North America
China VCs in $20m round for VR developer uSens
Fosun Kinzon Capital, the VC arm of Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, has led a $20 million Series A round for uSens, a US-based developer of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools.
Deal focus: Permira consolidates ingredients of JMO success story
Permira has acquired personal care brand John Masters Organics to grow its presence in Japan and the rest of the world
Japan’s Whill closes $17.5m Series B
Eight Roads Ventures has led a $17.5 million Series B round for Japanese wheelchair and personal mobility device developer Whill.
LP interview: Top Tier Capital Partners
Top Tier Capital Management sees continued interest from Asian LPs in the US venture capital market, but newcomers to the asset class must learn to understand its workings and be prepared for setbacks
Intel Capital cancels plans for secondary sale
Intel Capital, the captive VC arm of Intel Corp, appears to have abandoned plans to offload some of its investments in technology companies, with Wendell Brooks (pictured), the unit’s president, saying there will be no major changes to the portfolio.
Ares to buy American Capital in $3.4b deal
American Capital, which has a presence in Asia through its energy and infrastructure investment business, will be acquired by Ares Capital Corporation (ACC) in a deal worth $3.43 billion.
Fund focus: Geodesic helps US start-ups go big in Japan
The former US ambassador to Japan and the ex-head of Andreessen Horowitz's growth investment practice have joined forces to help US start-ups gain traction in Japan
Permira buys John Masters Organics, Japanese distributor
Permira will buy a controlling stake in John Masters Organics (JMO), owner of the eponymous personal care brand, and its exclusive distributor in Japan and East Asia for an enterprise valuation of JPY37 billion ($336 million).
Facebook co-founder's VC firm in first close on US-Asia fund - update
B Capital Group, a VC firm launched by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Raj Ganguly, formerly of Velos Partners and Bain Capital, has reached a first close on a US and Asia-focused fund, which has a full target of $250 million.
CPPIB names Asia, international head Mark Machin as CEO
Mark Machin, head of international and Asia president at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), will become the pension fund’s next global president and CEO. The appointment comes as CPPIB’s annual report indicates a continued ramp up in its...
Australia-founded BigCommerce raises $30m round
BigCommerce, an e-commerce software provider founded in Australia but now based in the US, has raised a $30 million Series E round led by GGV Capital. It has now received more than $155 million in funding.
Japan's JBIC to invest in KKR Americas fund
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has made an LP commitment to KKR’s latest North American fund. The size of the investment was not disclosed.
Baring Asia buys 35% stake in Telus International
Baring Private Equity Asia has agreed to buy a 35% stake in Telus International, the business process outsourcing (BPO) arm of Canadian telecom company Telus, at a post-deal valuation of C$1.2 billion ($930 million).
LP interview: Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
As Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan fortifies itself for the future, the LP is focused on playing an active role introducing innovations and progress to Asia’s private equity sector
BlackRock eyes Asia with $630m global buyout fund
BlackRock has raised more than $630 million for a direct co-investment buyout fund aimed in part at investments in emerging Asian markets.
Mayfield raises $525m across two global funds
US-based venture capital firm Mayfield has raised $525 million in capital across two global investment funds.
TPG buys India-focused CTSI for $33m
TPG Capital has bought a majority stake in Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI), a US cancer treatment chain focused on India and South Asia. AVCJ understands that the firm paid $33 million for a 65% interest.
China's IPV, Tsing back US hygiene technology start-up
China-based VC firms IPV Capital and Tsing Capital have led a $26 million Series C round of funding for RayVio Corp, a US company that has developed an ultraviolet LED technology for use in hygiene products.
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.
Shamrock to support Silvergate Media's China push
US private equity firm Shamrock Capital Advisors has acquired a majority stake in Silvergate Media with a view to expanding the company’s presence in China.
XIO Group to buy JD Power for $1.1b
XIO Group, which targets assets in North America and Europe with a view to unlocking growth potential in emerging markets such as Asia, has agreed to acquire market research business J.D. Power for $1.1 billion.
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.
Ally Bridge leads $150m round for US cancer treatment firm
San Diego-based cancer treatment developer Sorrento Therapeutics has raised about $150 million from a group of investors led by China-focused healthcare specialist Ally Bridge Group.
Bain rebrands Sankaty and Brookside, shuffles leadership
Bain Capital has rebranded its credit investment and public equities divisions – Sankaty Advisors and Brookside Capital – under the Bain Capital name and announced changes to its senior leadership.