ESG
Diversity & inclusion: The right questions
With diversity and inclusion becoming a priority for institutional investors, GPs are being asked to demonstrate a willingness to take meaningful action. The challenge is often knowing where to start
The crystal ball: Predictions for 2021
Industry professionals process the upheavals of 2020 to inform outlooks for a range of markets and investment themes. Realist bullishness abounds
Cathay Capital appoints chief impact officer
Cathay Capital has named Matthieu van der Elst, formerly CEO of France’s Michelin Ventures, as its first chief impact officer.
UOB, Credit Suisse hit $60m first close on Asia impact fund
UOB Venture Management (UOBVM) and Credit Suisse have raised approximately $60 million in a first closing on their second Asia impact investment fund.
LPs back Adamantem's emissions reduction drive
Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has made its first commitment to a private equity fund, coming in as an anchor investor in Adamantem Capital’s second buyout vehicle.
China Everbright raises $459m for BRI fund
China Everbright has reached a first close of RMB3 billion ($459 million) on an environment-focused fund that concentrates on economies covered by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
ESG reporting pressures pile on GPs, LPs – AVCJ Forum
Rising compliance standards and COVID-19 have heightened the need for detailed reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, LPs told the AVCJ ESG Forum.
COVID-19 amplifies focus on societal issues - AVCJ Forum
Concerns that impact investment would get pushed to the margins in the chaos of COVID-19 have been confounded by a renewed emphasis on social issues created by the pandemic, according to industry participants.
ESG: Selling sustainability
As demonstrated by CVC Capital Partners' experience with Softex Indonesia, cost savings are a good starting point when trying to convince Asia founders to embrace sustainability initiatives
Deal focus: CVC's soft sell
CVC Capital Partners helped Softex Indonesia grow its market share by penetrating modern retail channels and launching an ESG program. A $1.2 billion trade sale exit to Kimberly-Clark is its reward
ESG & secondaries: Finer filters
Rising sustainability standards pose unique challenges for investors that prefer buying into existing portfolios. Interestingly, increasingly complex deal structures are making it easier
Investcorp ramps up India ESG build-out
Investcorp will establish an environment, social and governance (ESG) pilot project in India as a stepping stone to implementing a global framework.
Corporate VCs & climate change: Good citizens
Increased climate change awareness on a corporate level is leading to more investment – either direct or through funds – in start-ups that offer mitigation solutions. Asia is a key geography
LPs warn of adverse ESG impact in India - AVCJ Forum
LPs told the AVCJ India Virtual Forum that Indian private equity firms may struggle to raise capital from international investors if they don't make progress on environment, social and governance (ESG) issues.
LPs & climate change risk: Numbers game
With more information at their fingertips, institutional investors are better positioned to understand and act on climate risks and opportunities in their portfolios. But private markets are still playing catchup
Sustainable food: Forces of nature
Environmental considerations are intrinsic to food innovation investment strategy, not a public relations bonus. Science, society, and myriad motivations color a range of perspectives
Q&A: PAI Partners' Cornelia Gomez
Cornelia Gomez, head of ESG and sustainability at PAI Partners and global coordinator for the International Climate Initiative, discusses carbon footprinting, scenario analysis, and regulation
GPs & climate change risk: Material matters
Climate change risk is becoming a broader debate within private equity, taking in the long-term impact of floods, droughts, and fires on portfolios. Most GPs have yet to turn thought into action
Singapore’s Her Capital targets $10m for debut fund
Singapore-headquartered venture capital firm Her Capital is seeking to raise a debut $10 million fund to invest in Southeast Asia with a gender lens-focused thesis.
KKR backs Australia environment services player
KKR has made an investment of undisclosed size in GreenCollar, an environmental services provider that helped establish Australia’s carbon credit market.
ESG and VC: Deferred dialogue
Institutional LPs are traditionally less engaged with VC versus PE when it comes to responsible investment standards. A multitude of drivers are changing this, but not quickly
ESG-related deals must be judged on commercial merits – AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors in Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) protocols – but as a factor within the decision-making process, not its sole driver.
KKR raises $1.3b for global impact fund
KKR has closed its debut global impact investment fund with $1.3 billion in commitments. It will back companies that provide commercial solutions to environmental or social challenges, based on criteria set out in the UN sustainable development goals...
AVCJ Awards 2019: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: Manuka Health
Pacific Equity Partners set up Manuka Health for an Asia-focused chapter of growth with a three-year overhaul that contributed significantly to the transformation of an industry