Growth capital
Asia fintech player GoBear raises $80m
GoBear, an online financial products marketplace focused on young Asian consumers, has raised $80 million from its Netherlands-based sponsors Walvis Participaties and Aegon.
India NBFC raises $14m Series E round
Dvara KGFS, a non-banking finance company (NBFC) backed by Indian financial inclusion investor Dvara Trust, has raised INR970 million ($14 million) in Series E funding led by Stakeboat Capital.
Deal focus: Gaosi Education stresses its B2B credentials
As China's mainstream online tuition players battle for the hearts, minds and wallets of end users, Gaosi Education found a niche targeting the B2B market. It recently raised $140 million to accelerate expansion
Chinese EV battery maker raises $120m in pre-IPO round
Phylion Battery, a China-based manufacturer or lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EV), has raised RMB810 million ($120 million) in a pre-IPO round led by Yingke Private Equity.
Magic Leap gets $280m from Docomo, targets Japan expansion
Magic Leap, a US virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) goggles maker backed by several private equity firms, has secured $280 million for a Japanese expansion from NTT Docomo.
CDIB invests in China VFX player
CDIB Capital has invested an undisclosed amount in VHQ China, a Taiwan-based provider of post-production and visual effects services focused on China’s film and TV drama industry.
Primavera backs Chinese maths-focused education platform
Primavera Capital Group has led a RMB300 million ($45 million) Series D round for online mathematics education platform Yangcong 345, with participation from Beijing Kunlun Technology and existing backer Legend Capital.
Macquarie platform invests $39m in India's CleanMax
CleanMax Solar, an Indian solar power developer with several PE backers, has raised INR2.75 billion ($39 million) from UK Climate Investments (UKCI), a renewable energy investment platform managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets.
ADIA, NIIF invest in airport business of India's GVK
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and India’s National Investment & Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) have agreed to acquire a 49% stake in the airport businesses of India’s GVK Power & Infrastructure.
BlackRock leads $150m round in China’s Luckin Coffee
Chinese coffee shop chain Luckin Coffee has raised $150 million in an extended Series B round at a valuation of $2.9 billion. It was led by BlackRock, which committed $125 million to the deal.
TA invests in India fertility business
TA Associates has acquired a significant minority stake in Indira IVF, an India-based provider of infertility services.
ADB, Kaizen back Philippines education business
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and education-focused Kaizen Private Equity have invested PHP1.6 billion ($31.5 million) in Phinma Education Holdings, the tertiary education arm of Philippines-based conglomerate Phinma.
Australia's OneVentures hits $32m first close on venture debt fund
Australia’s OneVentures has reached a A$45 million ($32 million) first close on a venture debt fund touted as the first of its kind in the country.
Singapore's TPG-backed AirTrunk raises $333m
TPG Capital and Goldman Sachs have joined a S$450 million ($332.6 million) investment in AirTrunk, a Singapore-based provider of data center services.
China tech valuations: Unnatural acts
China’s tech sector is gripped by uncertainty, but some GPs will do anything to avoid marking down their portfolios. LPs are entitled to ask whether unicorns are still worthy of a billion-dollar valuation
ADB, DEG join $144m round for India solar player
Indian renewable energy developer Avaada Energy has raised a INR10 billion ($144 million) investment from a consortium including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and development institutions DEG and FMO.
Korean online grocery player secures $88m Series D
Market Kurly, a four-year-old Korean start-up that provides online grocery delivery services, has raised KRW100 billion ($88 million) in Series D funding.
Deal focus: Airwallex plots Asia payments expansion
Airwallex recently became Australia's newest unicorn following a $100 million Series C round, but the company's growth is largely based on an understanding of Chinese demand. Regional expansion is now the priority
Deal focus: Carlyle backs Tokiwa’s global beauty push
Well-established as a manufacturer of choice for global cosmetics brands looking to tweak their products for the Japanese market, Tokiwa is now looking to go global. The Carlyle Group will provide assistance
Singapore crypto platform hits $1b valuation with Series C
Liquid.com, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading platform, has passed the $1 billion valuation mark with the first close of a Series C round led by IDG Capital.
Samara invests in Indian personal care space
Samara Capital has purchased a 50% stake in Indian cosmetics maker Blue Heaven Cosmetics for an undisclosed amount, its second investment in the personal care segment in as many weeks.
Deal focus: China’s data-enabled Workday
By applying artificial intelligence to human resources management, China's IfChange claims to make recruitment and retention more efficient. The company is now pushing to expand its customer base and product coverage
Asia's lower-tier cities: New horizons
PE and VC players are slowly discovering the investment and business expansion opportunities in the lower-tier cities of developing Asia. Risk-reward calculations are becoming more complex in the process
EQT backs Southeast Asia healthcare benefits administrator
EQT has made an investment of undisclosed size in MHC Asia, a Southeast Asia-based healthcare benefits administrator that helps corporate clients customize health and wellness offerings.