LPs
Unicorn raises $210m for China VC fund-of-funds
Unicorn Capital Partners, a China-focused venture capital fund-of-funds launched by Emerald Hill Capital Partners alumnus Tommy Yip, has closed its debut fund at about $210 million.
APG, Piramal commit $132m to India's Essel Green Energy
Dutch pension fund manager APG Asset Management has committed $132 million, alongside Piramal Enterprises, to Essel Green Energy, the solar power platform of India's Essel Group.
Australia's CHAMP Ventures postpones fundraise
CHAMP Ventures has postponed the launch of its eighth fund by six months. The Australian GP was expected to return to market in the first half of this year, having closed its previous vehicle in 2012.
Japan's GPIF appoints new president
Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) has appointed Norihiro Takahashi, a long-standing executive at Norinchukin Bank, as its president.
Asian outlier: Standard Chartered and secondaries direct
Over the past three years, Standard Chartered has completed Asia’s largest secondary direct deal and put its PE unit in a position to raise fresh capital. But it is not necessarily a harbinger of things to come
Renminbi fund-of-funds: Commercial remit
Renminbi-denominated fund-of-funds have found a new lease of life in China as new private sector entrants and reformed state-backed incumbents look to tap a growing domestic LP base
NZVIF commits $13.5m to Movac's fourth fund
New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF) has committed NZ$20 million ($13.5 million) to the fourth fund of domestic early-stage investor Movac Partners.
Altos closes second Korea VC fund at $110m
US-based venture capital firm Altos Ventures has closed its second Korean Opportunity Fund (KOF) at the hard cap of $110 million.
CPPIB, Kotak form $525m India distressed asset vehicle
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) will partner with Kotak Mahindra Group to invest up to $525 million in distressed assets in India.
Korea's POBA to double offshore PE allocation
South Korea’s Public Officials Benefit Association (POBA) plans to double its allocation to offshore private equity funds this year to $200 million.
Shanghai Chengtou commits to Hony's Fund VIII
Shanghai Chengtou Holding, a Shanghai-listed property developer which is also a portfolio company of Hony Capital, has committed RMB400 million ($62 million) to the GP’s latest China fund.
CDPQ establishes India office
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) has founded its India office and committed to invest $150 million in renewable energy in the country.
Direct investment: Embracing the unorthodox
The effect of direct investment and co-investment by LPs is more profound than often realized, and has consequences for the future of fundraising
Australian LPs consider diversified approaches to PE - AVCJ Forum
Australian LPs are increasingly interested in non-traditional structures in private equity as they find that fund investment programs no longer offer the flexibility, fee burden and scale of deployment to meet their needs.
Relationships key to raising capital from family offices - AVCJ Forum
Relationship-building should underpin fundraising efforts targeting family offices, with an emphasis on understanding individual needs and motivations, industry participants told the AVCJ Australia & New Zealand Forum.
Australian LPs make for sophisticated co-investors - AVCJ Forum
Australian superannuation funds are more sophisticated co-investors than their US counterparts, but the ability of LPs across the industry to participate in these deals remains limited.
CPPIB ups stake in India's Kotak Mahindra Bank
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has invested INR11.5 billion ($170 million) in India's Kotak Mahindra Bank, picking up a stake held by Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
CalPERS sells $127m stake in India's Axis Bank
California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has sold a stake in India’s Axis Bank worth about INR8.7 billion ($127 million) to Genesis Indian Investment Company.
Telstra backs Monk's Hill Southeast Asia fund
Australia’s Telstra Ventures has made an LP commitment to Singapore-based Monk's Hill Ventures' debut Southeast Asia fund - which is targeting S$100 million ($80 million) - as part of an ongoing pivot to Asian venture capital.
Asian pension funds to boost alternatives exposure - survey
Pension funds in Asia Pacific expect to increase their allocations to alternative assets over the next three years as part of efforts to boost returns and cover their liabilities, according to a new survey.
Lower middle market fundraising: Early adopters
While Australia’s lower middle market still offers opportunities for conventional GPs, some managers see growing potential in alternate fund models. Skepticism is strong among their peers
Australia's Future Fund makes secondary sale to CPPIB - report
Australia’s Future Fund exited A$1 billion ($712 million) worth of fund positions from its private equity portfolio last year, with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) picking up the assets.
Lightstone Ventures raises $50m Singapore fund
Lightstone Ventures has closed a $50 million fund aimed at investments in Singapore-based companies in the life-science sector.
Adams Street promotes Doris Guo to partner
Adams Street Partners has promoted Doris Guo, a principal in charge of primary investments in Greater China, to partner.