TMT
Q&A: MassMutual Ventures' Ryan Collins
Ryan Collins, a managing director with MassMutual Ventures, discusses being a financial rather than a strategic investor, the rise of VC in Southeast Asia, and giving entrepreneurs straight answers
Kejora closes growth fund at over $100m
Indonesian venture capital firm Kejora Ventures has closed its latest fund, a growth vehicle that will invest in technology businesses in Southeast Asia, with more than $100 million in commitments.
ION to buy majority stake in Acuris
Financial software and data platform developer ION Investment Group has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Acuris, the parent company of AVCJ, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will provide a full exit for Singapore’s GIC Private, while current majority...
PE investors commit $1b to JD.com's healthcare unit
A group including CITIC Private Equity, CICC Capital and Baring Private Equity Asia has agreed to invest $1 billion in the healthcare unit of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, acquiring a combined stake of 14.5%.
Japan crowdfunding player raises $20m Series C
Campfire, a Japanese crowdfunding platform operator, has raised a JPY2.2 billion ($20 million) Series C round with support from Global Brain and KDDI Corporation.
Chinese online education player Baijiahulian files for US IPO
Baijiahulian, a Chinese online education platform that provides after-school tutoring services for primary and secondary school students, has filed for a US IPO. The company’s backers include Gaorong Capital.
Deal focus: BlackBuck in it for the long haul
India's Blackbuck has gained traction with a digital platform that connects truckers with shippers. Achieving greater scale means convincing veteran fleet owners that the model can work for them
Chinese AR start-up raises $17m Series B
Hiscene, a China-based manufacturer of augmented reality (AR) glasses and communication systems that also goes by the name Liangfengtai, has raised RMB120 million ($17 million) in an extended Series B round of funding.
Asia fintech player GoBear raises $80m
GoBear, an online financial products marketplace focused on young Asian consumers, has raised $80 million from its Netherlands-based sponsors Walvis Participaties and Aegon.
China AI player Megvii raises $750m Series D
Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) developer Megvii Technology has raised $750 million in Series D funding led by Bank of China Group Investment. It brings the company’s valuation to around $4 billion.
Qiming re-ups in Chinese car rental platform Zuzuche
China-based third-party car rental platform Zuzuche has received Series C funding from Qiming Venture Partners.
Accel, Kalaari, Chiratae invest in India's CureFit
Indian health and fitness start-up CureFit has raised $75 million from a group of investors including Accel Partners, Kalaari Capital, and Chiratae Ventures.
Orchid, TPG-backed Duiba trades flat on Hong Kong debut
Duiba, operator of a China-based interactive advertising platform and software-as-a-service (SaaS) management system for online businesses, traded flat on its Hong Kong debut, following an IPO of HK$766.2 million($97.6 million).
Deal focus: Chezhubang fills its tank
Chezhubang has found a way into China's fuel retail market with an app that helps drivers find the cheapest gas stations
Q&A: Xpeng's Brian Gu
Brian Gu, vice chairman and president of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng, explains how the private equity-backed company is trying to stand out in a competitive and fast-changing market
Pakistan ride hailing and courier app secures Series A
Bykea, a Pakistan-based online platform for on-demand transport and logistics, has raised a $5.7 million Series A round led by Sarmayacar, a European venture capital investor focused exclusively on Pakistan.
China's Yunji completes $121m US IPO, gains 29% on debut
Yunji, a Chinese membership-based e-commerce platform, gained 29% on its NASDAQ trading debut following a $121 million IPO that was largely covered by two of its private equity investors.
Deal focus: Gaosi Education stresses its B2B credentials
As China's mainstream online tuition players battle for the hearts, minds and wallets of end users, Gaosi Education found a niche targeting the B2B market. It recently raised $140 million to accelerate expansion
Goldman, Accel lead Series D for India's BlackBuck
Indian online long-distance trucking marketplace BlackBuck has raised a $150 million Series D round led by Goldman Sachs and existing investor Accel Partners.
PE-backed Chinese cosmetic surgery platform surges on US debut
So-Young International, a Chinese online marketplace specializing in cosmetic surgery, surged over 33% on its trading debut following a $166.8 million IPO on NASDAQ.
Singapore's Pegasus 7 acquires Axiata Digital Ventures portfolio
Pegasus 7 Ventures, an investment fund managed by Singapore’s Gordian Capital, has agreed to acquire the venture portfolio of Axiata Digital, the digital services arm of Malaysia’s Axiata Group, at a valuation of $140 million.
China AI: Deep questions
Concerns around valuations, commercialization timelines, deal targeting, and brand perceptions are coming into focus as China’s AI ecosystem catapults to global prominence
FMO leads $86m round for India's InCred
Indian online lending platform and non-banking finance company (NBFC) InCred Financial Services has raised a INR6 billion ($85.9 million) Series A round led by Dutch development finance institution FMO.
Chinese online drug store Yao123 raises $45m Series B
Healthcare-focused GTJA Investment Group has led a RMB300 million ($45 million) Series B round for Chinese online pharmacy operator Yao123.