Fundraising
Ex-Warburg Pincus China head targets $1b fund
David Li, the former head of China at Warburg Pincus, has established his own private equity firm – known as Centurium Capital – and is seeking to raise $1 billion for a debut China fund.
India's Lighthouse reaches $150m first close on Fund III
Lighthouse Funds has reached a first close of $150 million on its third India-focused growth capital fund.
Hitachi backs Japan-US cross-border GP
Hitachi has agreed to invest an undisclosed sum in a Japan-US cross-border venture capital fund managed by Geodesic Capital that will focus on social problem solving through technology.
Sinar Mas, East Ventures, Yahoo Japan form SE Asia fund
Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas Group, Singapore’s East Ventures and Yahoo Japan have teamed up to launch a $150 million venture capital fund targeting technology-enabled companies in Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong pledges to foster local start-up ecosystem
Hong Kong plans to increase funding to two local incubation programs – Cyberport and Hong Kong Science & Technology Park (HKSTP) – in the expectation they will play a leading role in the drive to turn the territory into an innovation hub.
Fund focus: Redpoint restates its local credentials
Redpoint China Ventures has raised $110 million for its debut renminbi-denominated fund, which is expected to offer greater flexibility in backing start-ups in the early stages
China tightens controls on LP participation in offshore funds
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has implemented rules that effectively add another layer of approval for LP commitments by domestic investors to offshore private equity funds.
India's Fireside closes first fund at $52m
Fireside Ventures, an Indian VC firm set up by Helion Venture Partners co-founder Kanwaljit Singh (pictured), has closed its debut fund at INR3.4 billion ($52 million).
Singapore, Australia VCs team up for $125m fund
Singapore-based VC firm Hatcher and Australian accelerator BlueChilli will jointly invest a $125 million exchange-traded fund that will back 240 start-ups globally over the next three years.
Taiwan's Ruentex Industries commits $100m to Hopu fund
Taiwan-based textiles manufacturer Ruentex Industries has committed $100 million to the third US dollar-denominated fund launched by Hopu Investments, the China-focused GP led by former Goldman Sachs banker Fang Fenglei.
China's CIC sets up $184m cross-border tech fund with Ireland
China Investment Corporation (CIC) has teamed up with state-controlled Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to launch a EUR150 million ($184 million) cross-border technology fund.
LPs want stability plus innovation from Chinese GPs - AVCJ Forum
Team turnover remains a key concern for LPs making commitments to Chinese private equity firms, but even the most stable of GPs must demonstrate an ability to evolve in response to a fast-changing environment, investors caution.
Redpoint China closes debut RMB fund at $110m
Redpoint China Ventures has closed its debut renminbi-denominated VC fund at RMB700 million ($110 million).
HarbourVest closes flagship fund-of-funds at $1.7b
HarbourVest Partners has closed its latest fund-of-funds targeting European and Asian markets with $1.7 billion in commitments.
Southeast Asia: Wary voices
LPs are likely to remain reluctant on Southeast Asia funds until GPs can demonstrate a consistent ability to generate positive returns from the region
Tikehau makes $50m first close on Singapore healthcare fund
European asset management firm Tikehau Capital has reached a first close of $50 million on a healthcare-focused early stage investment fund.
China family offices: In the money
Having made their fortunes turning start-ups into internet behemoths, Chinese tech founders are increasingly turning to family office structures for wealth management. It is an evolutionary process
Abraaj releases LPs from commitments to latest fund
The Abraaj Group is releasing investors from commitments made to its latest flagship fund – which targets growth markets in Asia and other regions – having previously decided to suspend the fundraising process in the wake of governance concerns.
Uber's Kalanick launches fund, targets China and India
Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, who left his position as CEO of the company last year following a string of controversies, is launching an investment fund that will focus in part on China and India.
Korea Post seeks managers for global co-investment
Korea Post plans to commit $200 million across two funds that offer global private equity co-investment exposure.
India's Prime closes third early-stage fund at $62m
Indian VC firm Prime Venture Partners has closed its latest early-stage fund at INR4 billion ($62 million).
Fenox joins Japan's Aisin for $50m automotive fund
US-based VC firm Fenox Venture Capital has partnered with Japan-based automotive parts and systems maker Aisin Group to launch a $50 million investment vehicle aimed at automotive-related technology start-ups.
Australia's Blue Sky raises $78m
Australia-listed private equity firm Blue Sky Alternative Investments has raised A$100 million ($78 million) through the sale of new shares.
Cisco invests in IDG's latest India venture fund
Cisco Investments, the VC arm of US technology giant Cisco, has committed an undisclosed amount to the third fund of IDG Ventures India.