AVCAL
Future Fund stresses risk-reward balance in private market strategies
Institutional investors “should be thoughtful about balancing risk and reward” as they deploy more capital into private markets that present liquidity and valuation challenges, according to the deputy CIO of Australia’s Future Fund.
Australia VC: Debutantes’ ball
Long timeframes of incremental growth from a shallow base will test the staying power of a new generation of Australian venture capital funds. But confidence is running high
Australia's AVCAL appoints local LP as new chair
The Australian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) – which will be known as the Australian Investment Council from next year – has appointed its first chairperson from the local institutional investor community.
Succession planning: Ending an era
Succession planning is quickly becoming a strategic priority across Asia Pacific. In Australia, GPs are looking into a number of different ways to make it work
PE executives in government: Late to the party
With private equity executives playing an unprecedented role in the Trump administration, the advantages that PE can bring to government – and vice versa – has come into the spotlight
Australia to streamline foreign investment approvals
The Australian government has proposed an amendment to foreign investment rules introduced in late 2015 that require some private equity firms to obtain regulatory approval when making a buyout.
Cost conundrum: Super funds, fees and private equity
Australian regulators want greater consistency in how superannuation funds report costs and fees to members. While sound in principle, the draft measure is problematic in practice, especially for private equity
Three GPs chosen to manage Australia biomedical fund
OneVentures, Brandon Capital and BioScience Managers have been selected to manage the Australian government’s A$500 million ($375 million) Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF).
PE exposure vital in weak global economy - Future Fund
Exposure to private equity and venture capital – where it is driven by true value creation rather than financial leverage or strong economic growth – has never been more important, according to Raphael Arndt, CIO of Australia’s Future Fund.
Australian government launches $191m biomedical VC fund
The Australian government has seeded $250 million ($191 million) from its Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to a biomedical technology-focused venture investment vehicle. It will match private sector commitments, bringing the total available for deployment...
Australian PE: Under the spotlight
The rapid descent of Dick Smith Electronics from a $500 million valuation to bankruptcy has led to sharp criticism of private equity. Once again, the industry must explain why it isn’t the bad guy
Australian senate committee to investigate Dick Smith demise
An Australian parliamentary committee will launch an inquiry into the collapse of listed domestic retailers following the demise of Dick Smith Electronics, which was previously owned by Anchorage Capital Partners.
Nature vs nurture: Training PE professionals
With private equity’s traditional training tools coming under increased scrutiny, some are calling for standardized qualifications - before outside forces take matters out of the industry’s hands.
Australia backs crowdfunding scheme, offers start-up tax breaks
The Australian government has allocated A$7.8 million ($6.2 million) to develop crowd-sourced equity funding (CSEF) and offered tax breaks for start-ups in its latest federal budget.
Australia scales back start-up funding schemes
Support for technology start-ups is among the casualties in Australia’s austerity budget, with several programs discontinued, including the Innovation Investment Fund (IIF), which sponsors VC funds.
Australia delays pension fund portfolio disclosure rules
The Australian government has once again postponed the introduction of legislation that could require superannuation funds to disclose not only the identity of the GPs they are backing but also details of the each fund’s holdings.
Australia's PE-backed IPOs outperform wider market - study
Private equity-backed IPOs in Australia have out-performed comparable non PE-backed listings over both short- and long-term horizons, according to a new study.
Australian pension funds: Indecent disclosure?
The Australian government is expected to halt and wind back superannuation fund disclosure requirements that go beyond global norms. Industry participants are hopeful for the best, but mindful of the worst
AVCAL names Yasser El-Ansary as CEO
The Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) has chosen Yasser El-Ansary as its new CEO, effective from November 20. The appointment follows last month's resignation of Katherine Woodthorpe after seven years in the role.
AVCAL CEO Katherine Woodthorpe resigns
Katherine Woodthorpe, CEO of the Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCAL), has resigned. Having spent seven years in the role, Woodthorpe announced she would be stepping down on October 31 in order to "pursue fresh challenges."
VC-backed companies lead the way in Australia R&D - study
Venture capital-backed companies in Australia spend an average 200 times more on R&D per employee than other businesses, according to a report by the Australian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCAL).
Australian PE supports half a million jobs - Deloitte
Australian private-equity-backed companies support an estimated 500,000 jobs according to research by Deloitte Access Economics.
Australian GPs see strong investment climate, challenges for exits
Australia’s private equity investment environment is at its strongest in five years but this is tempered by managers facing more challenges selling portfolio companies, according to Anthony Kerwick, managing director at Pacific Equity Partners (PEP).
Australian government commits $360m to innovation fund, clarifies VC structures
The Australian government will provide A$350 million ($360 million) in new funding for the Innovation Investment Fund to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Improvements have also been made to the early stage and venture capital limited...