Southeast Asia, Latin America
Latin Leap, a Colombian VC investor and start-up services provider, has launched a boutique fund targeting $20 million to help Southeast Asian companies expand into Latin America.
Vision Plus hits $400m first close on third China fund
Vision Plus Capital has completed the first closing on its third US dollar-denominated fund with $400 million in commitments. The vehicle comprises separate venture and growth equity capital pools.
Binance launches $50m Indian blockchain fund
Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange reportedly based in Malta, has launched a $50 million fund that will invest in “projects and start-ups” in India that will use blockchain technology.
Singapore GP nets $358m for salmon farm fund
Singapore impact investor 8F Asset Management has closed its debut fund at $358 million, beating a target of $300 million. It is dedicated to building a global salmon fishing business.
Retail investment in PE: Common stock
Signs are converging that increased retail investor participation in private equity is inevitable. Myriad roadblocks around access, alignment, and infrastructure will inhibit the transition
Singapore's Credence hits $50m first close on debut VC fund
Credence Partners, a growth-stage private equity firm in Singapore, has achieved a $50 million first close for a venture capital fund that will invest in Southeast Asia. The full target is $100 million.
LP interview: New Zealand's ACC
Accident Compensation Corporation is the biggest fish in Asia Pacific’s smallest pond. As a result, even a modest splash into private equity has created some noticeable waves
Fund focus: Monk's Hill rides SE Asia momentum
Southeast Asia is divided by language, culture and economic systems, but Kuo-Yi Lim of Monk's Hill Ventures contends there is now enough evidence that start-ups can go cross-border and achieve meaningful scale
CDH closes sixth China PE fund at $1.5b
CDH Investments has closed its sixth flagship US dollar-denominated fund with $1.5 billion in commitments. The initial target was $2.5 billion.
Fund focus: Quadria's health check
Having raised $595 million for its second healthcare fund, Singapore-headquartered Quadria Capital has a bulky war-chest for investments in fast-growing companies in India and Southeast Asia
Coronavirus & fundraising: Caught in a bind
The coronavirus outbreak has implications for PE fundraising well beyond China. Many Asia-based managers are either unable to go and see LPs or LPs are not permitted to visit them
OrbiMed targets $750m for Asia healthcare fund
US-based healthcare investment firm OrbiMed has launched its fourth Asian private equity fund with a view to raising $750 million.
Japan's Jafco closes sixth flagship VC fund at $765m
Jafco, Japan’s largest venture capital investor, has confirmed a final close on its sixth flagship fund at the hard cap of JPY80 billion ($765 million).
KKR looks to invest one-third of its impact fund in Asia
KKR expects to deploy one-third of its recently closed debut global impact fund in Asia and is adding dedicated resources in the region to work on deal sourcing and execution.
Fund focus: CMC widens its sweet spot
Having grown its assets under management to $2.5 billion following the close of Fund III, China's CMC Captial Group wants to be seen as more than just a media sector specialist