Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s TaniHub secures $65.5m Series B
TaniHub, a platform that connects farmers with customers and other agriculture industry suppliers, has closed a $65.5 million Series B round led by MDI Ventures.
Singapore biotech start-up closes $125m Series C
Novo Holdings, which manages the wealth of Denmark’s Novo Nordisk Foundation, has led a $125 million Series C round for Hummingbird Bioscience, a Singapore and US-based drug developer.
Alibaba, Baring Asia back Masan's Vietnam grocery push
A consortium led by Alibaba Group and Baring Private Equity Asia has invested $400 million in the combined consumer goods and grocery retail operations of Vietnam conglomerates Masan Group and Vingroup.
Singapore fintech provider Thunes gets $60m
Insight Partners has led a $60 million round for Thunes, a Singapore-based financial technology provider specializing in B2B cross-border payments in developing markets.
India's Pine Labs raises $285m
Pine Labs, an India-based payments start-up that recently expanded its Southeast Asia footprint through the acquisition of Malaysia’s Fave, has secured $285 million in new funding.
Vietnam healthcare: Early days
Hospitals attract most of the capital and interest aimed at Vietnam healthcare. Macro tailwinds are benefiting other parts of the services ecosystem as well, but GPs don’t want to jump too early
Q&A: Gaw Capital Partners’ Christina Gaw
Hong Kong-based real estate investor Gaw Capital Partners has leveraged its knowledge and networks to expand into technology and education. Christina Gaw, a managing principal, explains how
Vietnam middle market: Room for maneuver
There is a perceived sweet spot in Vietnam where check sizes are too big for local GPs and too small for pan-regionals. Taking advantage means addressing structural nuances and strategic competition
Vietnam SOEs: Diverted divestments
Murky accounting and politics have rapidly decelerated the privatization of Vietnam’s government-owned companies in recent years. Private equity is biding its time and testing creative inroads
Indonesia's Gojek, Tokopedia merge as GoTo
Gojek and Tokopedia, two of Indonesia’s best-funded technology start-ups, have completed a merger, forming what they claim is the largest mobile on-demand services and payments platform in Southeast Asia.
James Murdoch launches Asia-focused SPAC
James Murdoch, son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, has launched a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that will pursue deals in Southeast and South Asia, with a particular focus on India.
EQT backs Indonesia flavors, fragrances player
Product innovation and geographic expansion are on the agenda for Indonesia-based flavors and fragrances (F&F) provider Indesso Group following EQT’s acquisition of a minority stake in the business.
Philippines digital bank Tonik raises $17m
Tonik, which claims to be the first digital bank in the Philippines, has raised $17 million in pre-Series B funding led by Singapore’s iGlobe Partners.
Deal focus: L Catterton backs Social Bella to emulate Perfect Diary
Social Bella has risen to prominence in Indonesia as an omnichannel distributor for other beauty brands, but the start-ups is now developing some of its own. L Catterton is backing this diversification drive
Deal focus: The e-commerce agglomeration effect
Inspired by Thrasio buying up e-commerce brands in the US and using its resources to drive growth, Una Brands wants to do the same in Asia. The start-up has secured $40 million to kick-start this effort
Deal focus: Bibit lays claim to be Indonesia’s Robinhood
A couple of quickfire funding rounds for Bibit reflects global investor appetite for robo-advisory businesses and the Indonesian company’s rare double-headed product offering
Nordstar, Insignia back Asia Amazon marketplace consolidator
Southeast Asia has seen its second e-commerce aggregator investment in a matter of days, with Rainforest securing $36 million in seed funding from Nordstar and Insignia Venture Partners.
TA buys Singapore corporate services provider, EQT exits
TA Associates has acquired a majority stake in In.Corp Group, a Singapore-headquartered corporate services provider, facilitating an exit for EQT.
Asia brand aggregator raises $40m
Una Brands, an aggregator of e-commerce brands with a presence across Asia, has launched with A$50 million ($40 million) in seed funding from 500 Startups, Kingsway Capital, 468 Capital, Presight Capital, and Global Founders Capital.
Asia Partners leads round for SE Asia e-commerce enabler
Asia Partners has led an approximately S$50 million ($37.4 million) round for Southeast Asia-focused cross-border e-commerce enabler SCI Ecommerce.
Female-focused Indonesia lending platform raises $28m
Amartha, a financial services provider for women-led micro and small to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, has raised $28 million in VC funding.
L Catterton backs Indonesia's Social Bella
L Catterton has made its first investment in Indonesia, leading a $56 million round for Social Bella, operator of the beauty industry platform Sociolla.
GP profile: Samena Capital
Conservative yet contrarian, Samena Capital has carved its own path prioritizing patience, trust, and transparency. A younger generation of leadership is guiding entry into a new digital landscape
Deal focus: Cityneon proves the show must go on
Singapore’s Cityneon has seen a robust rebound in its live events business, driven primarily by China. The company now has $177 million in new funding and deals covering everything from ancient Egypt to Avatar