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StarVC co-founder launches new China VC fund
Xiaoming Huang, a Chinese actor who co-founded celebrity fund StarVC, has launched a new venture capital firm called Ming Capital.
Rocket Internet cuts valuation on fashion portal, raises $339m
Start-up incubator Rocket Internet and Sweden's Investment AB Kinnevik have committed EUR300 million ($339 million) to their emerging markets-focused online fashion portal Global Fashion Group (GFG), at a valuation of EUR1 billion.
Helion, Ventureast in $12m round for India's Seclore
Helion Ventures and Ventureast have participated in a $12 million Series B round for Indian data security solutions provider Seclore.
Intouch leads Series B for Thailand's Wongnai
Intouch Holdings, acting through its VC arm, InVest, has led a Series B round of funding for Thai restaurant review website operator Wongnai Media.
Deal focus: VCs see quality in Yummy Express' asset-heavy business model
While most logistics start-ups dedicated to serving China's online food-ordering platforms hire part-time staff through crowdsourcing, Yummy Express recruits full-time employees to provide a consistent service
India's Roposo raises $5m from Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann India Investments has invested $5 million in Roposo, a domestic fashion-oriented social network and shopping app provider.
China ticket booking site Weiying raises $462m
Beijing Weiying Times Technology, a Chinese online portal that sells movie tickets, has raised RMB3 billion ($462 million) in an extended Series C round of funding at a valuation of $2 billion.
China's Zero Zero Robotics gets $23m Series A round
Zero Zero Robotics, a Beijing-based start-up that has developed a flying camera for the consumer market, has received $23 million in Series A funding from IDG Capital Partners, GSR Ventures, ZhenFund and ZUIG.
Korea VC fundraising: Unbalanced boom
The forces behind a bumper year for South Korean venture fundraising serve as a reminder that local players must do more to build much-needed international relationships
China's Ant Financial closes $4.5b funding round
Ant Financial, Alibaba Group’s online financial services affiliate, has completed a $4.5 billion Series B round of funding, said to be the largest-ever fundraise by a private internet company globally.
Hillhouse leads $50m round for Korea's Baedal Minjok
China’s Hillhouse Capital has led a $50 million investment in Woowa Brothers, owner and operator of leading South Korean online food-ordering platform Baedal Minjok.
Alibaba's UCWeb launches $20m India accelerator
UCWeb, a mobile browsing services company controlled by China's Alibaba Group, has launched a $20 million program to promote Indian start-ups focusing on games and apps.
Genesis backs Chinese second-hand machinery trading platform
Genesis Capital, a late-stage VC firm set up by the former head of Tencent Holdings’ investment unit, has led a RMB200 million ($30.8 million) Series C round for Tiebaobei.com, a Chinese online trading platform for second-hand machinery.
China online flower seller Roseonly raises $31m
Roseonly, a Chinese start-up that specializes in selling rose bouquets online, has raised RMB190 million ($31 million) in a Series C round of funding led by Genesis Capital.
SAIF participates in $155m round for Baidu video unit
SAIF Partners has participated in a RMB1 billion ($155 million) round of funding for Baidu Video, a new online video affiliate created by Chinese search giant Baidu.
ClearVue leads Series C for China O2O catering service
ClearVue Partners has led a $10 million Series C round for Yummy Express, a Beijing-based start-up that provides logistics services for online-to-offline (O2O) food-ordering platforms. SBCVC also participated in the investment.
GRC leads round for China auto services platform Weiche
Weiche, a mobile app that targets car owners in China, has completed a RMB152 million ($24 million) Series B round of funding led by GRC SinoGreen Fund.
Maverick leads $15m Series B for India's 1mg
Maverick Capital Ventures, the VC affiliate of hedge fund Maverick Capital, has led a INR1 billion ($15 million) Series B round for Indian online pharmaceutical platform 1mg.
Fund focus: GGV targets entire venture spectrum
With $1.2 billion in dry powder, Sino-US investor GGV Capital has positioned itself to participate in every phase of a start-up’s life, from seed to late-stage rounds. The GP is not put off by the market slowdown
Deal focus: Ninja Van targets logistics logjam
The Abraaj Group leads a $30 million round to support expansion of Ninja Van's last-mile delivery services into more Southeast Asian markets
India e-commerce: The return of red tape
India has unveiled significant changes to its e-commerce industry, allowing 100% foreign ownership of marketplaces but restricting these businesses control over pricing. Industry feedback is mixed
China online truck logistics platform secures $35m
Huochebang, a China-based online logistics platform that allows truck shipment tracking, has raised a $35 million round of funding led by Genesis Capital.
Abraaj leads $30m round for SE Asia last-mile delivery start-up
The Abraaj Group has led a $30 million Series B round of funding for Ninja Van, a last-mile logistics provider with operations in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tiger, IDG lead $30m Series C for India's NestAway
Tiger Global and IDG Ventures, along with Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner, have led a $30 million Series C round for Indian online home rental start-up NestAway.