Industry
Equity International raises Asia fund to support e-Shang Redwood
Equity International (EI), a Chicago-based investment firm focused on real estate and infrastructure platforms in emerging markets, has closed its first Asia-focused fund, aimed at supporting Chinese warehouse firm e-Shang Redwood (ESR).
Indian government commits $75m to domestic start-ups
The Indian government has made a fresh INR5 billion ($75 million) commitment to its Startup India campaign, which aims to drive bank financing for early-stage companies while offering workshop and incubator services.
India's InnoVen invests $6m in Capillary, Simplilearn
Indian venture debt firm InnoVen Capital has committed a total of $6 million in structured debt financing to cloud-based software provider Capillary Technologies and educational technology start-up Simplilearn.
Q&A: Aberdeen Asset Management's Andrew McCaffery
Andrew McCaffery, head of alternatives at Aberdeen Asset Management, discusses the long-term impact of investors becoming more aggressive in their pursuit of returns, almost regardless of the risk
Secondaries: Stick or twist?
After several years of rapid growth, secondaries volumes slowed in the first half of 2016, while fundraising reached an all-time high. Opinion is divided on the prospects for an increasingly nuanced market
Australian government launches $15m cleantech fund
The renewable energy division of Australia’s Department of Industry, Innovation & Science has launched a A$20 million ($15.3 million) seed fund that will focus on domestic clean energy start-ups.
Singapore's Venturecraft launches $37m tech fund
Venturecraft, a Singapore-based VC investor and accelerator, has launched a new S$50 million ($37 million) investment fund aimed at early and growth stage medical technology (medtech) and internet start-ups in Asia.
LPs want GPs to show comprehensive approach to ESG - AVCJ Forum
Private equity firms need to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their investment strategies – and do so in a long term, end-to-end manner, LPs told the AVCJ ESG Forum.
PE exposure vital in weak global economy - Future Fund
Exposure to private equity and venture capital – where it is driven by true value creation rather than financial leverage or strong economic growth – has never been more important, according to Raphael Arndt, CIO of Australia’s Future Fund.
China's State Council proposes better deal for foreign VC firms
Foreign venture capital investors will receive equal treatment to their domestic counterparts as part of efforts to boost funding for start-ups, according to the Chinese government.
Korean LPs prioritize yield-generating alternatives - AVCJ Forum
Korean institutional investors are raising their allocations to alternative assets, but a need for yield means they favor assets like private debt and infrastructure over private equity.
Fund focus: Kerogen plays the long game
In the early stages of deployment of its $830 million second fund, Kerogen Capital faces a very different energy sector to the previous cycle, characterized by lower costs, lower entry prices and reduced competition
Side letters: A little extra
The proliferation of side letter provisions submitted by LPs as conditional on their participation in a fundraise is adding to administrative workloads. Private equity firms must negotiate carefully
China Everbright, Focus Media form $750m TMT fund
China Everbright and its portfolio company Focus Media, a Chinese outdoor advertising business, have launched a RMB5 billion ($750 million) investment fund that will invest in the technology, media and telecom (TMT) sector.
GPs target micro gains in weaker macro environment - AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors expect private equity funds to deliver outsize returns, regardless of the lower growth environment in Asia, which means GPs must focus more on making a difference to portfolio companies at the micro level.
LP interview: QIC
Australia-based QIC is one of a handful of LPs able to co-underwrite investments alongside GPs. While there have been a few domestic solo deals, the group still sees itself more as partner than rival
India renewables: Streams to rivers
Indian investors feel that despite recent problems with yieldcos on the global market, the model still holds promise for the country’s renewable energy sector
IFC commits $15m to Philippines PE fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest up to $15 million in the debut fund of Philippines-based private equity firm Sierra Madre Managers.
General Atlantic, Ctrip back tourism-focused China PE firm
Ocean Link, which claims to be the first PE firm dedicated to investing in China’s travel and tourism sector, has received backing from General Atlantic and domestic online travel agency Ctrip.
Kerogen closes second energy fund at $830m
Kerogen Capital, a Hong Kong-headquartered GP specializing in international energy investments, has closed its second fund at $830 million.
CDH closes $525m renminbi mezzanine fund
China-based CDH Investments has closed its latest renminbi-denominated mezzanine fund at RMB3.5 billion ($525 million), exceeding a target of RMB2 billion.
2016 AVCJ Awards - nominations have now closed
Nominations for the 2016 AVCJ Private Equity & Venture Capital Awards have now closed. Voting for shortlisted nominees will begin on October 11.
Size matters: Korea's heavily contested buyouts
Korea has delivered some of Asia's biggest private equity buyout opportunities, but the scarcity of these deals means processes are highly competitive and assets are richly priced
Q&A: VIG Partners' Jason Shin
Jason Shin, managing partner at VIG Partners, explains why GPs are gravitating towards the consumer space in Korea, and why company founders are increasingly willing to do business with private equity