Analysis
Australia take-privates: Going large
A combination of abundant dry powder and friendly financing conditions are encouraging global GPs to pursue ever-larger listed companies in Australia. For now, macro headwinds are no deterrent
China outbound: Organic options
Tough domestic competition is encouraging Chinese tech start-ups to expand overseas – often organically, earlier in their lifecycles than before, and despite regulatory concerns
GP profile: EmergeVest
Building on unorthodox roots and a highly concentrated portfolio, EmergeVest wants to establish itself as a global-minded Asia specialist in technology-enabled supply chains
Emerging Asia start-ups: Governance revisited
Even a modest cooling off from tech investment euphoria experienced in the peak of the pandemic could reveal big cracks in Asian start-up markets. Diligence efforts are ramping up, but is it enough?
Private wealth: Talent war
A shortage of fundraisers familiar with the high-net-worth segment is being keenly felt in Asia as global GPs look to raise more capital through private bank channels
Asia credit: Shift in the cycle
Private debt investors in Asia are mindful of mounting global risks, but they also see opportunities emerging within the region across the capital structure
China consumer: Brand power vs traffic might
Private equity investment in China’s consumer sector has fluctuated over the past 18 months in line with the fortunes of portfolio companies. Applying TMT logic to brand building didn’t help
1Q analysis: Monetising managers
Baring Asia and PAG underline the value of their management entities; exits slump amid uncertainty; BGH Capital, renminbi GPs shore up fundraising; investment fails to extend the late 2021 flourish
Portfolio: Affinity Equity Partners and ServeOne
Affinity Equity Partners is redefining the B2B outsourcing industry by helping Korea’s ServeOne, escape the gravity of its chaebol parent to access new markets and business lines
Permanent capital: A bridge too far?
GPs are increasingly looking for ways to hold assets beyond the traditional fund timeline, but perpetual and long-dated capital largely remain the preserve of global firms and smaller specialists
GP profile: DCM
Investing in China, Japan, and the US out of a single global fund, DCM sticks to a formula of small funds, concentrated portfolios, early-stage deals, and collaborative cross-border teams
BNPL: Voodoo economics?
Credit-driven e-commerce is coming to developing Asia with an attractive supply-demand equation and a mix of macro and business-level risks. Start-ups are courting incumbents, not disrupting them
EQT and Baring Asia: Size matters
The significance of EQT’s acquisition of Baring Private Equity Asia is in the strategic machinations of global GPs as much as in the implications for on-the-ground dealmaking
Leveraged finance: ESG sells
Private equity firms in Asia are increasingly willing to consider sustainability-linked credit facilities, and banks are generally happy to provide them. Speed is currently delaying standardisation
Flexibility first: Investing in the future of work
Investment in work-tech has soared as start-ups devise solutions for workforces that are increasingly distributed in terms of location, structure, and practice. Data, and knowing what to do with it, is key
AVCJ Awards 2021: Deal of the Year – Mid Cap: Danggeun Market
A social, hyperlocal overlay has made Korea’s Danggeun Market a subversively complex e-commerce play. As the company scales and experiments, it reflects new confidence in its home market
AVCJ Awards 2021: Responsible Investment: The Arnott’s Group
In taking ownership of an iconic Australian brand like Tim Tam, KKR was conscious of the need to be a market leader on sustainability. Progress is being made across sourcing, emissions, and packaging
US regulations: Coming to Asia
Newly proposed rules for private equity fundraising and reporting in the US are set to be applicable to any manager in Asia that raises US capital. Investors should be alert but not alarmed
Portfolio: Aspirant Group and Yamato Group
Improving cost controls and realising efficiencies underpinned Aspirant Group’s investment thesis for Japanese fish retailer Yamato Group, and they have helped the company withstand external pressures
China VC: Funding puzzles
Late-stage investors are appearing in earlier funding rounds in China, offering premium valuations but potentially leaving start-ups in situations where they have too much too soon
AVCJ Awards 2021: Exit of the Year – IPO: Zomato
Zomato’s milestone offering last year saw a pandemic-ready business model awaken the local market to internet-based risk profiles as global investors shifted interest from China to India
AVCJ Awards 2021: Exit of the Year – Small Cap; Operational Value Add: Integreon
Helping Integreon, an over-diversified outsourcing services company, re-focus and renew management was all part of the plan. Postponing the exit as COVID-19 amplified demand was the unexpected coup
AVCJ Awards 2021: Fundraise of the Year – Large Cap: KKR
Working around travel restrictions and reaching into the high-net-worth segment were key themes as KKR raised USD 15bn for its fourth pan-Asia fund, the largest vehicle of its kind to date
Australia VC: An ideal match?
Having backed Australian VCs for Hostplus, Neil Stanford is now raising a fund-of-funds with a view to catalysing a state-wide start-up ecosystem. A preferred return structure is being used to lure LPs