seed
Former Matrix China director launches RMB VC fund
Roger Hu, a director at Matrix Partners China, has teamed up with Yi Zheng, formerly vice president at Chinese dating app Momo, to launch a renminbi-denominated early-stage fund.
Fund focus: InnoSpring builds cross-border bridges
San Francisco's Artisan State faced the classic start-up dilemma: a great idea with no way to make it happen. The firm knew there was demand for professional-quality photo books at affordable prices, but it didn’t have the facilities to produce them....
VC in Japan's universities: Getting schooled
For the past decade, Japan’s universities have been working with venture capital to commercialize their research. Recent developments in the public and private sectors suggest this relationship is evolving
US-China incubator raises $5m for second seed fund
InnoSpring, a technology incubator platform focused on US and China-based companies, has raised $5 million for its second fund aimed at seed-stage investments.
Malaysia unveils six equity crowdfunding platforms
The Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC) has announced six registered crowd equity platforms that will be allowed to raise capital for small businesses and start-ups.
Japan ministries approve $80m for Osaka University VC fund
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) have approved a JPY10 billion ($80 million) investment by Osaka University into its recently launched venture capital arm.
Hong Kong's Nest forms accelerator with Nissan
Infiniti, the luxury car unit of Japanese automaker Nissan, has teamed up with Hong Kong-based incubator Nest to launch a platform that will support start-ups developing smart city solutions.
Wavemaker provides seed funding for Singapore 3D pen developer
CreoPop, a Singapore start-up which has developed a pen that enables objects to be drawn in 3D, has received seed funding from Wavemaker Partners and the Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF).
Taiwan launches $120m Silicon Valley VC fund
Taiwan’s National Development Fund (NDF) and Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) have agreed to form $120 million VC fund that will invest in Silicon Valley tech start-ups.
India's Edelweiss names Pranav Parikh as head of PE
Indian financial services group Edelweiss has appointed Pranav Parikh to lead its private equity, seed and venture capital funds business.
Ant Financial launches $160m internet finance fund
Ant Financial Service Group, Alibaba Group’s online financials services affiliate, has launched a RMB1 billion ($160 million) fund to invest in internet and finance companies.
IBM, Samurai to launch second Tokyo start-up program
IBM BlueHub - IBM's Japan incubation program - has started taking applications for its second start-up accelerator in partnership with Tokyo-based early-stage investor Samurai Incubate.
Vietnam's FPT launches venture capital arm
Vietnamese tech group FPT Corporation has launched FPT Ventures, its new venture capital and accelerator unit, which will manage a $3 million fund targeting seed and Series A stage investments.
JFDI opens applications for next program, doubles investment
Singapore-based accelerator Joyful Frog Digital Incubator (JFDI) has started taking applications for its next start-up program - which will be partly offered online - and has doubled the amount it is offering to successful applicants.
Brinc launches Hong Kong’s first internet of things accelerator
Hong Kong-based early-stage investor Brinc has launched an internet of things (IoT) accelerator program, with a view to developing the city into a global technology hub.
BlueRun closes third China VC fund at $200m
BlueRun Ventures has closed its third China-focused venture capital fund at $200 million, targeting early stage start-ups.
DBS, Hong Kong’s Nest to launch fintech accelerator
DBS Bank has partnered with Hong Kong-based seed investor Nest to launch a financial technology (fintech) accelerator program.
China crowdfunding: The madding crowd
With established Chinese companies, led by e-commerce giant JD.com, getting involved in equity crowdfunding, will these platforms gain traction as a financing channel for Chinese start-ups?
Intel launches accelerator to support Chinese entrepreneurs
Intel Corporation has committed RMB120 million ($19.3 million) to a China accelerator program that will help local entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.
China’s JD.com to launch equity crowdfunding platform
Chinese online retailer JD.com has launched an equity crowdfunding platform through which local entrepreneurs can raise capital from potential early-stage investors.
Peesh Venture Capital launches $50m fund, India accelerator
Early-stage investor Peesh Venture Capital (PVC) has launched a $50 million fund and accelerator targeting Indian start-ups.
Maybank, 1337 Ventures launch fintech accelerator
Malaysian financial group Maybank has set up a financial technology (fintech) accelerator with local early-stage investor 1337 Ventures.
Taiwan incubator AppWorks raises $50m start-up fund
AppWorks, a Taiwanese incubator, has raised NT$1.5 billion ($50 million) for a new fund to support domestic internet start-ups.
HK’s Nest appoints ex-Intel executive to set up accelerator franchise
Hong Kong-based seed investor Nest has appointed Peter Dingle, formerly of Intel Corporation, to lead its newly-established Branded Accelerators program.