Southeast Asia
Deal focus: TaniGroup plants a seed for Indonesia agtech
TaniGroup was established to address an information disparity that prevents Indonesian farmers from making more money. Several VC investors are now backing it to become a broader platform
Advent raises $17.5b for ninth global fund
Advent International has closed its latest global fund at the hard cap of $17.5 billion, completing its largest-ever fundraising exercise in the space of six months.
ComfortDelGro backs Singapore logistics start-ups
Singapore land transport services company ComfortDelGro has backed two local logistics start-ups via its recently launched venture capital arm.
Fund focus: EV Growth fills the gap
East Ventures, Sinar Mas Digital Ventures, and YJ Capital have raised $200 million for a fund that will target Southeast Asia's underserved Series B and above space
Southeast Asia venture debt: Getting acquainted
A host of early movers in Southeast Asian venture debt are attempting to fill one of the last big gaps in the region’s start-up infrastructure. The outlook is promising, but adoption rates remain a concern
Temasek launches Asia impact fund
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings has set up a private equity fund that will make impact investments, primarily in developing Asia.
Warburg Pincus seeks $4.25b for China, SE Asia fund - update
Warburg Pincus is targeting $4.25 billion for its second China companion fund, having officially added Southeast Asia to the mandate. The previous companion fund closed at $2 billion in late 2016 after three months in the market.
Singapore's EV Growth closes debut fund at $200m
Singapore-based EV Growth, a joint venture between East Ventures, Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Digital Ventures (SMDV) and Japan’s YJ Capital, has closed its first fund at $200 million.
Portfolio: Mekong and Pharmacity
Mekong Capital has spent the last two years helping Pharmacity bring Vietnam’s outdated retail pharmacy market into the modern age. Now the company is preparing to fend off a wave of copycats
Openspace backs Indonesian agtech start-up
Openspace Ventures has led a $10 million Series A round for Indonesian agricultural technology start-up TaniGroup.
VC investors excited by Vietnam's tech talent - AVCJ Forum
Vietnam’s deepening pool of technology talent could be its biggest asset as the country evolves from a nascent start-up ecosystem to one capable of generating multiple unicorns.
Singapore's VisVires launches $150m food tech fund
VisVires New Protein, a Singapore-based VC firm specializing in food technology, has launched its second fund with a target of $150 million. Fund I closed at $40 million in 2016.
Technology key to Vietnam consumer deals - AVCJ Forum
Technology is a critical factor for any investor looking to participate in the Vietnam consumer story, whether they are backing retail businesses directly or any sector proxies, industry participants told the AVCJ Vietnam Forum.
Genesis starts Southeast Asia venture debt business
Sassoon Investment Corporation, the family office of the Sassoon family, and Indonesian bank CIMB Niaga have launched Genesis Alternative Ventures, a venture debt provider targeting start-ups in Southeast Asia.
Temasek-owned Azalea targets $600m from PE-backed bonds
Temasek Holdings-owned Azalea Asset Management is once again offering Singapore retail investors the opportunity to participate in private equity with plans to raise around $600 million through the sale of bonds backed by LP interests in funds.
Deal focus: Archipelago makes Philippines banking play
Archipelago Capital Partners takes a minority stake in One Network Bank to support its parent's plans to lead the country's rural banking sector
Sequoia, MassMutual lead Series B for Singapore's Biofourmis
Sequoia Capital India and MassMutual Ventures have led a $35 million Series B round of funding for Singapore-based Biofourmis, operator of a health analytics platform that tracks how patients are responding to treatment.
Deal focus: Clearing up Southeast Asia’s currency chaos
Investors see opportunity in bringing a promising currency exchange-focused fintech model from Europe into Southeast Asia. Singapore-focused YouTrip is the region’s first mover in this niche
Governance standards: A matter of integrity
Traditionally the overlooked, underappreciated or misrepresented facet of ESG, governance is gaining prominence in emerging markets private equity as investors reassess risk exposure
Archipelago closes debut fund at $75m
Southeast Asia-focused private equity firm Archipelago Capital Partners has closed its debut fund at $75 million, and plans to raise a successor vehicle in 2020.
Archipelago completes investment in Philippines bank
Southeast Asia-focused GP Archipelago Capital Partners has completed its investment in One Network Bank (ONB), the rural subsidiary of Philippines-listed financial services provider BDO Unibank.
Vietnam PE: Proving ground
Global investors are demonstrating a more consistent sense of confidence in Vietnam as record levels of IPO and private equity activity suggest the country has largely dispelled a reputation for volatility
Vertex raises $230m for India, Southeast Asia fund
Vertex Venture Holdings (VVH), the VC arm of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has reached the initial $230 million target for its fourth Southeast Asia and India fund in a single closing.
Vietnam inbound investment: Regional rivals
Strategic interest in Vietnam is growing, especially among companies within Asia looking to tap growth no longer available at home. PE investors see them as partners – and sometimes as competitors