Analysis
Blockchain: Ethereal frontiers
As blockchain segments mature in Asia, private equity and venture capital investors will benefit from a range of new entry points. Pitfalls related to the technology’s obscure nature, however, will persist
China fundraising: Joining forces
The Everbright-IDG Industrial Fund is one example of investors joining forces to address the investment opportunities created by China's evolving economy. Are two heads really better than one?
Hong Kong tax policy: An unfortunate first
Hong Kong is the only major international center openly seeking to treat carried interest as income rather than capital gain for tax purposes. The private equity industry wants to know where it stands
China transport start-ups: Hot wheels
Bicycle-sharing start-ups are the latest investor craze in China’s technology-enabled transportation space. Can private sector operators make their business models work?
Portfolio: VIG Partners and Samyang Optics
When VIG Partners acquired Korea-based Samyang Optics, the company was a camera lens manufacturer with untapped potential. It is now looking to challenge the global elite
Asia PE-backed IPOs: Fits and starts
Development has been inconsistent in Asia’s IPO markets, with frequent pacing issues and challenges unique to each region. But in the right hands, they can still be highly rewarding for PE investors
3Q analysis: Deep pockets of the state
Fundraising hits a record quarterly high, thanks entirely to Chinese government-backed vehicles; Australia, Southeast Asia compensate for investment slowdown in China; India shines on exits
ESG: Digging deeper
Comprehensive adoption of responsible investment protocols in private equity is being driven by a handful of players within the global LP community. They must continue to establish industry best practice
China tech M&A: Friends or rivals?
Consolidation is becoming a dominant theme in China’s internet industry as ever more sophisticated companies use M&A as a means of remaining dominant in their core areas and exploring new ones
China regulation: Low-gear revolution
A nationwide extension of the relaxed foreign investment policies available in China's free trade zones should simplify a cumbersome deal-making environment. Wider sector openings, however, remain on hold
China sports M&A: They shoot, they score?
China wants to develop its sports industry, with football a priority, prompting numerous investors to look for overseas assets in the name of government policy. Their rationale is often divorced from reality
Outbound M&A finance: The safer bets
China’s outbound M&A market has taken off in recent years, but many are skeptical that purchasing companies will be able to handle the financial and operational burdens they have taken on
China O2O retail: It's good to touch
The rise of e-commerce in China has placed traditional retailers under pressure, but private equity investors are still finding opportunities with concepts that integrate online and offline
India logistics: Wheels within wheels
A confluence of macro influences is driving demand for modernized logistics in India. Private equity is likely to benefit in a number of areas, but informed targeting and value-add approaches will be key
Philippines consumers: Boom in a bottle
Tidal shifts in the Philippines' consumer demographics are piquing interest among private equity and venture capital investors alike, but sluggish policy modernization efforts remain a key barrier to entry
Portfolio: L Capital Asia and Seafolly
Beachwear maker Seafolly was already a leader in Australia when L Capital Asia acquired it in 2014. Now the founding family and the GP plan to build it into a global lifestyle brand
Private debt: Pulling uphill
Selling Asian LPs on private credit strategies remains difficult for the most part, but fund managers are generally confident that interest in the asset class is set to take off
Taiwan regulation: Forward views, sideways moves
The Taiwan government is attempting to reconcile its conservative tendencies with a need for innovation as the local venture capital industry marks mixed progress in filling an early-stage vacuum
VC value-add: Operational gambit
As competition for VC deals intensifies in Asia and capital becomes commoditized, GPs are stressing their value-add credentials. Should we believe the hype?
Wanderlust: PE taps into China's tourism boom
Ocean Link is China’s first private equity firm dedicated to investing in the travel and tourism industry. Can it successfully leverage an increasingly wealthy, free-spending and far-traveling domestic user base?
Secondaries: Stick or twist?
After several years of rapid growth, secondaries volumes slowed in the first half of 2016, while fundraising reached an all-time high. Opinion is divided on the prospects for an increasingly nuanced market
Side letters: A little extra
The proliferation of side letter provisions submitted by LPs as conditional on their participation in a fundraise is adding to administrative workloads. Private equity firms must negotiate carefully
India renewables: Streams to rivers
Indian investors feel that despite recent problems with yieldcos on the global market, the model still holds promise for the country’s renewable energy sector
Korea exits: Seller central
Foreign buyers and restless chaebols could help deliver more exit opportunities for private equity firms in Korea – provided it is the right asset, at the right price, at the right time