Technology
Singapore proposes simpler regulatory framework for VCs
Singapore should make it easier for venture capital firms to establish themselves locally and take steps to attract more private equity investors to the country as part of efforts to fill the funding gap, a government-appointed panel has recommended.
Warburg Pincus leads $100m Series D for China’s Yunniao
Warburg Pincus has led a $100 million Series D round for Yunniao Distribution, a platform for sourcing intercity courier services in China, followed by existing investors Matrix Partners and GSR Ventures.
China VC-backed parenting site gets Series D from Suning
Lamabang, a Chinese parent-focused social platform backed by several VC investors, has raised a Series D round of funding from local home appliance retailer Suning Commerce.
AGIC closes Asia-Europe fund at $1b
AGIC Capital, which invests in European high-end manufacturing companies with expansion potential in Asia, has closed its debut fund on target at $1 billion.
China O2O player buys VC-backed last-mile delivery app
Huimin, a Chinese B2B e-commerce platform that focuses on small-scale supermarkets, has acquired a controlling stake at Beequick, a snack food delivery app backed by several VC investors.
India's Wooplr raises $8m Series B
Sistema Asia Fund (SAF) has led an $8 million Series B round for Indian social network and online fashion marketplace Wooplr.
Deal focus: Grab thinks local in Indonesia
Grab will invest $700 million in Indonesia over four years with a view to developing more localized solutions that support the development of its core ride-hailing business as well as promote financial inclusion
Temasek leads $55m round for India's CarTrade
Singapore state-backed investment group Temasek Holdings has led a INR3.7 billion ($55.2 million) funding round for Indian online auto sales portal CarTrade.
Chinese VC-backed car valuation platform raises $29m
Che300.com, a Chinese VC-backed platform that values used cars, has raised RMB200 million ($29 million) in a Series C round of funding led by state-owned automotive company SAIC Motor.
Beyond Next Ventures leads $3.4m round for Japan's CureApp
Japan-based investor Beyond Next Ventures has led a JPY380 million ($3.4 million) round for domestic healthcare software developer CureApp.
Flipkart: A unicorn unbowed
Despite a series of markdowns over the last 12 months and increased competitive pressure, Indian investors say e-commerce giant Flipkart is still a force to be reckoned with
China online pharmaceutical trading site raises $16m
Yaoshibang, a Chinese B2B pharmaceutical trading platform, has raised a RMB110 million ($16 million) Series B round co-led by Shenzhen-based Green Pine Capital Partners and Fosun Group.
India's Sathguru launches $100m agritech fund
India-based Sathguru Management Consultants has launched a $100 million fund to invest in start-ups focused on innovation in the food and agriculture sector.
Singapore's CXA raises $25m Series B round
The investment arm of Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDBI) and B Capital Group have led a $25 million Series B funding round for Singaporean health technology start-up CXA Group.
RB Investments leads $10m Series B for India's TravelTriangle
Singapore-based VC firm RB Investments has led a $10 million Series B round for Holiday Triangle Travel, operator of Indian online travel planning marketplace TravelTriangle.
Investec leads $19.5m round for Singapore image recognition player
Investec Bank has led a $19.5 million funding round for Trax Image Recognition, a Singapore-based company that uses visual technology to support manufacturers and retailers.
Stellaris reaches $50m first close on India VC fund
Stellaris Venture Partners, a Indian venture capital firm that spun out from Helion Venture Partners, has reached a first close of $50 million on its debut fund. The full target is $100 million.
Japan VCs back domestic fintech start-up
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), SBI Investment and Dentsu Digital Holdings have contributed to a JPY800 million ($7.1 million) funding round for Tokyo-based financial technology company Coiney.
Japan fintech start-up Folio gets $16m Series A
Jafco and several other Japanese venture capital firms have joined a JPY1.8 billion ($18.7 million) Series A round for Japanese stock-trading app developer Folio.
China delivery start-up Shansong gets $50m Series C
Shansong, a Chinese start-up that provides intercity courier services, has raised a $50 million Series C round of funding led by SIG Asia Investment and Yi Capital.
Vanguard marks down India's Ola
A mutual fund managed by US-based Vanguard Group has cut the value of its shares in Indian ride-hailing app Ola by 41%, joining several other US mutual funds in marking down Indian tech unicorns.
Ride-hailing app Grab launches $100m Indonesia VC fund
Southeast Asian ride-hailing app operator Grab has created a $100 million fund to invest in Indonesian start-ups as part of its expansion plan in the country.
China’s Toutiao acquires US VC-backed video app Flipagram
Chinese mobile news reading app Toutiao has acquired Flipagram, a US-based video sharing app backed by several VC investors, for an undisclosed amount.
Japan’s Advantage exits GTA TeleGuam to US investor
Japan-based Advantage Partners has agreed to sell its controlling stake in GTA TeleGuam, the principal telecommunications provider on the US island of Guam, to US-based family office Huntsman Family Investments (HFI).