coronavirus
Australia superfund withdrawals: Double trouble
Allowing cash-strapped superannuation members early access to their pension savings is seen as an essential COVID-19 relief measure. But it may not be conducive to a long-term investment mindset
Deal focus: SensorFlow’s coronavirus pivot
With hotel occupancy falling - and demand for its energy management solution taking a hit - SensorFlow moved quickly to make the revenue model sustainable. The company is now targeting vertical and geographic expansion
Coronavirus & MAC clauses: Devil in the details
Business breakdowns caused by COVID-19 have spurred investors to re-examine their legal options with deals in pre-close limbo. That could spark a major evolution in M&A contracting
Q&A: Zenysis Technologies' Jonathan Stambolis
Zenysis Technologies develops artificial intelligence-enabled systems that help governments improve healthcare management. CEO Jonathan Stambolis explains how demand has increased in response to COVID-19
After COVID-19: Retail revolution?
Attempts to map out post-coronavirus outbreak developments in retail are complicated by uncertainty over the timing of the rebound and the extent of the role played by technology
Coronavirus & Australia VC: In SaaS we trust
Enterprise services start-ups with recurring revenue are well positioned, but mid-cap players could become vulnerable
Coronavirus & Southeast Asia VC: Unpleasant surprises
Start-ups in Southeast Asia have few capital sources, so it helps that the region’s VCs are well-funded – assuming they are ready to invest
Coronavirus & North Asia VC: Diverging fortunes
Speed of response to COVID-19 has led to differing outcomes for VC investment in Korea and Japan. But structural issues are also a factor
Coronavirus & India VC: Struggling to work
Investors don’t expect business activity in India to resume until the second half. Many start-ups will be desperate for capital before then
Coronavirus & China VC: Bifurcation point
China might be emerging from the grip of COVID-19, but many start-ups face a long battle. This is when VCs find out who the winners are
Baring Asia executives forgo salary to support COVID-19 efforts
Baring Private Equity Asia’s (BPEA) investment committee, including CEO Jean Eric Salata, will contribute 100% of their annual base salaries to a COVID-19 relief fund. The $5 million vehicle will also include commitments from the firm’s balance sheet...
Malaysia's COPE launches COVID-19 support program
Malaysia’s COPE Private Equity has set up a MYR180 million ($41.5 million) investment program dedicated to supporting companies struggling with business stresses related to COVID-19.
Coronavirus & capital calls: Time to draw?
With GPs and LPs placing a premium on liquidity, there is more scrutiny of capital call processes. Some managers are pushing for changes to documentation, but will investors relent?
TNB Aura launches COVID-19 special situations fund
Singapore VC firm TNB Aura has launched an open-ended special situations fund that will support early-stage start-ups under financial pressure related to COVID-19.
BGH, OTPP pull out of New Zealand dentistry deal
BGH Capital and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) have scrapped plans to acquire New Zealand dentistry chain Abano Healthcare citing material changes caused by COVID-19.
Coronavirus & take-privates: Opportunity knocks
With public equities prices sliding to multi-year lows across the region as a result of coronavirus disruption, GPs willing to take the leap might find value in privatizations
Coronavirus & secondaries: Niche dilemmas
Anecdotal feedback from secondaries professionals reveals a quick onset of stagnation in the market due to COVID-19. Creative workarounds are not impossible, but almost
Coronavirus & leverage: Room to maneuver?
Economic disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak is likely to leave many private equity portfolio companies in breach of their leverage covenants. Borrowers and lenders are looking for a fix
Storm warning: Investors prepare for macro difficulties
The coronavirus outbreak appears to be fast-tracking a long-expected economic downturn. The situation is very different from the aftermath of the global financial crisis, but PE investors may still draw instruction from the events of 2008-2009
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
Village Roadshow suitors continue work despite coronavirus disruption
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) and BGH Capital are continuing their due diligence on Australian cinema and theme park operator Village Roadshow despite the company experiencing difficulties due to coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus & fundraising: Caught in a bind
The coronavirus outbreak has implications for PE fundraising well beyond China. Many Asia-based managers are either unable to go and see LPs or LPs are not permitted to visit them
Coronavirus in China: Back from the brink
China GPs are trying to navigate the coronavirus uncertainty and help portfolio companies pick up the pieces, whether that means cutting costs or realizing new revenue streams