SME
PE and SMEs: Southeastern bind
Difficulties connecting private equity investors with small to medium-sized enterprises in traditional industries remain a key barrier to growth in Southeast Asia. Novel approaches will be necessary
Venturra leads $26m round for Philippines' First Circle
Venturra Capital has led a $26 million Series A round for First Circle, a Philippines-based lending platform operator focused on small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Myanmar's Anthem reaches first close on SME fund
Myanmar private equity firm Anthem Asia has reached a first close of $34.5 million on its debut fund, which will invest locally in small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Golden Equator launches Brunei accelerator
Singapore’s Golden Equator has launched an accelerator in Brunei aimed at helping local small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) expand across Southeast Asia.
Australian SME lender Judo Capital raises $104m
Australian financial services start-up Judo Capital has raised A$140 million ($104 million) to provide loans to domestic small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
India's OfBusiness gets $29m Series C
OfBusiness, an India-based financial technology company focused on smart financing services has received an INR2 billion ($29 million) Series C funding round led by Creation Investments and Falcon Edge.
IFC invests $40m in Indonesian SME ecosystem
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested $40 million in Indonesian lender Radana Bhaskara Finance as part of a support program for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ROC Partners backs $118m Australian SME fund
Australian private equity firm ROC Partners has teamed up with the state government of New South Wales and pension fund First State Super to launch a A$150 million ($118 million) equity fund targeting small to medium-sized enterprises (SME).
OCP Asia raises $200m direct lending fund
Hong Kong and Singapore-based hedge fund manager OCP Asia has raised a $200 million direct lending vehicle to make private equity-style credit investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
India’s Lighthouse reaches $138m final close on Fund II
Lighthouse Funds has reached a final close on its second Indian mid-market focused fund at $138 million, well above the $125 million target.
Idinvest Partners launches $1b Sino-European fund
Idinvest Partners, a European PE firm that specializes in investments in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has launched a EUR1 billion ($1.1 billion) cross-border investment fund to support European SMEs as they expand into Chinese markets.
SIDBI, Maharashtra government form $31m start-up fund
The government of the Indian state of Maharashtra has paired with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to set up a INR2 billion ($31.1 million) venture fund for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Mizuho Capital raises $170m for third mezzanine fund
Mizuho Capital Partners has launched its third fund focused on small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with initial commitments of JPY20.6 billion ($170 million).
SAIF, Accion invest in India’s Aye Finance
SAIF Partners and Accion - a global non-profit organization - have invested $1 million in Aye Finance, an India-based lender that serves profitable micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Australia mid-market: Squeezed middle
Several Australian superannuation funds are eschewing commitments to smaller domestic GPs because they have to deploy a larger quantum of capital. If more follow suit, what does it mean for the middle market?
Sun Life Everbright, other Chinese insurers to launch PE fund
Sun Life Everbright Asset Management, an asset management arm of Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance, has launched a private equity fund alongside with other five Chinese insurers.
Chinese insurers win approval for SME-focused PE funds
Chinese insurance companies have been permitted to set up private equity funds that specifically focus on investing in local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mizuho Capital to launch $300m SME mezzanine fund
Mizuho Capital Partners is set to launch a new JPY30 billion ($277 million) mezzanine fund which will support Japanese small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the form of subordinated loans and preferred shares.
GVFL eyes $1b fund for Japanese ventures in India
Indian private equity investor Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL) will launch a $1 billion fund targeting Japanese enterprises in Gujarat - its largest vehicle to date.
Japanese government launches 'Cool Japan Fund'
The Japanese government has launched a "Cool Japan Fund" which will invest up to JPY90 billion ($884 million) in cultural exports such as fashion, food and media.
IFC to back Gaja Capital's $250m India fund
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) plans to investment $25 million in Gaja Capital Partners’ second fund, which has an overall target of $250 million.
IDG, CreditEase target online finance
CreditEase, the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) lender in China, has introduced a new twist to its relationship with IDG Capital Partners. Two-and-a-half years after becoming an IDG portfolio company, CreditEase has become a principal investor in an IDG-managed...
Yamaguchi bank launches $30.7m SME restoration fund
Yamaguchi Capital and the Regional Economy Vitalization Corporation of Japan have together set up a JPY3 billion ($30.7m) fund - Yamaguchi Business Restoration Fund - to provide capital to distressed small- and medium-sized businesses (SME).
Japan's Dogan closes Kyushu SME fund at $34m
Japanese GP Dogan Advisors has reached a JPY3.3 billion ($34 million) close on its latest regional fund, Kyushu BOLERO (Buyout for local enterprise and reform organization) Fund 2.