Technology
TA Associates backs tech enablement start-up
Accion Labs, a US-headquartered start-up with Asian operations that helps companies implement emerging technologies, has received a strategic growth investment by TA Associates.
Australia’s Carnegie exits Assetic in PE-backed bolt-on
Australian VC investor MH Carnegie has exited asset management software specialist Assetic to Dude Solutions, a similar private equity-owned company in the US.
Chinese smart IT services provider Udesk raises $35m
Udesk, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider focused on customer service systems, has raised RMB250 million ($35 million) in an extended Series C round from an undisclosed US hedge fund.
Provident Growth leads $20m round for Singapore's Horangi
Horangi, a Singaporean cybersecurity specialist, raised $20 million in a Series B round led by Provident Growth, a Southeast Asia-focused private equity firm in Hong Kong.
Temasek leads $70m Series C for China's Abbisko Therapeutics
Temasek Holdings has led a $70 million Series C round for Chinese drug developer Abbisko Therapeutics.
Everest leads Series A for Chinese map provider
Fengxing Zhitu, a subsidiary of Chinese courier company SF Express, has raised a RMB100 million ($14 million) Series A round led by Everest Venture Capital. Oriza Holdings, Maison Capital, and Jade Capital also took part.
Alternative protein player Nature's Fynd gets $80m Series B
Nature’s Fynd, a US-based developer of edible proteins from non-animal and non-plant sources that is seen as having considerable application potential in Asia, has raised $80 million in Series B funding.
Hillhouse leads $60m Series B for China biotech player
Hillhouse Capital has led a $60 million Series B round for China’s Iaso Biotherapeutics via its newly established VC unit GL Ventures.
Chinese optical semiconductor maker raises $14m
Bosheng Guangdian, a Chinese optical semiconductor maker targeting the smart phone market, has raised RMB100 million ($14 million) from a group featuring Vision Knight Capital.
Fund focus: Quona doubles down on financial inclusion
Financial technology player Quona's $203 million second fund is expected to feature more early-stage rounds, more 'adjacency' plays in previously inaccessible segments, and more start-ups outside of India and Indonesia
Korea cybersecurity player raises $8m Series B
SecuLetter, a Korean cybersecurity technology provider, has raised a $8 million Series B round that included Saudi Arabian VC firm Riyadh Valley Company.
KKR appoints Asia technology investment head
Lucian Schöenefelder has been appointed head of technology investments in Asia. He previously performed a similar role for the firm in Europe.
Deal focus: Neolix finds its self-driving niche
Unable to achieve the cost-effectiveness of America's driverless grocery delivery services in China, Neolix refocused on transporting meals. Investor Yunqi Partners believes simple solutions mean quicker commercialization
India’s Oyo closes Series F round at $1.5b
Indian hotel platform Oyo has concluded a $1.5 billion Series F round by raising $807 million from RA Hospitality Holdings, an entity controlled by founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal, and SoftBank Vision Fund.
Vision Plus hits $400m first close on third China fund
Vision Plus Capital has completed the first closing on its third US dollar-denominated fund with $400 million in commitments. The vehicle comprises separate venture and growth equity capital pools.
Korean second-hand goods marketplace gets $44m
Several Korean investors have committed KRW56 billion ($44 million) in funding to Bungaejangter, a local C2C mobile marketplace specializing in second-hand goods.
Deal focus: Spinny aims to be more than a marketplace
Spinny - alongside industry peer Truebil - has taken the used car sales model that works for Carvana in the US and applied it to India. Combining online reach with offline legitimacy is the key
Deal focus: 51CTO’s prescient training pivot
Chinese IT platform 51CTO switched from online media to online training five years ago and hasn't looked back. With $20 million in Series C funding, the company wants to sustain its rise
Chinese drug developer RemeGen raises $100m
RemeGen, a Chinese drug developer, has raised a $100 million round led by Lilly Asia Ventures and Lake Bleu Capital.
Chinese insurtech player Insgeek gets $25m Series C
SIG and China Renaissance New Economy Fund have co-led a $25 million Series C round for Insgeek, a Chinese insurance technology specialist.
Grab launches Singapore-Vietnam accelerator
Singapore-based ride-hailing app Grab has teamed up with the local technology regulator to launch a start-up accelerator focused on facilitating business expansions into Vietnam.
Everest leads $24m round for China's Cloudwise
Chinese enterprise digital solutions provider Cloudwise has raised $24 million in an extended Series D round led by Everest Venture Capital. Sequoia Capital China, WestSummit Capital, ASG and Koala Fund also participated.
Q&A: Prosus Ventures' Martin Tschopp
Martin Tschopp, head of Prosus Ventures – formerly a VC arm of South African media conglomerate Naspers – discusses future plans and emerging internet consumer trends
Korea's Mirae leads $500m round for Impossible Foods
Korea’s Mirae Asset Global Investments has led a $500 million Series F round for Impossible Foods, a US-based food technology supplier pursuing an Asia expansion.