Southeast Asia
Singapore's Vertex closes debut growth fund at $290m
Vertex Venture Holdings, the VC arm of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has reached a final close on its first growth-stage fund with $290 million in commitments. The initial target was $250 million.
China PE compensation premium is shrinking - survey
The premium traditionally paid for deal-making talent in China over other Asian jurisdictions is narrowing and in some cases has turned into a deficit – in what might be seen as evidence of GPs looking to strengthen their coverage beyond the region’s...
GIC leads $500m investment in Vietnam's VCM Services
A consortium led by Singapore’s GIC Private has agreed to invest $500 million in VCM Services, a consumer retail division of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate.
Temasek, Kuehne + Nagel launch early-stage logistics fund
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings has launched a $50 million fund focused on early-stage logistics technology start-ups alongside Switzerland supply chain industry giant Kuehne + Nagel.
GIC-backed Metro Pacific Hospital files for Philippines IPO
Metro Pacific Hospitals Holdings (MPHH), a unit of Philippines-based conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), has filed for a domestic IPO. GIC is a minority shareholder in the business.
Partners for Growth seals debut Indonesia venture debt deal
US venture debt provider Partners for Growth (PFC) has completed its first deal in Indonesia – and one of its largest in Asia Pacific – by extending a $20 million credit line to digital credit start-up Kredivo.
PE-backed data center platform makes Asia investments
Princeton Digital Group, a Singapore-based data center developer backed by Warburg Pincus, has confirmed three project acquisitions across Asia as part of a $500 million regional expansion.
Temasek, EV Growth lead $40m round for Indonesia's Social Bella
Temasek Holdings and EV Growth have led a $40 million Series D investment in Social Bella, an Indonesian online services provider for the beauty and lifestyle industry.
DSG exceeds target for third India, Southeast Asia fund
DSG Consumer Partners has reached a final close of $65 million on its third fund focused on early-stage consumer opportunities in India and Southeast Asia, beating its hard cap of $60 million.
Grab commits $500m to Vietnam tech ecosystem
Grab, a Southeast Asia-focused ride-hailing app operator backed by a number of PE and VC firms, has committed to invest $500 million in Vietnam’s technology ecosystem in the next five years.
Singapore-based Play closes debut gaming fund at $40m
Play Ventures, a Singapore-based VC firm focused on gaming start-ups in Europe, Asia, and North America, has closed its debut fund at $40 million.
East Ventures closes sixth fund at $75m
East Ventures has closed its sixth fund for early-stage Southeast Asian start-ups at $75 million. It had initially targeted $30 million.
Vulcan Capital expands into Asia
Vulcan Capital, a US-based venture investor set up by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, has opened a Singapore office and earmarked $100 million for investment in Southeast Asia.
Sovereign investors and technology: Smart nations
Conservative sovereign wealth investors are increasingly comfortable making direct commitments to venture-oriented technology companies. The strategy appears to suit them but remains to be validated
Singapore's RedDoorz raises $70m
Singapore hotel management and booking platform RedDoorz has raised $70 million in Series C funding less than a month after closing a $45 million Series B.
VinaCapital invests in Vietnam logistics tech start-up
The venture capital arm of Vietnam’s VinaCapital has invested an undisclosed sum in local logistics technology start-up An Vui.
SSG targets wider array of distressed sellers for Fund V
SSG Capital Partners expects to source distressed assets from a wider variety of sellers – including other alternative investment firms and investment banks – during the life of its fifth Asia fund, which is on track to exceed its target of $1.5 billion....
Women entrepreneurs: Tales from the coalface
Women remain underrepresented in start-up ecosystems across Asia, but for those who have taken the plunge, there is potential to make a social impact that transcends their respective target markets
EDBI joins $89m round for US agtech player Inari
EDBI, the investment arm of Singapore’s Economic Development Board, has joined an $89 million Series C round for US agricultural technology developer Inari.
Singapore's Carro raises $30m for extended Series B
Singaporean auto marketplace operator Carro has raised $30 million from investors including SoftBank Ventures Asia as part of an extended Series B round.
TPG hires KKR's David Tan in Singapore
TPG Capital has engaged David Tan, a former director with KKR’s private equity team, as a managing director based in Singapore with responsibility for Southeast Asia.
MassMutual Ventures leads $33m round for Singapore's Aspire
The Southeast Asia arm of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance’s venture capital arm, has led a $32.5 million funding round for Singapore-based online banking platform Aspire.
Deal focus: Jollibee circles as Coffee Bean booms in Asia
The Philippines’ Jollibee Foods is set to buy US cafe chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to continue a massive Asian expansion effort. Exiting investor CDIB Capital attests to the opportunity set
Kaizen commits $10m to Vietnam's Yola
Indian education-focused GP Kaizen Private Equity has made its first investment in Vietnam, committing $10 million to English training company Yola.