Industry
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
Legacy issues: GP succession planning
Succession planning issues are relatively few in Asian private equity, but that will change - and what GPs do to retain the next generation leadership will increasingly come under the spotlight
Profile: Qiming Venture Partners' Gary Rieschel
Gary Rieschel’s career in venture capital began in the US before the dotcom bubble burst. Now the co-founder of China-based Qiming Venture Partners advocates a cautious investment strategy
India e-commerce: The return of red tape
India has unveiled significant changes to its e-commerce industry, allowing 100% foreign ownership of marketplaces but restricting these businesses control over pricing. Industry feedback is mixed
China’s GSR Capital raises $1b LED-focused fund
China-based GSR Capital - an affiliate of Go Scale Capital, which saw its bid for Philips' Lumileds business thwarted by regulators - has closed a new $1 billion fund to invest in LED companies globally.
UOB to launch Sino-Singapore fund in Chongqing
UOB Venture Management (UOBVM) will launch a Chongqing-based private equity fund of up to RMB100 billion ($15.4 billion) that will invest in companies addressing the China and Singapore markets.
Australia's CEFC, Palisade target $766m in renewables projects
Palisade Investment Partners and Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) will partner on investments in domestic renewable energy projects valued at A$1 billion ($766 million).
IFC commits $41m to Multiples' latest India fund
India-based GP Multiples Alternate Asset Management has received a commitment of up to $40.6 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, for its latest fund.
LPs see potential despite shallow Indonesia GP field - AVCJ Forum
Investors are still waiting to see if Indonesian private equity managers can deliver due to the relative youth of the market and the local GPs participating in it, LPs told the AVCJ Indonesia Forum.
Japan's Gree raises $12m fund for VR start-ups
Japan's Gree has launched a $12 million fund to support virtual reality (VR) start-ups focusing on both gaming and non-gaming software and content.
Gaw reaches $700m first close on Asia real estate fund
Hong Kong-based private equity real estate investor Gaw Capital has reached a first close of $700 million on its fifth Asia-focused real estate fund.
Fund focus: Globis gets traction with pension LPs
Japanese pension funds show stronger interest in latest fund from Tokyo's Globis
1Q analysis: Hard times
Only the good prevail as LPs appear wary of China funds; investors continue to seek technology start-up exposure but the check sizes are falling; Korea delivers exits, but other markets fail to shine
China VC: Class society
China's venture capital industry has developed a tiered structure - similar to that seen in the US - with a select bunch of managers in heavy demand among LPs
GGV reaches $1.2b final close on Sino-US VC fund
GGV Capital has closed its latest VC fund at $1.2 billion across three vehicles – a core venture fund, an early stage fund and an entrepreneurs fund – that will target start-ups and growth-stage technology deals in China and the US.
Eleven Zulu launches $100m pan-Asian venture fund
US-based VC firm Eleven Zulu Capital has launched a $100 million fund targeting Asian technology and services-focused start-ups.
DSG reaches $35m first close on second fund - report
Indian consumer-focused private equity firm DSG Consumer Partners is said to have reached a first close of $35 million on its second fund.