Analysis
Renminbi secondaries: An underpenetrated market
Plenty of Chinese high net worth individuals want to sell LP interests in renminbi funds. Local and foreign secondaries managers would like to take advantage, but they are held back by an immature market
Onshore IPOs and China VIEs: Replacement capital?
With Chinese entrepreneurs considering domestic IPOs, foreign VCs face the prospect of having to sell off investments in restricted industries. But the trend can only be sustained as long as valuations remain high
VC in Japan's universities: Getting schooled
For the past decade, Japan’s universities have been working with venture capital to commercialize their research. Recent developments in the public and private sectors suggest this relationship is evolving
Banks and deal-sourcing: Information arbitrage
Japan’s banks do not have the power that they once did to source deals, but they are far from irrelevant. GPs say these institutions still have a role to play, though their advice must be considered carefully
Corporate governance: Thin end of the wedge?
Japan’s corporate governance code will not trigger a torrent of non-core divestments, but it may encourage boards to think strategically about how – and with whom – they can improve performance
Japan consumer: Big spenders
Japan’s gradual economic recovery could deliver a wealth of new opportunities in the consumer space. But to realize true value, private equity firms must look deeper, or in certain cases, further
Korea e-commerce: Appetite for disruption
Capital is gravitating to the leaders in Korea’s e-commerce space as consumers swap shopping malls for mobile devices. Efficient logistics and effective payment systems sit at the top of the agenda
India payments: The missing link
India’s payment start-ups hope to shape the way e-commerce companies charge for their goods. The future may lie with approaches tailored to the country’s circumstances
Chinese insurers: GP or LP?
China’s insurance companies are allowed to have more exposure to private equity than ever before. This includes the right to set up their own GPs, but not all market players will plot such a course immediately
Corporate VC: Pleasing the parent
Companies want to keep tabs on technological innovation in order to stay relevant in their industries by nurturing Asia’s tech start-ups. However, there is no uniform approach to corporate venture capital
Portfolio: Navis Capital and Thailand's Golden Foods Siam
Navis Capital Partners wanted to let the management of Golden Foods Siam off the leash. Six years in, initiatives are taking wing and the company has established itself as Thailand's third-largest chicken producer
China operating partners: Control candidates
As the nature of private equity in China has evolved, so have firms' needs in terms of operational talent. The challenge is finding - and then retaining - the right person for the job
Energy: A world beyond funds
A small but growing band of GPs are modifying the conventional PE fund model in favor of solutions that better meet their needs. For those with long-hold, asset-heavy strategies, the future may lie in platforms
China hardware start-ups: Maker's mark
Best known as the go-to location in China for cheap electronics manufacturing, Shenzhen is now emerging as a Silicon Valley for hardware. Can these start-ups get traction with software-focused VCs?
China late-stage tech: Chasing unicorns
Capital is flooding into China-based internet companies, with PE firms, family offices, hedge funds and strategic players all-too-willing to support large, late-stage rounds. Not everyone will emerge a winner
China middle market: Filling the void
A clutch of China GPs now manage funds of $1 billion or more, leaving the traditional middle market space underserved. Those that remain must convince LPs they can deal with a changing opportunity set
India e-commerce: Grocery growth spurt
There has been a proliferation of start-ups in India’s online grocery sector, and investors have taken notice. But the companies that survive in the harsh competition to come will have to be tough
India IPOs: Staying afloat
India’s public markets are at record highs, but IPO activity remains lackluster. Investors want an overhaul of the listings approval process and a regulatory system that is suited to PE and VC-backed companies
Australia mezzanine: Compromise solution
The rise of holdco PIK debt has created Australia-based financing structures in which senior lenders and mezzanine providers can coexist. They also offer GPs greater flexibility at what is, for now, an acceptable price
Indonesia infrastructure: Proceed with caution
Having promised a massive increase in infrastructure spending, Indonesia’s government wants foreign investors to help move projects along. Private equity players see opportunities, but also risks
Portfolio: IMM Private Equity and Korea's Hollys Coffee
IMM Private Equity thinks Hollys Coffee has what it takes to become a homegrown star in Korea’s fiercely competitive coffee house industry. Two years into the investment, rejuvenation efforts appear to be paying off
Indian LPs: Commitment issues
Proposed reforms of investment guidelines for India’s pension system suggest that more domestic capital could flow into the asset class. But is the country’s wider LP community really warming up to PE?
PE and China franchising: Eat what you cook
Franchising is an effective way of establishing Western restaurant brands in China. Private equity firms have picked up on the opportunity, but it is not without risk. Local appeal and strong partners are essential
China crowdfunding: The madding crowd
With established Chinese companies, led by e-commerce giant JD.com, getting involved in equity crowdfunding, will these platforms gain traction as a financing channel for Chinese start-ups?