News
Carlyle faces activist challenge to Japan Asia Group deal
An investment firm with ties to renowned Japanese activist investor Yoshiaki Murakami is challenging The Carlyle Group’s JPY37 ($355 million) bid for Japan Asia Group by launching a tender offer of its own.
CPE, SDIC lead $46m round for China's Jaka Robotics
Chinese industrial robot manufacturer Jaka Robotics has raised RMB300m ($46m) in Series C funding led by CPE and State Development and Investment Corporation (SDIC).
SoftBank Ventures backs Japanese sneaker marketplace
SoftBank Ventures Asia has led a JPY2.2 billion ($21.2 million) Series B round for Japan’s Soda, operator of the online sneaker marketplace Snrk Dunk.
Silver Lake raises $20b for global tech fund
Silver Lake has closed its sixth global buyout fund at the hard cap of $20 billion as the US tech investor exhibits a growing appetite for mega-deals in Asia. Its prior vintage raised $15 billion in 2017.
Ascendent founder sponsors SPAC targeting global deals
A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsored by Liang Meng, founding managing partner of China’s Ascendent Capital Partners, has raised $300 million for global consumer technology investments.
China’s WeRide raises $310m
Chinese autonomous driving start-up WeRide has raised $310 million in Series B funding across three tranches led by Chinese electric bus manufacturer Yutong Group.
Japan energy solutions buyback continues J-Star's exit run
J-Star, a Japanese lower middle-market GP, has announced its third liquidity event in the space of a week with the exit energy savings solutions provider ESCO via a buyout by company management.
Australia's VC-backed Xpansiv raises $40m pre-IPO round
Australia and US-based Xpansiv CBL, a VC-backed marketplace for clean commodities such as carbon offsets and renewable fuels, has raised $40 million with plans to list in Sydney this year.
Hanwha leads $300m Series A for Grab's financial unit
Korea’s Hanwha Asset Management has led a $300 million Series A round for the financial services unit of Singapore-based ride-hailing and services platform Grab.
Singapore bourse to consider SPAC listings
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will consider allowing listings by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) on the back of a spike in fundraising activity for these structures in the US.
Warburg Pincus, Goodwater lead Series D for Vietnam's MoMo
MoMo, a Vietnam-based mobile wallet provider, has closed a Series D round of more than $100 million led by Goodwater Capital and Warburg Pincus.
Indonesian stockbroker Ajaib raises $25m Series A
Horizons Ventures, which is controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, and Indonesia’s Alpha JWC Ventures have led a $25 million Series A round for Indonesian investment platform Ajaib.
Korea media platform gets $12m Series C
Korea’s SV Investment has led a $12 million Series C round for local media and advertising platform Dable at a valuation of around $90 million.
China’s CICC raises $650m for biomedical fund
CICC Capital has reached a second close of RMB4.2 billion ($650 million) on its latest healthcare fund - the first in China to receive fast-track approval for its role in addressing COVID-19.
Novo Tellus backs Singapore semiconductor industry supplier
Novo Tellus Capital Partners has invested S$23.6 million ($17.7 million) in Grand Venture Technology, a Singapore-listed provider of testing, assembly, and engineering services for semiconductor manufacturing.
Hong Kong's ORI hits first close on Fund II, exits Kymab
Hong Kong healthcare-focused VC firm ORI Capital has reached a first close of $112 million on its second fund and exited its largest investment, UK biotech developer Kymab, as part of a $1.1 billion deal.
Myanmar's Ascent appoints two managing partners
Myanmar-based private equity firm Ascent Capital Partners has strengthened its leadership with the naming of two new managing partners. It follows a final close for the firm’s debut fund.
Cathay closes second innovation fund $789m
Cathay Capital has raised EUR650 million ($789 million) for its second innovation fund, which supports start-ups in China, Europe, and North America.
Portfolio Advisors promotes Asia fundraiser
Portfolio Advisors has promoted Chris Choi, who is responsible for business development and client services in Asia, from senior vice president to managing director.
Bow Wave joins $175m round for Philippines-based GCash
Bow Wave Capital Management, a US-based private equity investor in mobile payment ecosystems globally, has participated in a $175 million round for Philippines-based mobile wallet GCash.
China HR software start-up raises $190m
WorkTrans, a Chinese human resources services provider, has raised $190 million through two tranches, a Series C of $50 million and a Series D of $140 million.
KKR closes Asia infrastructure fund at $3.9b
KKR has reached a final close on its first Asia Pacific-dedicated infrastructure fund at the hard cap of $3.9 billion. It is being called the largest pan-regional infrastructure fund ever raised.
Chinese fitness app Keep raises $360m
Keep, a Chinese mobile app that provides fitness training programs, has raised $360 million in Series F funding led by SoftBank Vision Fund.
China's Firstred closes debut renminbi fund on $1b
Firstred Capital, a Chinese growth and buyout investor in healthcare, consumer products and services, and industrial technology, has closed its debut fund with RMB6.8 billion ($1 billion) in commitments.
