GPs
KKR targets $12.5b for fourth pan-Asian fund
KKR is looking to raise $12.5 billion for its fourth pan-Asian fund. It is likely to be the largest-ever Asia-focused, US dollar-denominated fundraise, surpassing Hillhouse Capital’s $10.6 billion close last year.
NewQuest collects $1b for Asia secondaries fund
NewQuest Capital Partners has closed its fourth secondaries fund at the revised hard cap of $1 billion, comfortably exceeding the $540 million raised in the previous vintage.
Tech, policy changes the main risks in energy – AVCJ Forum
Technology disruption and short-term policy changes are the two key challenges facing investors in the energy sector, industry participants told the AVCJ Forum.
Keppel Capital takes 50% interest in Pierfront Capital
Singapore-based Keppel Corporation has agreed to buy a 50% interest in Pierfront Capital, an alternative credit investment fund manager controlled by Temasek Holdings.
LPs going direct 'not a front of mind issue' in Asia - AVCJ Forum
Large institutional investors pursuing direct deals on a solo basis represents a logical evolution of the private equity industry and shouldn’t necessarily be regarded as a threat, Asia-focused buyout managers told the AVCJ Forum.
Fundraising gap impedes mid-market exits – AVCJ Forum
Polarization in fundraising has left middle-market investors with difficult options for realizing exits, according to industry participants at the AVCJ Forum.
Q&A: Oaktree Capital's Howard Marks
Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, discusses populism, deficit, trade wars, the shift in focus from public to private markets, and why his default position is one of caution
GPs see specialization as antidote to challenging market - AVCJ Forum
Investors at the AVCJ Forum offered optimistic outlooks for 2020 but said tighter deal markets would demand specialization in defensive sectors and a closer watch on valuations.
Asian outposts: LPs see value in a local presence
Few institutional investors have the scale, resources or mandate to establish private markets platforms within Asia. Those that do are looking to make it pay off through co-investment
LPs rank attitude higher than policy in ESG – AVCJ Forum
Investing with an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mindset in Asia is more important than having an ESG policy, LPs told the AVCJ ESG Forum.
Primavera raises $3.4b for third China fund
Primavera Capital Group has closed its third China fund at $3.4 billion, having extended the fundraising period by six months.
Due diligence & psychology: Internal audit
PE investors – whether they are putting money into companies or funds – must apply more psychologically informed tactics to remain competitive. It is the industry’s most intellectual frontier
Philippines-based Xurpas acquires Wavemaker Partners
Philippines consumer technology developer Xurpas has agreed to acquire the US operations of venture capital firm Wavemaker Partners.
Q&A: TPG's Jon Winkelried
Jon Winkelried, co-CEO of TPG, on taking the helm at a founder-led firm, finding growth opportunities in complementary strategies, and negotiating a difficult year for the Rise Fund
Australia: VC in vogue
A handful of Australian superannuation funds have started investing directly in local start-ups as well as backing VC funds. Is buying a strip off one of these portfolios the next step?
GP profile: J-Star
J-Star’s measured approach to Japan’s middle-market buyout space has tracked a slowly unfolding opportunity set with an uncommon sense of patience
Chinese VC in Africa: Cultural barriers
Chinese investors recognize the long-term potential in fostering technology-enabled business models in Africa, but reluctance to engage local stakeholders and develop local knowledge is holding them back
China-US PE: Reverse princeling
When a US presidential candidate’s son with Chinese private equity connections stirs up accusations of impropriety, the questionable merits of princeling funds appear more muddled than ever
Advantage seeks $690m for sixth Japan buyout fund
Advantage Partners is looking to raise around JPY75 billion ($690 million) for its sixth Japan-focused middle-market buyout fund, up from JPY60 billion in the previous vintage.
Japan succession planning: The generation game
By selling a stake in the GP, Advantage Partners has broken new ground in Japanese private equity. The move is designed to facilitate ownership transition, accumulate balance sheet capital
Consumer hardware: Some assembly required
Consumer hardware is a cratered landscape in venture capital, and the risk-reward equation is not particularly well understood. New ways of looking at a traditional industry are needed
Ex-Qiming managing partner raises $352m for debut China fund
Ince Capital Partners, a Chinese consumer internet-focused venture capital firm established by former Qiming Venture Partners executive J.P. Gan, has closed its debut fund at the hard cap of $351.9 million.
Investors uncertain on Hong Kong's future as financial hub - M&A Forum
Recent unrest in Hong Kong has harmed the territory’s economy, but industry participants are unsure whether its status as a financial center is under threat, given the scale of the existing infrastructure.
Philippines PE: Power dynamics
A virtually impenetrable middle market under the control of incumbent conglomerates is the least governable of the systemic obstacles facing private equity hopefuls in the Philippines
