Fundraising
India announces $1.6b fund to support start-ups
The Indian government has pledged to support local start-ups by launching a INR100 billion ($1.6 billion) fund-of-funds.
New Australian crowd-funding platform set for launch
A new equity crowdfunding platform called Equitise is being launched in Australia.
Morgan Stanley PE Asia closes Fund IV at $1.7b
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) has closed its fourth Asian fund at approximately $1.7 billion. The vehicle launched in mid-2012 with a target of $1.5 billion and reached a first close later that year of around $750 million.
NewQuest closes Fund II, prepares for hydropower take-private
NewQuest Capital Partners has reached a final close of $316 million on its second pan-Asia fund, exceeding the $300 million target. The announcement comes as the secondaries specialist is poised to take private US-listed China Hydroelectric in a deal...
FATCA compliance: A ticking clock
As of July 1, PE firms were supposed to have taken the first step towards compliance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Few in Asia can exist beyond the regulatory web
Inside fundraising: Gleanings from the first half of 2014
At the halfway point of 2014, what do the private equity fundraising numbers tell us? According to provisional data from AVCJ Research, 82 funds have reached incremental or final closes worth $23.6 billion so far this year. This compares to $25.5 billion...
Cathay Capital reaches $629m first close on Sino-French fund
Cathay Capital has reached a EUR460 million ($629 million) first close on its latest Sino-French fund which has a final target of EUR500 million.
Japan's Rakuten launches $100m global VC fund
Rakuten Ventures - the corporate VC arm of Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten - has launched a $100 million fund targeting start-ups in Asia Pacific, Israel and the US.
Bertelsmann backs India's Nirvana Ventures
Global media group Bertelsmann has made an LP commitment to Digital Nirvana Fund, an India-focused vehicle that supports start-ups in the digital space.
Mandarin plans China expansion for Italian footwear textiles maker
Mandarin Capital Partners and Private Equity Partners have acquired control of Milan-based Industrie Chimiche Forestali SpA (ICF), which develops adhesives and special textiles for the footwear industry.
Secondaries: Choice cuts
Secondary fundraising has reached new highs over the past year, signaling greater investor appetite for the asset class. What is driving the demand and who is likely to benefit?
Lightspeed China closes Fund II at $260m
Lightspeed China Partners has reached a final close of $260 million on its second China fund, exceeding the target of $220 million.
PSERS re-ups as Orchid Asia seeks $750m for sixth China fund
Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) has committed up to $75 million to Orchid Asia’s sixth China fund, which has a target of $750 million.
CyberAgent launches $50m start-up fund
CyberAgent Ventures, the corporate VC arm the Japanese internet firm, has formed a new fund worth JPY5 billion ($49 million).
Creador Fund II to reach final close in August
India and Southeast Asia-focused GP Creador is set for a final close of $250 million on its second fund in August, having already raised $220 million.
OPIC backs Quadria healthcare fund, CX India mezzanine vehicle
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has made commitments to Quadria Capital South and Southeast Asia-focused healthcare fund and CX Partners’ India mezzanine fund.
Permira holds $7.2b final close global Fund V
Permira has reached a final close on its fifth global buyout fund, Permira V, at the hard cap of EUR5.3 billion ($7.2 billion), less than the EUR9.6 billion raised by its predecessor.
Japan's KSP reaches $11m first close on fourth venture fund
Japanese incubator KSP has reached a JPY1.2 billion ($11.7 million) first close on its fourth venture investment fund.
US regulation: Shot across the bow
Private equity has been put on notice by the US regulators - an alarming notion, yet one that was sufficiently well signposted that GPs could see it coming. How keenly will the rumblings be felt in Asia?
Communication key to a China fundraise - AVCJ Forum
Clear and consistent communication is the key to a successful China fundraise as LPs grapple with the various macro and micro concerns of investing in the country, industry participants told the AVCJ China Forum.
China's Capital Today targets evergreen fund
China-focused private equity firm Capital Today is seeking to raise an “evergreen” fund with an lifespan far longer than the industry standard 10 years, whereby funds usually enter the exit phase in year three.
Former Mitsui VCs launch $150m biopharma fund
Two former venture investors from Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co are looking to raise $150 million for a new fund focusing on the biopharmaceutical sector.
India VC Reservoir reaches first close on maiden fund
India early stage investor Reservoir Investment Managers has reached a first close on its maiden fund, Exfinity Technology Fund - Series I (ETF-I).
Shunwei raises $525m for second China VC fund
Shunwei Capital Partners, a Chinese VC firm set up by Lei Jun (pictured), a noted angel investor and founder of mobile phone brand Xiaomi, has closed its second fund at $525 million.