Regulation
Japan ministries approve $80m for Osaka University VC fund
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) have approved a JPY10 billion ($80 million) investment by Osaka University into its recently launched venture capital arm.
Chinese premier backs local listings for start-ups
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the government would promote start-ups with “special ownership structures” to list onshore, as part of efforts to encourage the development of the venture capital industry.
China public markets stoke GP investment, exit concerns
China’s robust public markets are creating challenges for private equity managers as they seek to acquire assets at acceptable valuations and pick the time to exit existing portfolio companies.
China GPs wary of public market volatility, regulation - AVCJ Forum
China’s A-share market may be trading record highs, but PE investors told the AVCJ China forum that they are still wary of public market exits, citing the amount of time it takes to complete the process.
Indian regulator rejects Baring Asia's Sharekhan buyout
India's Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has rejected Baring Private Equity Asia's bid to buy IDFC's stake in Mumbai-based brokerage Sharekhan.
Lixil unit files for insolvency less than 18 months after PE exit
Japanese bathroom fitting company Lixil is set to lose at least JPY41 billion ($337 million) after its German-listed Chinese subsidiary, Joyou AG, filed for bankruptcy. Lixil acquired the business after it bought German faucet maker Grohe from TPG Capital...
Venture to benefit from Australia investor visa reforms
The Australian government has finalized changes to its significant investor visa (SIV) program, which will see more capital funneled into domestic venture capital.
Australia backs crowdfunding scheme, offers start-up tax breaks
The Australian government has allocated A$7.8 million ($6.2 million) to develop crowd-sourced equity funding (CSEF) and offered tax breaks for start-ups in its latest federal budget.
Q&A: Unison Capital's Tatsuo Kawasaki
Unison Capital is in the process of raising its fourth Japan-focused fund. Tatsuo Kawasaki, a partner at the firm, discusses how government policy and market dynamics might impact its deployment
India IPOs: Staying afloat
India’s public markets are at record highs, but IPO activity remains lackluster. Investors want an overhaul of the listings approval process and a regulatory system that is suited to PE and VC-backed companies
Australia's portfolio disclosure rule pushed back again
The Australian government has once again deferred introduction of portfolio holdings disclosure legislation that could require domestic LPs to reveal the identity and investments of each PE and VC fund they back.
SEBI considers allowing India VC funds to boost overseas exposure
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is to revise rules governing locally-registered VC funds, allowing them to invest up to a quarter of the their capital overseas - provided the companies hold some operations in India.
Indian pension regulator considers opening door to PE
India’s Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is looking into ways in which domestic pension funds can participate in private equity and venture capital funds.
India microfinance: Acorns to oaks
Several large funding rounds – plus the birth of a new bank – have shown how far India’s microfinance institutions have come in just four years. But more is to come, and more VC backing will be required
Australia revises employee share scheme law
The Australian government has given start-ups a boost with the much-anticipated introduction of a bill that means employees can defer paying tax on share options until they are actually converted into shares.
Saratoga's Uno sees long-term benefits for Indonesian PE - AVCJ Forum
Private equity investors in Indonesia will see slow growth in the immediate future but the economy is showing signs for growth, in part due to reforms introduced by the new government, according to Sandiaga Uno, co-founder of Saratoga Capital.
HK court upholds CVC asset freeze over South Beauty founder
A Hong Kong court has supported a move by CVC Capital Partners to freeze the assets of Lan Zhang, founder of Chinese restaurant chain South Beauty, which was bought by the private equity firm last year.
Indonesia reforms: The waiting game
Indonesia’s new president is still carrying goodwill from the investment community and has made some reassuring moves. Now investors are waiting to see if the new direction will pay off
Clarity calls: The PE take on India's budget
The first full budget by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was one of the most eagerly anticipated events for Indian private equity since last year’s election. Did it live up to the hype?
Mainland Chinese investors barred from owning Taiwan start-ups
Chinese groups are free to make venture capital investments in Taiwan but they will not be able to gain control over local start-ups, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).
India budget gives PE funds tax pass-through status
Private equity funds are to be given tax pass-through status as part of reforms outlined in India's first full budget since Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept to power in May last year.
Australia VC: Policy permutations
Plans to reinstate tax breaks for Australian start-ups that issue share options to staff rather than pay sizeable salaries has cheered VC investors. They are generally positive about the government role in fostering innovation
Australia drafts new rules for VC investor visa scheme
The Australian government plans to change the current rules for its Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program as part of efforts to boost the availability of capital for local start-ups.
Asian GPs and AIFMD: Shades of gray
Many Asian managers are coming to terms with how the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive might impact their fundraising plans. Unfortunately the legislation remains difficult to fathom