GPs
IFC to support Abraaj's $200m Pakistan fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has proposed investing up to $20 million in a Pakistan-focused fund being raised by The Abraaj Group. The vehicle has an overall target of $200 million.
Japan fundraising: Stronger sentiment
A host of Japanese GPs are either in the market with new funds or preparing to enter it. Industry participants are optimistic that the process will be smoother than last time around
Q&A: J-Star's Gregory Hara
Gregory Hara, CEO and managing partner of J-Star, discusses the global opportunities available for smaller Japanese manufacturers and the importance of setting clear goals for portfolio companies
Japan's middle market: Simmering prosperity
GPs are finding opportunity in Japan’s economic stagnancy and dramatic demographic trends, but embracing this massive market will require a sharper focus on planning, as well as patience and poise
Q&A: Maison Capital's Roger Wu
Roger Wu, a partner at Maison Capital – an early mover in China’s renminbi fund space – explains the firm’s systematic approach to identifying investment trends before of the competition, and valuations, heat up
Temasek issues bonds backed by PE fund interests
A unit of Singapore government-backed investment group Temasek has issued $504 million in bonds backed by 34 private equity funds.
It's good to talk: PE's communication imperative
Asian private equity has in recent years discovered the benefits of greater media and public engagement
The communicators: Investor relations in Asia
GPs in Asia are devoting more resources to investor relations in response to increased reporting requirements and a challenging fundraising environment. But finding the right IR formula is not easy
PE investors see value in forward planning on operational improvement
Operational strategies should be defined in detail well before any financial commitment is made, according to industry participants at the Hong Kong Venture Capital & Private Equity Association's (HKVCA) China summit.
China micro VC: The micro wave
Micro VC firms are a relatively new segment in China’s venture capital ecosystem, the product of angel investors going institutional. They focus on early stage deals, but as demand grows, will they stay there?
Fund focus: Geodesic helps US start-ups go big in Japan
The former US ambassador to Japan and the ex-head of Andreessen Horowitz's growth investment practice have joined forces to help US start-ups gain traction in Japan
Fund focus: Mekong looks to crack Vietnam's consumer code
Mekong Capital hopes to continue its success in Vietnam's consumer sector with the $112 million Mekong Enterprise Fund III, relying on a value creation model that is now tried and tested
India's Nalanda raises additional $620m for evergreen fund
India-focused GP Nalanda Capital has raised $620 million in a fresh tranche of funding for its evergreen vehicle Nalanda India Equity Fund.
Facebook co-founder's VC firm in first close on US-Asia fund - update
B Capital Group, a VC firm launched by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Raj Ganguly, formerly of Velos Partners and Bain Capital, has reached a first close on a US and Asia-focused fund, which has a full target of $250 million.
India's IDFC completes part-exit via Parag Milk Foods IPO
IDFC Alternatives has concluded its partial exit from Indian dairy firm Parag Milk Foods via the company's IPO, realizing INR1.8 billion ($26.7 million) from the offering.
Warburg Pincus to open Singapore office
Warburg Pincus will open an office in Singapore to improve its ability to identify and evaluate investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Mekong closes Vietnam fund at $112m
Mekong Capital has reached a final close of $112 million on its fourth Vietnam-focused fund. The original target for the vehicle was $150 million.
IFC to invest in Southeast Asia frontier markets fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, will invest up to $7.5 million in a PE fund managed by Singapore's Emerging Markets Investment Advisers (EMIA).
Japan's Gree reaches $37m first close on second fund
Gree Ventures – the VC arm of Japanese online media and gaming company Gree - has achieved a first close of its second fund with about $37 million in commitments.
India renegotiates Mauritius tax treaty
India and Mauritius have agreed to amend their double taxation treaty (DTA) so as to allow India to levy capital gains tax on foreign investors from 2017.
LPs slow new commitments to emerging markets PE - survey
Investor sentiment on emerging markets private equity appears to be weakening, with 40% of respondents in EMPEA’s global limited partners survey planning to increase commitments to fund managers in 2016, down from 46% last year.
Matrix co-founder leaves to start new firm
Rishi Navani, co-founder of Matrix Partners India, has left the GP to start a new investment practice, Epiq Capital.
Hony set for $2.7b close on latest China fund
China-focused GP Hony Capital has raised $2.7 billion for its latest fund, with the formal closing expected to happen next week. The firm reached a first close of $1 billion in late 2015.
Two thirds of Asia PE professionals expect pay rises in 2016 - survey
Nearly two thirds of private equity professionals in the Asia Pacific region expect an increase in base salary this year, with mid-level executives – vice presidents, principals and directors – the biggest driver.

