Industry
IMM reaches $1.3b first close on Fund IV, strikes two deals
Korea’s IMM Private Equity has hit the $1.3 billion mark with a first close on its fourth fund, with contributions from international LPs added to the core domestic support. The manager has already put $450 million to work across two deals.
Asia legal tech: Order in court
Legal tech investment is quietly booming from a small base, with the under-digitalized nature of law firms presenting both an opening and an inhibitor. First-mover ecosystems are self-organizing quickly
Investcorp raises $145m for IDFC India PE fund
Investcorp has reached a final close of INR10 billion ($145 million) on the second private equity fund of IDFC Alternatives. The Bahrain-listed asset management firm acquired IDFC's PE and real estate businesses last year.
China's XVC raises $330m for Fund II
XVC, a Chinese early-stage investment firm established by Boyu Hu, formerly of DCM Ventures and Blue Lake Capital, has closed its second US dollar-denominated fund with around $330 million in commitments.
Shenzhen Capital seeks $290m for China healthcare fund
Shenzhen Capital Group is looking to raise upwards of RMB2 billion ($290 million) for its first healthcare fund as the Chinese venture capital firm continues efforts to diversify its product offering.
Global credit: Speed or scale?
The winners from a widely anticipated shakeout in global credit markets will be defined by different qualities. Direct lenders expect size to be a decisive factor, while distress players prioritize nimbleness
China tech board makes volatile debut
The initial batch of companies chosen to list on China’s technology innovation board – known as the Star Market – posted an average gain of 140% on their first day of trading on July 22, although almost all were pared back in the opening hours of the...
Cocoon closes second SE Asia fund at $22m
Singapore-based venture capital firm Cocoon Capital has closed its second seed fund, targeting Southeast Asian enterprise technology start-ups, at S$30 million ($22 million).
Korea's Moiin launches $100m VR fund
Korean virtual reality (VR) hardware developer Moiin has announced plans to launch a $100 million venture capital fund in the US focused on immersive gaming companies globally.
Exit strategy: Good timing
KKR helps make the argument for realizing early exits when it supports a fundraising process, but LP reactions to this approach remain a mix of approval, suspicion and resignation
SoftBank Ventures Asia hits $269m first close on global fund
SoftBank Ventures Asia – previously known as SoftBank Ventures Korea – has reached a first close of KRW317.4 billion ($269 million) on a fund that will make early-stage investments globally with a focus on Asia.
Texas Teachers targets Asia growth with proposed Singapore office
Teacher Retirement System of Texas wants to use its planned Singapore base as a means of gaining direct access to private investments in the region – although the pension fund’s CIO said penetrating Asia would likely take longer than an earlier push into...
Daiwa units form $30m Myanmar growth fund
The private equity and corporate investment units of Japan’s Daiwa Securities Group have established a $30 million fund that will target growth deals in Myanmar.
Realism on exits essential in Southeast Asia – AVCJ Forum
Exits remain challenging in Southeast Asian private equity, but LPs see a growing willingness among the region’s GPs to take this difficulty into account when planning their investments.
Fund focus: A91 scouts overlooked VC opportunities
A91 Partners closes its debut fund at $351 million with a plan to explore the untapped depths of the Indian business sector. Consumer, financial services, healthcare, and technology are top of mind
Profile: Traveloka's Hendrik Susanto
Hendrik Susanto left a career in private equity and venture capital to head Traveloka’s inorganic growth strategy. The new role harnesses investment expertise to build a longer-lasting company
Investors challenged by governance in SE Asia – AVCJ Forum
Implementing institutional-class governance practices at portfolio companies remains a significant hurdle for Southeast Asia-focused buyout firms, industry participants told the AVCJ Singapore Forum.
Fund focus: Genesis targets China's tech inflection points
With $850 million in dry powder to deploy from its second US dollar-denominated fund, China’s Genesis Capital is targeting Series C and D rounds for start-ups on the cusp of greatness
Portfolio company boards: Gurus wanted
Filling board seats for portfolio companies is more art than science in both private equity and venture capital. Investors must approach the challenge with flexible playbooks
Asia-based Ilfryn Carstairs to become co-CEO of Värde
Ilfryn Carstairs (pictured), Singapore-based CIO of global alternative investor Värde Partners, has been named CEO. He will share the role with George Hicks, the incumbent and co-founder of the firm.
China's Centurium names Michael Chen as partner
China’s Centurium Capital has appointed Michael Chen (pictured), formerly an investor with Warburg Pincus, as a partner and managing director.
Southeast Asia PE: Integration angst
Slow progress in the effort to improve Southeast Asia’s multilateral economic cooperation reveals deep rooted challenges for investors, including cultural and regulatory barriers
Plum Ventures raises $77m for China angel fund
Chinese early-stage investor Plum Ventures has closed its fifth angel fund with RMB532.5 million ($77.4 million) in commitments, taking its total assets under management to RMB3 billion.
Culture is key to a sustainable spin-out - AVCJ Forum
Making a private equity spin-out work is as much about cultivating a transparent culture within the team as identifying an underserved market segment, industry participants told the AVCJ USA Forum.