GPs
Carlyle makes $4.5b first close on Asia buyout fund
The Carlyle Group has achieved a first close of more than $4.5 billion on its fifth Asia buyout fund. The vehicle launched earlier this year with an initial target of $5 billion.
True North sets $1.1b hard cap for sixth India fund
Indian private equity firm True North – formerly known as India Value Fund Advisors (IVFA) – has set a hard cap of $1.1 billion for its sixth fund, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Fund structuring: Change at the margins
While the Cayman Islands remains the go-to jurisdiction for PE firms seeking a domicile for Asia-focused funds, investor demand and regulatory remit mean structures are now more carefully considered
Ex-Pamplona partner joins KKR in Australia
KKR has appointed David Lang (pictured), previously a partner and founding member at Pamplona Capital Management, as a partner-level executive in its Sydney office. He will start work in early 2018.
SparkLabs launches $100m blockchain fund
SparkLabs Group has launched a $100 million early-stage venture capital fund that will focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency investments globally.
Philippines fintech growth to include blockchain – AVCJ Forum
The Philippines is likely to follow the lead of other Asian markets by more closely regulating blockchain-based financial transactions as the technology becomes more integral to the country’s economy.
CPPIB commits $500m to Singapore-based ADCF
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has committed up to $500 million to Alpha Data Centre Fund (ADCF), a data center-focused PE fund managed by Singapore conglomerate Keppel Group.
Philippines confidence endures political strife – AVCJ Forum
The Philippines was praised for its political stability as investor wariness around President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on drugs became a recurring talking point at the AVCJ Philippines Forum.
China M&A: Exit options
The growth in outbound M&A among Chinese investors has created significant exit opportunities for PE investors
InnoVen names ex-GE executive as new CEO
Temasek Holdings-backed venture debt firm InnoVen Capital has named Ashish Sharma (pictured), former CEO and president of GE Capital India, the CEO of its India arm.
Japan secondary buyouts: Hand to hand
A series of recent lucrative exits by Japanese GPs have shown that secondary buyouts in the country can deliver
Philippines PE: Growth potential
Philippines-focused private equity funds are young and unproven. The investment theses need to play out – ideally resulting in more deal flow for larger GPs – for the industry to come of age
Japan's NSSK closes Fund II at $530m
Japanese private equity firm NSSK has closed its second fund oversubscribed with JPY60 billion ($531 million) in commitments.
Australia's PEP fails in legal action against Adamantem
A legal action by Australia’s Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) to force the founders of Adamantem Capital – who previously worked for PEP – to disclose marketing materials used in fundraising with a view to establishing whether they have breached obligations...
Due diligence: Go your own way
While GPs in Western markets increasingly rely on outside consultants for portfolio management services, Asian investors are skeptical about its usefulness. Will horror stories eventually elicit change?
Korea LPs: Credit junkies
Korean institutional investors favor private debt over other alternatives asset classes because of its long tenor and stable cash flows. Multi-credit strategies are likely to launch as more capital is allocated overseas
Drum Tower launches China VC fund
China-based Drum Tower Ventures has launched its first fund, with a view to raising $50 million for early-stage investments globally.
Succession planning: Ending an era
Succession planning is quickly becoming a strategic priority across Asia Pacific. In Australia, GPs are looking into a number of different ways to make it work
Madison India raises $230m fund
Madison India Capital has reached a final close of $230 million on its latest fund, Madison India Opportunities IV.
PE and AI: The machinists
After decades of tantalizing but patchy progress, artificial intelligence is finally seen as ready for mass commercialization. Investors must now weigh an unmissable opportunity with a world of uncertainty
Asus launches $50m cross-border VC fund
Taiwan-based hardware giant Asus has launched a $50 million VC fund aimed at helping US start-ups expand in Asia.
Kedaara closes second India fund at $750m
Kedaara Capital has closed its second India-focused fund at the hard cap of $750 million after approximately six months in the market.
Singapore's Insignia closes first fund at $25m
Insignia Ventures Partners, a Singapore-based VC firm founded by former Sequoia Capital India venture partner Yinglan Tan, has raised $25 million for its debut fund.
Fund focus: Welkin finishes institutional upgrade
The closing of Welkin Capital's second fund sees the GP pairing a formalized PE investment approach with the industry connections forged in its family office origins