Industry
StarVC co-founder launches new China VC fund
Xiaoming Huang, a Chinese actor who co-founded celebrity fund StarVC, has launched a new venture capital firm called Ming Capital.
Rocket Internet cuts valuation on fashion portal, raises $339m
Start-up incubator Rocket Internet and Sweden's Investment AB Kinnevik have committed EUR300 million ($339 million) to their emerging markets-focused online fashion portal Global Fashion Group (GFG), at a valuation of EUR1 billion.
Temasek makes organizational changes, promotions
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings has combined its sector and market investment teams under a single investment group – promoting to president the two executives who will run this division – and created a new portfolio strategy and risk group in response to...
HTC launches $100m VR accelerator in China, Taiwan, US
Taiwan-based hardware developer HTC has launched a global accelerator program with $100 million to support start-ups working on virtual reality (VR) applications.
Aarin Capital anchors $18.8m India venture fund
Aarin Capital has anchored the launch of Ideaspring Capital, a venture fund seeking to raise INR1.2 billion ($18.8 million) for investments in Indian technology start-ups.
Korea VC fundraising: Unbalanced boom
The forces behind a bumper year for South Korean venture fundraising serve as a reminder that local players must do more to build much-needed international relationships
Australia renewables: Clear skies
Having spent the last couple of years in a politics-driven limbo, Australia’s renewable energy sector is seeing renewed investor interest. Nevertheless, the market still presents various challenges
New kids on the block: Accessing Asia's emerging LPs
Patience is a virtue when looking for allocations from Asian institutions that are either new to private equity or planning to increase commitments to the asset class
Thailand to launch $568m venture fund
The Thailand government has announced the launch of a THB20 billion ($568 million) venture fund as part of an economic modernization agenda.
Innovation Works co-founder launches China seed fund
Zhaohui Wang, co-founder and formerly operating partner at Innovation Works, has launched a China-focused seed fund to invest in culture, media and sport-related assets.
Apollo, IFC form $1b emerging markets distress partnership
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, has formed a $1 billion partnership with Apollo Global Management to invest in distressed assets in emerging markets.
FountainVest, Focus Media launch $400m China sport fund
FountainVest Partners and its portfolio company Focus Media - a Chinese outdoor advertising business that went public via a backdoor listing last year - will launch a $400 million sport industry-focused fund.
Asian LPs eye more alternatives – UBS
Large institutional Asian LPs are looking to boost allocations to alternative assets, including private equity, as they seek to diversify portfolios in response to economic volatility, according to UBS Asset Management.
Japan Post targets higher-yield assets
The new CEO of Japan Post Holdings has underlined his commitment to targeting riskier asset classes, including private equity and direct M&A opportunities. This comes as several local insurers are branching out into higher-return investments overseas...
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.
Singapore's GIC appoints CIO for private equity
Singapore’s GIC Private has named Yong-Cheen Choo as chief investment officer for private equity, one of five new roles created to enhance the sovereign wealth fund’s investment capabilities.
SoftBank defends under fire COO Nikesh Arora
Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank has spoken out in defense of Nikesh Arora, its president and COO - and presumed successor to CEO Masayoshi Son - who has been accused of conflict of interest and poor investment performance.
China's Qiming to launch US healthcare fund
China-focused GP Qiming Venture Partners is planning to raise a healthcare-dedicated fund in the US that will help China- and US-based start-ups expand in both markets.
India's ICICI Venture reaches $190m first close on new fund
ICICI Venture, the private equity arm of India's ICICI Bank, has reached a first close of $190 million for its fourth private equity fund.
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.
NZ Super sells LP positions in three funds
New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super) has sold its LP positions in three US-based private equity funds as part of a move to consolidate its investment profile.
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.
Fund focus: GGV targets entire venture spectrum
With $1.2 billion in dry powder, Sino-US investor GGV Capital has positioned itself to participate in every phase of a start-up’s life, from seed to late-stage rounds. The GP is not put off by the market slowdown
The gathering storm: Preparing portfolio companies for a downturn
As warning signals of a global economic downturn become increasingly convincing, private equity portfolio companies are likely to come under pressure. Investors are advised to prepare carefully