Analysis
Australia VC: Policy permutations
Plans to reinstate tax breaks for Australian start-ups that issue share options to staff rather than pay sizeable salaries has cheered VC investors. They are generally positive about the government role in fostering innovation
Southeast Asia education: Top of the class?
With an emerging middle class willing to pay a premium for better services, Southeast Asian education has clear attractions. But investors seeking scale opportunities must pick their markets and strategies carefully.
Singapore start-ups: Another option
The Singapore Exchange and Clearbridge Accelerator are launching a capital-raising platform for Asian start-ups. Does it represent a much-needed stepping stone between private and public markets?
India venture debt: Innovation capital
Led by SVB India, venture debt providers are beginning to take root in India. Can this nascent asset class replicated its success in developed markets and become a viable option for domestic start-ups?
Asian GPs and AIFMD: Shades of gray
Many Asian managers are coming to terms with how the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive might impact their fundraising plans. Unfortunately the legislation remains difficult to fathom
China VIEs: An end to uncertainty?
China has proposed a new set of rules that would regulate the use of variable interest entity (VIE) structures that underpin VC investment in restricted industries. It is a positive sign but questions remain
Asia start-ups: The SoftBank effect
SoftBank has laid down a marker in Asia’s technology space over the past six months, investing nearly $2 billion and promising much more. What does this say about the Japanese giant’s broader ambitions?
Portfolio: J-Star and Primagest
Primagest is a long-standing leader in Japan's document-scanning industry, but it faces challenges in terms of a transition in leadership and staying relevant as technology evolves. J-Star is providing support
China taxi-booking apps: Road war
High-powered alliances are forming in China’s mobile taxi-booking space around Kuaidi Dache and Didi Dache as part the ongoing battle between the big internet companies. What does it mean for VC investors?
Deal-by-deal fundraising: Incremental approach
Deal-by-deal fundraising is on the rise in Asia, driven by the difficulties less experienced GPs face when raising a blind pool and LPs’ willingness to go direct. It’s a great strategy, provided you have momentum
4Q analysis: Still selling
Trade sales keep the exit market ticking over; big ticket tech deals make their presence felt, but buyouts dominate the investment environment; weakness in China pegs back Asia fundraising
Women in China VC: Gender balance
Women are still underrepresented in a male-dominated VC industry, but China is notable for having a number of female executives in senior positions. How did they break through the glass ceiling?
Xiaomi: The view from the top
Chinese smart phone manufacturer Xiaomi has become the world’s most valuable start-up, following a $1.1 billion round. Does its growth trajectory tally with the $45 billion price tag?
China outbound: More haste, less speed
Much is expected of Chinese private equity firms in terms of cross-border acquisitions in Europe and the US. While broader economic dynamics point to more deal flow, the GPs themselves are moving with caution
2014 in review: A year of record-setting
Strong capital markets facilitate bumper exit activity; pan-regionals, venture capital dominate fundraising; China’s leads revival in growth capital investment, with Korea still buyout central
AVCJ Awards: Exit of the Year - Mid Cap: United Cinemas
United Cinemas was struggling in the face of macro headwinds and low consumer confidence, but Advantage Partners’ saw the bigger picture and delivered blockbuster returns
AVCJ Awards: Deal of the Year - Large Cap: Nanfu Battery
CDH Investments’ acquisition of Nanfu Battery is a rare carve-out from a multinational in China, and an even rarer example of a PE firm returning to back a former portfolio company
AVCJ Awards: Operational Value Add & Exit of the Year - Large Cap: Oriental Brewery
Affinity Equity Partners and KKR made Oriental Brewery the market leader in Korea’s beer industry, then exited via Asia’s largest-ever trade sale. For this and other activities, Affinity was also named Firm of the Year
China's NSSF and offshore PE: Still theory, no practice
Regulations proposed by the government for China’s National Social Security Fund include a provision that suggests the pension fund could invest in offshore private equity. But how soon?
Tech valuations: Ill-fated inflation?
As valuations in the tech space continue to soar, comparisons are inevitably drawn with the dotcom bubble era. Asia can point to favorable fundamentals, but it remains to be seen whether the exuberance is justified
China healthcare: Technology transfer
Healthcare-focused private equity firms want to take technologies from developed markets into China, leveraging rising domestic demand. It is a lucrative strategy, but not necessarily a straightforward one
India secondaries: Much heat, little light
India has yet to fulfil its potential as a direct secondaries market as buyers and sellers fail to agree on valuations. A revival in investor sentiment hasn’t helped matters, but patience may eventually pay off
Portfolio: Advent International and CARE Hospitals
A majority stake in CARE Hospitals has allowed Advent International into India’s fast-growing healthcare sector. Rather than blindly pursuing expansion, the PE firm is building a business tailored to local demand