Industry
IFC set to back India's Pi Ventures
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, is considering a commitment of $3 million to the artificial intelligence (AI)-focused debut fund of Indian VC investor Pi Ventures.
Due diligence: Behind the curve
Gaining an accurate impression of an industry is vital for investors, but this can be difficult in markets where information is patchy or unreliable. Those who hope to prosper must learn to judge data carefully
Australia's Square Peg raises $180m for debut VC fund
Square Peg Capital, an Australian venture capital firm set up by Paul Bassat, co-founder of job listings site Seek, has closed its debut fund at A$234 million ($180 million), exceeding the A$200 million target.
500 Startups opens Australia office
US-based early-stage investor 500 Startups has agreed to establish its Australian headquarters in Melbourne after receiving financial support from the state government of Victoria.
Ex-MBK Greater China head to launch private equity firm
Kuo-Chan Kung, former head of Greater China at MBK Partners (pictured), is launching his own private equity firm called Nexus Point Partners.
Australian seed investor launches $50m global fund
Australia-based VC investor Followtheseed has launched a $50 million fund to invest in global early-stage start-ups.
OCP Asia raises $200m direct lending fund
Hong Kong and Singapore-based hedge fund manager OCP Asia has raised a $200 million direct lending vehicle to make private equity-style credit investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Australia's SproutX closes $8m agritech fund
SproutX, an Australian accelerator focused on agricultural technology, has raised A$10 million ($7.7 million) for a venture capital fund. Artesian Venture Partners will act as investment manager.
China launches $21.7b SOE restructuring fund
Guangzhou Industrial Investment Fund Management, an investment arm of the Guangzhou government, has partnered with China Reform Holdings and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank to launch a state-owned enterprise (SOE) restructuring fund with a target size...
Fund focus: Actis leverages energy experience
Having hit the hard cap of $2.75 billion on its fourth global energy fund, Actis will deploy most of the capital in platform-style investments for emerging markets renewables
Profile: Venturra Partners' Stefan Jung
Stefan Jung has spent five years in Southeast Asia’s start-up scene, first as a leader at Rocket Internet and then as a VC investor. He believes the region is just beginning to unlock its potential.
CVC to open India office
CVC Capital Partners is planning to open its first India office as it aims to grow its business in the country, AVCJ understands.
Productivity, innovation critical to a changing China - AVCJ Forum
China is adjusting to a slower growth model driven by consumption rather than investment, but significant gains can still be made through productivity and innovation, industry participants told the AVCJ China Forum.
Fund focus: Hosen wins support for China food thesis
China agriculture investor Hosen Capital has completed its evolution from a corporate-sponsored GP into an independent player with a $440 million fundraise from institutional and industrial LPs
Fund focus: Apis seeks to make specialization count
Apis is relying on its team's financial services expertise and networks to deliver the goods in South Asia and Africa. LPs have given them $287 million with which to prove the thesis
VIDEO: Lorna Chen, Shearman & Sterling
Lorna Chen, partner and head of the Asia asset management and investment funds practice at Shearman & Sterling, discusses China outbound investment
Institutional investors and private equity: Cracks in the ice?
Competition is intense at the upper end of the global buyout space, with abundant dry powder and readily available debt pushing up valuations. LPs are keen to allocate to the asset class, but will they end up disappointed?
CMC, Sequoia launch sport fund, back China kickboxing business
CMC Holdings – a unit of media-focused GP CMC Capital Partners – and Sequoia Capital China have formed a sports investment fund and led a Series A round of funding for Wanmingyang Media, which organizes and video streams kickboxing events in China.
Platinum to buy Staples' Australia, New Zealand business
US-based private equity firm Platinum Equity has agreed to buy the Australia and New Zealand businesses of business products supplier Staples.
Pioneer hits $180m hard cap on third New Zealand fund
New Zealand’s Pioneer Capital has hit the hard cap of NZ$260 million ($180 million) on its third growth fund, beating the target of NZ$210 million. It follows the first investment from the new vehicle in Havelock North Fruit.
Dymon reaches $20m first close on VC fund
Singapore-based hedge fund Dymon Asia Capital has reached a first close of $20 million on its debut venture capital vehicle.
IFC proposes $25m investment in Carlyle Asia fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, is considering a commitment of up to $25 million to The Carlyle Group’s latest Asia growth fund, which has a target of $1 billion.
Apis closes South Asia, Africa fintech fund at $287m
Emerging market financial technology investor Apis Partners has closed its debut fund at $287 million. It has already deployed about $130 million across five deals in South Asia and Africa.
Australia to streamline foreign investment approvals
The Australian government has proposed an amendment to foreign investment rules introduced in late 2015 that require some private equity firms to obtain regulatory approval when making a buyout.