News
Samsung Ventures backs Japan tourism operator
Samsung Ventures has led a group of Korean investors in a Series B round for H2O Hospitality, which claims to be Japan’s largest vacation rentals provider.
Japan's Global Brain invests biometric ID player
Japan’s Global Brain has led a Series B round of undisclosed size for Gtriip, a biometrics-focused identity authentication technology provider pursuing a pan-Asia expansion.
Australia's IFM poaches Future Fund CEO
David Neal, who has spent the last six years as CEO of Australia’s Future Fund, will succeed Brett Himbury as head of IFM Investors.
Japan's SBI seeks $920m for technology fund
SBI Investment has launched a technology-focused VC fund, known as 4+5 Fund, with a target of JPY100 billion ($920 million).
MSPEA backs Indian affordable housing financier
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) has invested INR1.9 billion ($26.6 million) in Centrum Housing Finance (CHF), an Indian non-banking financial company (NBFC) that offers loans for affordable housing projects.
Joy Capital leads $88m round for China's Shihuituan
Joy Capital has announced its participation - as the lead investor - in an $88.3m funding round for Chinese community group buying platform Shihuituan, which is also known as Nice Tuan.
Northstar's Bert Kwan launches PE business with BDA
Bert Kwan (pictured) has left his role as a managing director with Southeast Asia-focused Northstar Group to launch an investment platform with M&A advisory firm BDA Partners that will initially concentrate on Vietnam.
Caldera signs up French anchor LP for Southeast Asia fund
Caldera Pacific, a consumer-focused Southeast Asian private equity firm, has secured $250 million in commitments for its debut fund, with France-based investor Argenthal coming in as an anchor LP.
East Ventures appoints Indonesian politician as advisor
Indonesia’s East Ventures has appointed Triawan Munaf (pictured left), a former member of President Joko Widodo’s cabinet, as a venture advisor.
Brookfield buys into Everstone’s India NBFC
Brookfield Asset Management has offered to buy up to 40% of IndoStar Capital, an Indian non-banking financial company (NBFC) established by Everstone Group, for INR14.5 billion ($202 million).
ADB launches venture arm
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a VC arm focused on climate change-related technologies and women’s empowerment in the region.
Chinese genetic testing player for infectious diseases gets Series B+
Chinese genetic testing specialist Genskey raised an RMB50 million ($7.1m) extended Series B round of funding led by Shenzhen-based Fortune Capital. Existing investor Legend Capital re-upped.
Advantage-owned Japanese funeral services business to go public
Advantage Partners is set to make a partial exit from Kizuna Holdings Corporation, a Japanese funeral services business it acquired for around JPY2 billion ($18 million) in 2016, through an IPO.
RTP Global, Sequoia lead Series B for India’s MoneyTap
Indian app-based lending start-up MoneyTap has raised $70 million in a Series B round led by Aquiline Technology Growth (ATG), RTP Global, and Sequoia India.
Japan's TDK invests air mobility developer
Japan’s TDK Corporation has made a VC commitment of undisclosed size in AutoFlightX, an electric air mobility company based in Germany with a significant China presence.
Blackstone to launch second Asia fund in 2020
The Blackstone Group expects to return to market in 2020 with its second dedicated Asia private equity fund, less than two years after closing the debut vehicle.
Integral pursues $316m buyout of Japanese software developer
Integral Corporation has won management support for a tender offer for Japanese software development and IT consulting business Mamezou Holdings at a valuation of JPY34.4 billion ($316 million).
India's JSW Ventures seeks $50m for second fund
A corporate venture capital unit of India's JSW Steel is looking to raise INR3.5 billion ($50 million) for its second fund, with a first close scheduled within a fortnight.
GIC, Norfund invest Myanmar's Yoma Bank
Singapore’s GIC Private and Norway’s Norfund have acquired a combined 30% stake in Myanmar-based Yoma Bank for MMK130 billion ($88.7 million).
Australia's Five V makes another BPO bolt-on
Australia’s Five V Capital has acquired Philippines business process outsourcing (BPO) player Beepo as a portfolio company bolt-on. It is the GP’s second such transaction this month.
Raffles Family Office backs Hong Kong co-working space player
Hong Kong-based multi-family office Raffles Family Office will invest $15 million in local co-working space operator WorkTech.
MBK wins US pension support for Asia fund
MBK Partners has picked up commitments from New York State Common Retirement Fund (NYSCRF), New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS), and Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) for its fifth North Asia fund.
India’s Bizongo gets $30 million Series C
Indian B2B packaging marketplace Bizongo raised $30 million in a Series C round led by Schroder Adveq.
Tiger Global, Steadview lead Series B for LogiNext
India-focused route optimisation software firm LogiNext raised $39 million in a Series B round led by Tiger Global Management and Steadview Capital.