Japan
Tikehau Capital opens Tokyo office
Tikehau Capital, a France-based asset manager with EUR2.8 billion ($3.1 billion) in private equity assets under management, is expanding its Asia footprint with an office in Tokyo.
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.
Globis raises $321m for Japan VC fund
Japanese venture capital firm Globis Capital Partners has raised JPY36 billion ($321 million) for its sixth fund. The overall target of JPY37.5 billion is expected to be reached by June.
INCJ-backed Japan Display agrees $2.1b foreign bailout
Japan Display, an electronics supplier backed by Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), has agreed a JPY232 billion ($2.1 billion) bailout, including an approximately $714 million investment from China’s Harvest Fund Management.
Japan's Astroscale expands Series D by $30m
Astroscale, a Japan-based space technology company focused on debris removal, has announced a $30 million extension to its Series D round, bringing the total raised to $80 million.
Sequoia China, HighLight back biotech player Cullgen
Sequoia Capital China and HighLight Capital have led a $16 million Series A round for Cullgen, a biotech company that develops treatments for cancer by targeting previously “undruggable” cellular proteins.
INCJ leads $230m round for Japan's JOLED
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has led a JPY25.5 billion ($230 million) round for domestic display screen manufacturer and technology developer JOLED.
Bain falls short in tender offer for Japan's Kosaido
The proposed JPY17.4 billion ($157 million) acquisition of Japanese printing and IT services provider Kosaido by Bain Capital has reached an impasse after the private equity firm’s tender offer failed to win sufficient shareholder support.
1Q analysis: China malaise
First quarter analysis: China uncertainty hits PE investment; public market instability holds back IPOs; distress strategies underpin India fundraising as commitments to China-focused managers plummet
Fund focus: Back on the map
The Longreach Group has leveraged rising appetite for exposure to Japan’s middle market with a $650 million close for its latest buyout fund. Increased global participation contributed to the result
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
Advantage to exit Japanese outdoor sports equipment retailer
Advantage Partners has agreed to sell Ishii Sports, a Tokyo-based outdoor sports equipment retailer it acquired three years ago, to local consumer electronics store operator Yodobashi Holdings.
Longreach closes latest buyout fund at $650m
The Longreach Group has reached a final close of $650 million on its third North Asia-focused mid-market buyout fund.
Carlyle invests in Japanese cosmetics maker Tokiwa
The Carlyle Group has agreed to invest an undisclosed amount in Japanese cosmetics manufacturer Tokiwa to support its domestic and overseas expansion plans.
Dai-ichi Life backs energy-focused Japan VC fund
Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Insurance has agreed to invest JPY1 billion ($9.1 million) in a venture fund managed by local energy and cleantech specialist Energy & Environment Investment (EEI).
Deal focus: CLSA teams up with 'Chanel for children'
CLSA Capital Partners goes niche in Japan’s retail space with the acquisition of premium toymaker Bloom Group. A range of strategic and operational value-add measures are on the table
Japan VC: Positive energy
Japan’s quiet venture capital space is booming within its own borders. Signs of a stronger exit market and an exuberant influx of corporate involvement are encouraging themes, but they will play out slowly
DNX Ventures launches $300m Japan-US VC fund
DNX Ventures, formerly known as Draper Nexus Ventures, has launched its third Japan-US cross-border VC fund with a target of $300 million.
Unison to exit Japan's Ayumi to Blackstone
The Blackstone Group has made its first transaction in Japan, agreeing to acquire Ayumi Pharmaceutical Corporation from Unison Capital and medical information site operator M3.
CLSA buys Japanese toy maker
CLSA Capital Partners (CLSA CP) has agreed to buy Bloom Group, a Japanese toy manufacturer best known for its “squishy” products popular among elementary and middle-school-age girls.
Japan's Infinity Ventures targets $120m for fourth fund
Japan-based Infinity Ventures has launched its fourth fund focused on Japan and China with a target of $120 million.
Bain raises tender offer price for Japan's Kosaido
Bain Capital Private Equity has sweetened a tender offer initiated in January for Japan-listed printing and IT services provider Kosaido. The revised bid values the company at about JPY17.4 billion ($157 million).
500 Startups Japan rebrands, launches $45m fund
The Japan-based team of 500 Startups has spun out a separate firm called Coral Capital and announced a debut fund with about $45 million in commitments.
Japan launches space start-up accelerator
Several venture capital firms, including Global Brain, are participating in a Japanese government-backed accelerator program for space start-ups.