Technology
Talent acquisition the biggest challenge for Asia PE – AVCJ Forum
Finding talented personnel to source and execute investments remains the biggest challenge facing Asia’s private equity industry, GPs told the AVCJ Forum.
Digital tools essential for modern day due diligence - AVCJ Forum
PE and VC investors in Asia are becoming more sophisticated in their approach to due diligence, with digital tools an increasingly important part of the skill set, the AVCJ Forum heard.
EDBI joins $50m round for US-based WalkMe
Singapore’s EDBI has joined a $50 million Series F round for US-based enterprise software provider WalkMe that will drive an Asia Pacific expansion.
Korea PE outlook: Exit issues
While Korea’s private equity market remains relatively stable, a much-anticipated opening up of IPO exits has yet to come to fruition
Japan PE outlook: Slow and steady
GPs have built strong ties with corporate Japan by demonstrating value-add capabilities. These networks should serve them well as the market becomes more active
China B2B plastics trading platform gets Series C funding
Kuaisuwang, a Chinese B2B trading platform for plastic products, has raised several millions of US dollars in a Series C round of funding from IRPC, a listed Thai petroleum and petrochemicals company.
Sequoia China, ZhenFund launch entrepreneur club
Sequoia China Capital and ZhenFund have announced plans to launch a non-profit community dedicated to providing training courses and resources to Chinese entrepreneurs.
Malaysia to invest $478m in PE, VC matching scheme
The Malaysian government will allocate MYR2 billion ($478 million) to a co-investment scheme that will match investments made in the country by private equity and venture capital funds.
Australasia PE outlook: Return of the take-private
Large-cap GPs are setting their sights on listed companies, with healthcare, education and technology top of the list
China's LightInTheBox to acquire VC-backed Ezbuy
Chinese online retailer LightInTheBox has agreed to acquire Southeast Asian e-commerce operator Ezbuy for $85.55 million through a share swap.
China PE outlook: End of the party
Growth stage technology deals have retained a strong following in 2018, but elsewhere in Chinese private equity the mood is more somber
Japan's TEPCO invests in PE-backed Electrify
Electrify, a Singapore-based energy marketplace based on blockchain technology and backed by Japan’s Global Brain, has raised an investment of undisclosed size from TEPCO Frontier Partners, an incubator sponsored by Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO).
Intel Capital backs China healthcare AI business
Intel Capital has led an investment of undisclosed size in Huiyi Huiying, a Chinese medical imaging technology developer that uses artificial intelligence (AI).
India PE outlook: Momentary frights
Investors see potential in India as valuation concerns ease, but exits and the macro picture present challenges in the short term
BASF venture unit backs China 3D printing player
Germany’s BASF Venture Capital has agreed its first direct investment in China with a commitment of undisclosed size to 3D printing company Prismlab.
Jungle co-leads $29m round for UK AI developer
Jungle Ventures has joined UK-based venture capital firm Lakestar to lead a $29 million Series A round for Engineer.ai, a developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software development tools.
Asia private equity: Tipping point?
Asian PE appears to be entering a transitional period as an assortment of macro issues loom over the global economy. GPs anticipate an adjustment in valuations, but woe betide he who tries to call the cycle
China's H Capital targets $700m for fifth fund
China-focused venture capital firm H Capital, founded by former Tiger Global managing partner Xiaohong Chen, is targeting $700 million for its fifth vehicle, according to a regulatory filing.
China's Linear Venture closes third fund
China’s Linear Venture has closed its third fund with a renminbi-denominated vehicle of RMB500 million ($72 million) and a US dollar-denominated vehicle of $70 million.
Hyundai invests $250m in Southeast Asia's Grab
South Korean car maker Hyundai Motor Group has joined the latest funding round for Southeast Asia ride-hailing app Grab, committing $250 million to deepen the two companies’ existing relationship.
China to launch trading board for start-ups in Shanghai
The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) will introduce a new board for technology start-ups, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the country's first International Import Expo.
CLSA invests in Singapore e-commerce site
CLSA Capital Partners (CLSA CP) has invested an undisclosed sum in FortyTwo, a Singaporean e-commerce player focused on home furnishings.
India's Meesho raises $50m Series C
Meesho, an Indian e-commerce platform focused on small businesses and emerging brands, has raised a $50 million Series C round led by Shunwei Capital, RPS Ventures, and DST Partners.
Tiger Global leads round for China online music tuition business
VIP Peilian, a Chinese online music education platform, has raised $150 million in a Series C round of funding led by Tiger Global Management.