Sectors
INCJ, VCs back Japan big data firm Smart Insight
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is to invest up to JPY1 billion ($10.3 million) in Smart Insight Corp, a big data analysis software developer for the corporate sector. The business has also secured JPY400 million from Energy & Environment...
IDG, Temasek-backed mobile game operator eyes $123m HK IPO
Singapore-based mobile game developer I Got Games (IGG), which is backed by IDG Technology Venture Investment and Temasek Holdings, intends to raise as much as HK$950 million ($123 million) through an IPO in Hong Kong.
J-Star ups stake in Primagest
Japanese GP J-Star has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in image processing firm Primagest. The financial details of this second tranche of investment were not disclosed, but a source with direct knowledge of the matter said the mid-market...
Creador to take 20% stake in Malaysia's GHL, back e-pay acquisition
Creador will take a 20% stake in Malaysia-based payment services provider GHL Systems through a private placement of new shares. The capital will in part be used to finance GHL’s proposed acquisition of Australian Securities Exchange-listed e-pay Asia.
VC-backed Value HR sees shares double after $8.5m Japan IPO
VC-backed Value HR, a Japanese human resources benefits service provider, saw its stock more than double in value to JPY4035 ($41.5) on its trading debut in Tokyo on Friday.
Mavcap to launch fund targeting tech-based companies
Malaysia Venture Capital Management (Mavcap) plans to launch a $200 million investment fund platform fund later this year that will back technology-based companies at home and abroad.
Blackstone buys Sydney home retail center - report
The Blackstone Group has reportedly bought the Home HQ North Shore shopping center from Charter Hall Retail REIT for A$72.5 million ($68.35 million).
General Atlantic, India Equity Partners seek action against Fourcee Infrastructure
General Atlantic (GA) and India Equity Partners (IEP) are pursuing legal action against their portfolio company Fourcee Infrastructure Equipments, accusing executives of “extensive forgery and willful deceit.”
Kyoto University launches $60m venture fund
Japan's Kyoto University has launched its second venture fund, a $60 million vehicle which will invest in start-ups in Japan and the rest of Asia.
Matrix backs hotel reservation site Stayzilla.com
Matrix Partners India has acquired a significant minority stake in Stayzilla.com, a site which allows users to research and reserve hotels at discounted rates in more than 750 Indian cities. The financial details of the deal, in which Matrix was the sole...
Alibaba leads $50m Series C round for Quixey
Alibaba Group has led a $50 million Series C round of investment for Quixey, an US-based search engine for apps. New investor GGV Capital and existing backers Atlantic Bridge, Innovation Endeavors, Translink Capital, US Venture Partners, and WI Harper...
China Media Capital backs Charm Communications take-private
Hong Kong-based China Media Capital is backing management buyout of Charm Communications, a US-listed Chinese advertising agency. The bid values the company at about $180 million.
Temasek commits $100m in China 21Vianet
Temasek Holdings has invested $100 million in 21Vianet Group, a US-listed Chinese carrier-neutral internet data center services provider, for about a 10% stake.
IDG, CreditEase to launch financial innovation fund
IDG Capital Partners and CreditEase, a Chinese peer-to-peer (P2P) microcredit lender, have set up a financial innovation fund, targeting a first close of $100 million. The vehicle - IDG CreditEase Financial Innovation Fund – will support online financial...
500 Startups raises $44.1m second fund
Silicon Valley-based incubator 500 Startups has held a final close of $44.1 million second fund that will back seed and accelerator companies. The vehicle – 500 Startup Fund II - is larger than its predecessor but below the $50 million target.
Japan's Integral backs TBI Group
Japanese private equity firm Integral Corp. has acquired part of TBI Group, a restaurant chain operator with 78 outlets, as part of a management buyout. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
KKR, CDH go greenfield in China
KKR isn’t known for backing start-ups, but the risks associated with the firm’s recent foray into dairy farm ownership in China are tempered by the presence of familiar partners. For its first control deal in China and its first greenfield deal globally,...
MSPEA completes quiet Korea acquisition
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia’s (MSPEA) investment in Ssangyong C&B and Monalisa is like an iceberg: only one sixth was immediately visible. When the deal was first announced earlier this year, the information disclosed concerned a South Korean...
TPG exits a more diversified UT Capital
Property prices in China are inextricably linked to government policy. Vigilant to the emergence of bubbles in different geographies and segments, the authorities are ready with measures to curb price growth, but they must also ensure a sector that contributes...
NSR has an appetite for Moshe’s
“The typical Indian family stereotype today is different to that of my parents’ generation,” says Parag Saxena, founding general partner and CEO of New Silk Route (NSR). “Back then my mother would cook the meals and keep the house running while...
VC-backed Chinese online marketplace targets $150m US IPO
Chinese venture capital-backed local marketplace website 58.com filed for its US IPO, targeting up to $150 million.
Baidu, VC-backed travel website Qunar files for $125m IPO
Qunar, a Chinese travel website majority-owned by internet search giant Baidu, is looking to raise up to $125 million through an IPO in the US. GSR Ventures and GGV Capital still hold minority positions in the company but it is unclear whether they plan...
KKR buys 10% stake in China home appliance maker for $552m
KKR has acquired a 10% stake in Qingdao Haier (QH), a Chinese home appliance maker, for RMB3.38 billion ($552 million) - its biggest investment in China to date.
Hony among first batch of companies to set up in Shanghai free trade zone
Hony Capital was among the first batch of companies to be awarded licenses to operate in Shanghai's new free trade zone, which is being touted as a new test bed for economic reform.