Fundraising
Dai-ichi Life backs energy-focused Japan VC fund
Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Insurance has agreed to invest JPY1 billion ($9.1 million) in a venture fund managed by local energy and cleantech specialist Energy & Environment Investment (EEI).
Golden Gate, Hanwha target SE Asia's Series B rounds
Singapore-based venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures has partnered with South Korea's Hanwha Asset Management to invest in Series B rounds for Southeast Asian start-ups.
Moonrise raises $106m for China venture vehicle
Moonrise Capital, a global venture capital-focused investment firm established by Don Pascal, formerly CEO of Commonfund Capital, has raised $105.7 million for a China fund-of-funds product.
Australia's Hostplus establishes US emerging managers program
Australian superannuation fund Hostplus has launched an investment program focused on middle-market US private equity managers with Flexstone Partners, a PE unit of Natixis.
Asia PE: Shifting sands
The private equity industry in Asia is bifurcating on various trend lines around fundraising, exits, and institutionalization. GPs may require a more complex playbook to survive and thrive
LPs emphasize self-awareness in China GPs - AVCJ Forum
Chinese GPs that can identify where their strategies might go wrong – and therefore avoid problems before they emerge – are most likely to emerge as winners in a market characterized by rising competition and changing economic circumstances, LPs told...
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.
Institutional investors: China access
Are concerns over trade and the economy causing US LPs to back away from Chinese private equity? The more pertinent question is whether - and how - they already have exposure to the market
Asian PE firms still struggle with tech investments - Bain & Co
Private equity firms are deploying increasing amounts of capital into Chinese internet plays without having a clear understanding of what the target businesses are worth or how to add value to them, according to Bain & Company.
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.
LPs question fees on long-dated PE funds – AVCJ Forum
Funds that are structured to hold assets for extended periods make sense – given the increasing number of companies that want to delay going public or avoid it altogether – but fees remain an issue, institutional investors told the AVCJ Australia & New...
500 Startups Japan rebrands, launches $45m fund
The Japan-based team of 500 Startups has spun out a separate firm called Coral Capital and announced a debut fund with about $45 million in commitments.
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.
Multiples targets $920m for third India fund
Multiples Alternate Asset Management is seeking INR65.3 billion ($920 million) for its third India-focused private equity fund.
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.
CDH targets $1b for second China growth fund
CDH Investments is seeking approximately $1 billion for its second China growth fund, just over two years after raising $800 million for the debut vehicle.
ADIA to enter India distressed asset space
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will make an anchor commitment of $500 million to an India special situations fund launched in conjunction with Kotak Private Equity.
Navegar seeks $150m for second Philippines PE fund
Philippines private equity firm Navegar has launched its second growth fund focused exclusively on its home market with a target of $150 million.