seed
Singapore accelerator targets packaging industry
Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and US packaging giant Avery Dennison are bankrolling a start-up accelerator that will explore everything from new boxing materials to tech-enabled tags.
University of Melbourne VC fund hits $70m first close
The University of Melbourne has hit a first close on a VC fund that will invest in university-related entrepreneurs and researchers with AUD 100m (USD 70m) in commitments.
India's 360 One buys Mumbai Angels, launches two funds
Bain Capital-backed 360 One, which rebranded from IIFL Wealth & Asset Management last November, has acquired a 91% stake in Mumbai Angels as the seed investor launches two new funds.
India's Blume closes fourth India VC fund on $250m
India’s Blume Ventures has closed its fourth fund targeting seed-stage tech start-ups on USD 250m, beating a target of USD 200m. Fund III raised USD 105m in 2020.
Fund focus: Southeast Asia piques Silicon Valley interest
Singapore’s Iterative is dazzling its entrepreneurial friends in the US with tales of seed-stage success in Southeast Asia and channelling that interest into a sophomore fund
Singapore’s Iterative closes second VC fund on $55m
Singapore-based early-stage VC firm and accelerator Iterative has closed its second Southeast Asia fund with USD 55m in commitments.
India's Kae Capital closes Fund III on $94m
Indian seed-stage investor Kae Capital has closed its third flagship fund at about INR 7.7bn (USD 94m) with about 40% of the capital coming from overseas investors.
India's SphitiCap targets $500m for debut VC fund
SphitiCap, a recently established early-stage VC firm in India, has announced the launch of its debut fund targeting USD 500m.
Elev8 targets $200m for India growth-stage fund
Elev8 Venture Partners, a newly established Indian growth-stage investor, has launched its debut fund with a target of USD 200m.
Gobi raises $10m for Asia seed fund
Gobi Partners has closed a USD 10m Malaysia-focused seed fund with contributions from Allianz Malaysia, Malaysia Venture Capital Management (Mavcap) and Sunway Group.
Billionaire Venture, DBS to invest $200m in India start-ups
India’s Billionaire Venture Capital and DBS Bank have agreed to invest USD 200m in 150m Indian start-ups via a special purpose vehicle and joint venture (JV).
Q&A: Unitus Ventures’ Surya Mantha
Indian returns-focused impact investor Unitus Ventures is sharpening its thesis around jobs as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Surya Mantha, a managing partner at the firm, traces the evolution
GrowX team seeks $100m for spinout India VC fund
The team behind Indian angel investor GrowX Ventures has launched a separate fund targeting USD 100m under the name Merak Ventures.
Sequoia launches China accelerator
Sequoia Capital China has launched an accelerator programme under the Yue brand, which will provide systematic training and resources for entrepreneurs at the angel and Series A stages.
Seed platforms: Fishing minnows from ocean liners
Accelerators and seed investors are increasingly pursuing global mandates and building out large, international teams. The challenges are starting to cast shadows over the benefits, but it’s early days
Japan's Anri hits $102m first close on latest VC fund
Japanese early-stage VC firm Anri has reached a first close of JPY 14bn (USD 102m) on its fifth flagship fund. The target is JPY 40bn.
Indonesia's Pintarnya raises $14.3m seed round
Indonesia’s Pintarnya, a one-stop platform for blue collar workers, has closed a USD 14.3m seed round backed by General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital India, and East Ventures.
India's Axilor targets $100m for second seed fund
Indian seed investor Axilor Ventures has launched its second fund with a target of USD 100m. This compares to USD 30m for its first fund.
Entrepreneur First raises $158m, targets SE Asia
UK-headquartered incubator Entrepreneur First (EF) has raised USD 158m, targeted in part at investment in Southeast Asian start-ups and expanding its reach in the region.
India's Fundamental VC launches debut fund
Fundamental VC, an early-stage investor set up by two Indian angel investors and start-up ecosystem professionals, has launched its debut fund with a target of USD 130m.
New Zealand's GD1 backs tech fund, incubator
GD1 has confirmed it is the lead investor in a new fund and incubation program from fellow New Zealand VC firm Phase One Ventures. The goal is to produce 10 tech unicorns by 2026.
Hong Kong's Betatron hits $15m first close on VC fund
Hong Kong’s Betatron Venture Group has reached a first close of USD 15m on its latest fund, which will make early-stage investments across South and Southeast Asia. The target is USD 50m.
Antler to invest $100m in SE Asia start-ups by 2025
Singapore-based VC firm Antler has committed to investing USD 100m in more than 300 Southeast Asian start-ups by 2025.
East closes $550m in early-stage and growth funds
Indonesia’s East Ventures has closed two funds with a combined USD 550m in commitments for its early-stage and growth strategies.