Cleantech
Australia recycling start-up Samsara Eco raises $34m
Samsara Eco, an Australia-based start-up that has developed enzymes capable of breaking down plastics into their core molecules so they can be reconstituted in new items, has raised AUD 54m (USD 34.6m) in Series A funding.
Axiom, Pavilion back Japan climate tech start-up Asuene
Axiom Asia and Temasek Holdings-controlled Pavilion Capital have joined a USD 20m Series B round for Asuene, a Japan-based climate technology start-up that helps companies track carbon emissions.
China silicon supplier Lihao gets $305m Series B
Lihao Semiconductor, a China-based supplier of silicon materials used in solar panels, has raised CNY 2.2bn (USD 305m) in Series B funding from an investor group featuring Oceanpine Capital, V Fund, and Harvest Capital.
Gaorong backs China energy storage company
China-based energy storage company WeView has raised CNY 400 million (USD 57m) from a group including Gaorong Capital, Green Pine Capital Partners, and ZhenFund.
Energy transition case study: GLP
GLP’s sprawling warehousing and transport interests offer a unique view of the myriad energy issues that permeate the logistics value chain. Tech and common sense are the primary maintenance tools
Asia renewables: Building out
A surge in renewable energy development is expected in the wake of most Asian jurisdictions making net-zero commitments. Investors are bullish on the macro picture but cautious on the detail
Energy start-ups: Disencumbering incumbents
Digital start-ups play a crucial role in energy transition and therefore represent a significant investment opportunity. The best approaches consider human nature and social themes as well as widgets
Q&A: Brookfield Asset Management’s Daniel Cheng
Brookfield Asset Management recently raised USD 15bn for a fund dedicated to global energy transition. Daniel Cheng, a managing director with the firm in Shanghai, maps out likely deployment
Australian compostable cling film business gets $17m Series A
Great Wrap, an Australia-based start-up that manufacturers compostable cling film from food waste, has raised AUD 24m (USD 17m) in Series A funding.
Hillhouse reaches first close on China carbon neutrality fund
Hillhouse Capital has reached the first close on its debut renminbi-denominated carbon neutrality fund, which has an overall target of around CNY 4bn (USD 597m).
China energy storage start-up gets $48m pre-Series A
Zhongchu Guoneng Technology (ZGT), a China-based energy storage company, has raised CNY 320m (USD 48m) in pre-Series A funding led by Tsinghua Holdings Capital.
Skip leads Series B for Australia utilities SaaS platform
Skip Capital, a private investment firm established by Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar, has led a USD 14m Series B round for Neara, an Australian software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that serves utilities.
Australian crop monitoring start-up gets $38m Series B
Regrow, an Australian-based sustainable agriculture start-up, has raised USD 38m in Series B funding led by Galvanize Climate Solutions, Rethink Impact, and Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff’s Time Ventures.
China sustainability start-up Bluepha raises $235m
Bluepha, a China-based synthetic biology company working on a range of biodegradable plastics, has raised a three-tranche Series B of CNY 1.5bn (USD 235m).
Japan's Advantage raises renewables-focused SPAC
Advantage Partners has raised $150 million for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that will target de-carbonization and renewable energy-related assets with a focus on Asia ex-China and Europe.
China cleantech: Policy tailwinds
Private equity investment in China cleantech and renewables is at record levels, spurred by robust government support for the industry and a recognition that this time the boom might be sustainable
Local turbulence drives China tech players abroad - AVCJ Forum
Regulatory uncertainty in China has encouraged local technology companies to go global rather than rely on a single market, the AVCJ Private Equity & Venture Forum heard.
Sequoia, GIC backing propels Envision's funding round to $1b
Sequoia Capital China and GIC have joined Primavera Capital Group in backing China-based green technology player Envision Group, taking the company’s latest funding round to $1 billion.
Affinity invests $360m in Towngas China
Affinity Equity Partners has invested HK$2.8 billion ($360 million) in a China-focused affiliate of Hong Kong & China Gas (Towngas) to support the company’s transformation from a piped gas provider into a smart energy solutions business.
Primavera makes $600m China cleantech investment
Primavera Capital Group has invested $600 million in two subsidiaries of Envision Group, a China-based manufacturer of wind turbines, smart batteries, and renewable energy management systems.
Japan's Advantage adds renewables strategy
Japan’s Advantage Partners has broadened its investment scope with the introduction of a renewables and sustainability strategy.
Bain backs China gas station platform Newlink
Bain Capital Private Equity led a $200 million investment in Newlink Group, operator of a platform that helps drivers in China locate the best value gas stations and charging piles. Joy Capital re-upped in the round.
J-Star acquires Japan aquaculture business
Japanese lower middle market private equity firm J-Star has acquired local aquaculture industry supplier Dainichi for an undisclosed sum.
China's Li Auto gains 43% on debut after $1.1b US IPO
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto closed up 43% on its first day of trading on NASDAQ following a $1.1 billion IPO.