IFC
Governance standards: A matter of integrity
Traditionally the overlooked, underappreciated or misrepresented facet of ESG, governance is gaining prominence in emerging markets private equity as investors reassess risk exposure
Impact investment faces tricky path to standardization
Impact investing has reached a “fundamental inflection point” in terms of the availability of investment opportunities and interest from LPs, but the institutionalization process is not straightforward.
Carlyle's Rubenstein champions emerging markets
The bloom has faded from the rose in emerging markets in recent years, which means it is an opportune time to invest in these geographies, according to David Rubenstein (pictured), co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group.
LeapFrog raises $700m for third impact fund
LeapFrog Investments has raised $700 million for its third fund with a view to investing in healthcare and financial services companies in emerging Asia and Africa. It initially targeted a corpus of $600 million.
Goldman, Accel lead Series D for India’s BlackBuck
Indian online long-distance trucking marketplace BlackBuck has raised a $150 million Series D round led by Goldman Sachs and existing investor Accel Partners.
Jungle reaches $175m first close on SE Asia VC fund
Singapore-based VC investor Jungle Ventures has reached a first close of $175 million on its third Southeast Asia-focused fund. The vehicle has an overall target of $220 million.
China fundraising: What LPs want
Investors share the most important qualities that can help Chinese GPs gain traction in a challenging fundraising environment
LPs emphasize self-awareness in China GPs - AVCJ Forum
Chinese GPs that can identify where their strategies might go wrong – and therefore avoid problems before they emerge – are most likely to emerge as winners in a market characterized by rising competition and changing economic circumstances, LPs told...
Multiples targets $920m for third India fund
Multiples Alternate Asset Management is seeking INR65.3 billion ($920 million) for its third India-focused private equity fund.
A91 seeks $330m for debut India VC fund
A91 Partners, an Indian venture capital firm founded by three former managing directors at Sequoia Capital, is seeking $330 million for its debut fund.
Navegar seeks $150m for second Philippines PE fund
Philippines private equity firm Navegar has launched its second growth fund focused exclusively on its home market with a target of $150 million.
I Squared platform acquires India toll road assets
Cube Highways and Infrastructure, the India toll road and transportation investment platform of I Squared Capital, has agreed to acquire two toll road assets owned by Indian infrastructure developer KNR Constructions for INR1.9 billion ($26.7 million).
Fund focus: ADM aims for clarity in private debt
ADM Capital prioritizes transparency as it closes its latest Asia-focused secured lending fund. Environmental, social, and governance issues are also high on the agenda
ADM raises $178m for Asia secured lending fund
ADM Capital has closed its Asia Secured Lending Facility II (ASLF II) with $178 million for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia.
India PE spin-outs: Standing tall
India provides fertile ground for spin-outs by increasingly confident PE veterans, but LP skepticism remains a major hurdle. Managers must demonstrate their investment skills quickly or risk being left behind
IFC invests $40m in Filipino fintech player
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and IFC Emerging Asia Fund have agreed to invest $40 million in Voyager Innovations, a financial technology unit of Filipino telecom giant PLDT.
LPs still keen on Asia despite slow distributions - AVCJ Forum
Institutional investors remain committed to Asia even though distributions from funds targeting the region can be slower to come than those in the US and Western Europe, the AVCJ Forum heard.
MSPEA closes debut Thailand fund at $440m
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) has reached a final close on its debut Thailand-focused fund with more than $440 million in commitments. The vehicle, launched in partnership with Bangkok Bank, had an initial target of $300 million.
Philippines investors defy systemic risks – AVCJ Forum
Industry participants at the AVCJ Philippines Forum praised the country’s macro fundamentals but attributed slow maturation of the local investment environment to a range of complex underlying factors.
Emerging markets ESG: Alliances of convenience
Portfolio companies in Asia’s emerging markets are increasingly enthusiastic about implementing environment, social and governance (ESG) policies, but only when they see clear benefits for their business
Fund focus: Maison in dollar fund breakthrough
China’s Maison Capital raises its first US dollar-denominated fund with a view to expanding its mandate while staying focused on a thriving domestic consumer market
India's Pi Ventures closes early-stage fund at $31m
Pi Ventures, an Indian early-stage investor focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, has closed its debut fund at INR2.25 billion ($30.9 million).
China’s Maison secures $200m for US dollar fund
Chinese growth capital private equity firm Maison Capital has closed its first US dollar-denominated fund at $200 million.
IFC-backed Angel Broking files for India IPO
Indian financial services provider Angel Broking has filed for an IPO that will raise up to INR6 billion ($83 million) and provide a partial exit to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).