Analysis
China fresh produce retail: Changing channels
From online grocers to group buying platforms, capital is pouring into China’s fresh produce space as e-commerce finally makes it mark. Which business model will prevail?
China autonomous driving: Dimension jump
There are no arguments about the transformational potential of autonomous driving in China, but investors have different ideas about where to find value
China apps going global: Empires on hold
China’s data-driven consumer apps are having a harder time keeping politics out of business as they become increasingly competitive in global markets. Lessons are plentiful; solutions are not
China due diligence: Nightmare scenarios
Luckin Coffee’s precipitous rise and fall is a reminder of longstanding issues around corporate fraud in China. Failing to spot problems before they emerge remains a key concern for PE investors
Korean wave: Killer content
From Oscar-winning films to record-breaking pop bands, Korean content has started to replicate its success in Asia in the West. Venture capital investors are looking for ways to ride the K-wave
China data centers: Real estate plus
Valuations are rising in China’s data center industry as speculative real estate-style investors flood the market. Experienced players are willing to spend more time building scale
GP Profile: Gaja Capital
Gaja Capital has entrenched itself in the Indian private equity firmament by focusing on domestic mid-market businesses often overlooked by those looking to write larger checks
L Catterton Asia: Unhappy families?
The merger of Catterton and L Capital was unique in its size and scope, creating the world’s largest consumer-focused private equity firm. However, perspectives on the experience remain polarized
India venture capital: Local largesse
India’s venture capital industry is entering a new decade with a growing pool of local early-stage managers, a wider variety of funding sources, and a host of new risks and opportunities
India middle-market: Looking for positives
Private equity activity is gradually resuming as India’s economy emerges from lockdown, but investors are wary of paying too much for assets or putting their money behind unsustainable trends
India pharma: The pills are popping
India’s pharmaceuticals industry is thriving on the macro ills of the day. Private equity is well placed to benefit, but the opportunity set is no secret
India-China-US: Byte back
Historically a neutral power, India appears to be siding with the US in a multi-faceted war with China. This could have far-reaching consequences for VC investors and the technology ecosystem
India clean energy: Shock treatment
The economic fallout from COVID-19 will not spare any sector, but careful planning can ensure private equity firms can take advantage of India’s ambitious energy transition goals
China clean energy: Policy power
China’s aggressive renewable energy development targets are creating opportunities for investors in various points along the supply chain, but inconsistent regulation remains a concern
LPs & climate change risk: Numbers game
With more information at their fingertips, institutional investors are better positioned to understand and act on climate risks and opportunities in their portfolios. But private markets are still playing catchup
Sustainable food: Forces of nature
Environmental considerations are intrinsic to food innovation investment strategy, not a public relations bonus. Science, society, and myriad motivations color a range of perspectives
GPs & climate change risk: Material matters
Climate change risk is becoming a broader debate within private equity, taking in the long-term impact of floods, droughts, and fires on portfolios. Most GPs have yet to turn thought into action
India online education: Learning process
With millions of Indian students facing the possibility of an academic year conducted entirely online, educational technology start-ups have an opportunity for business model validation
Asia online gaming: Game on
Videogaming has outgrown entertainment and media to become a sector unto itself, with new angles for exposure multiplying rapidly. E-sports is an area to watch
Belt & Road: Circular dynamics
The economic fallout from COVID-19 and an antagonistic geopolitical backdrop have simultaneously stymied and validated China’s Belt & Road infrastructure agenda
China semiconductor: The chips are up
Excluded from US supply chains, China is looking to satisfy its semiconductor appetite from within. Domestic start-ups can command huge valuations, but are they sustainable?
Southeast Asia macro: Encouraging minefield
Southeast Asia benefits from an enviable macro outlook versus other markets, and investment in the region is set to recover relatively quickly. But is that enough?
Asia VC: Vertex's evolving early-stage network
Vertex Holdings’ Chua Kee-Lock likens his network of VC funds seeded by the Temasek-owned entity as a distributed computer system. It will draw down more power as it grows
2Q analysis: Numbers that deceive
Asia has seen remarkable revivals in private equity investment and fundraising – though not in exits – over the past three months. A handful of large-cap situations mask a weak environment