Official Record
Deal focus: VCs find inroad where giants prevail
A group of VCs are aiming to leverage an encouraging outlook for the autonomous vehicle industry by funding a Singapore-focused start-up that is offering significant competition to the major corporates that dominate this space
Fund focus: WI Harper sticks to small scale
While other VC firms have seen significant jumps in fund size as they target the growth space, WI Harper's latest Asia-US vehicle will remain focused on early-stage deals with a cross-border angle
Deal focus: CITIC exits a bigger Tri-Wall
CITIC Capital Partners overcame strategic competition to buy a majority stake in Tri-Wall. After six years and significant financial and geographic expansion, it is exiting to a strategic player
Fund focus: Geodesic helps US start-ups go big in Japan
The former US ambassador to Japan and the ex-head of Andreessen Horowitz's growth investment practice have joined forces to help US start-ups gain traction in Japan
Fund focus: Mekong looks to crack Vietnam’s consumer code
Mekong Capital hopes to continue its success in Vietnam's consumer sector with the $112 million Mekong Enterprise Fund III, relying on a value creation model that is now tried and tested
Fund focus: UC Capital looks to play matchmaker
UC Capital's Lions Growth Fund will give European manufacturers access to the connections and the capital in Asia they cannot get on their own.
Deal focus: WiL chisels start-up gold from corporate Japan
Having previously developed its technology under the wing of NTT Docomo, Soracom went independent with World Innovation Lab's assistance and is now targeting global expansion
Deal focus: CLSA CP school deal breaks new ground
CLSA Capital Partners makes what is likely the first-ever private equity investment in a Japanese cram school
Deal focus: VCs back ACT’s customized cancer care model
Taiwan-based ACT Genomics will use its Series B funding to expand its genetic sequencing and molecular testing services - typically used by doctors in cancer treatment - to other Asian markets
Deal focus: QIC plots Asia beef supply chain
Leveraging its networks within Australia and across emerging Asia, QIC wants North Australian Pastoral Company to serve as the first link in a chain that takes fresh beef to where demand for it is strongest
Deal focus: Farfetch carves luxury niche in Asia
Now valued at $1.5 billion, PE-backed e-commerce marketplace Farfetch is said to appeal to brands that are beyond the reach of Amazon and Alibaba Group. It plans on bringing more of them to Asia
Deal focus: VCs back founder’s hardware pivot
Mengqiu Wang shelved his mobile app start-up to pursue a longstanding interest in smart robotics. With backing from several VC investors, Zero Zero Robotics' Hover Camera is now nearing commercial launch
Deal focus: Wongnai eyes expansion, then Thailand IPO
InVent's commitment to Wongnai represents the first-ever Series B round for a Thai start-up from a local VC firm. The company wants to use its dominant position in online restaurant reviews to enter other verticals
Deal focus: RayVio targets China’s water problems
RayVio has found a way to use ultraviolet LED technology in disinfection - and produce high-quality products at scale. IPV Capital and Tsing Capital will help the company grow its China business
Deal focus: VCs see quality in Yummy Express' asset-heavy business model
While most logistics start-ups dedicated to serving China's online food-ordering platforms hire part-time staff through crowdsourcing, Yummy Express recruits full-time employees to provide a consistent service
Deal focus: EQT thinks quality before M&A activity
EQT Partners wants corporate services provider InCorp Group to achieve greater operational efficiency as well as go on the acquisition trail in Asia
Deal focus: Hua Medicine gets cross-border injection
Following its $50 million Series C round, investors in Hua Medicine are waiting for the company to fulfill its potential as a poster child of innovation in China
Fund focus: GGV targets entire venture spectrum
With $1.2 billion in dry powder, Sino-US investor GGV Capital has positioned itself to participate in every phase of a start-up’s life, from seed to late-stage rounds. The GP is not put off by the market slowdown
Deal focus: Ninja Van targets logistics logjam
The Abraaj Group leads a $30 million round to support expansion of Ninja Van's last-mile delivery services into more Southeast Asian markets
Deal focus: Kaizen backs loans for learning
Supported by Kaizen and Zephyr Peacock India, non-banking finance company Varthana wants to provide funding to Indian schools that would otherwise go without
Fund focus: Globis gets traction with pension LPs
Japanese pension funds show stronger interest in latest fund from Tokyo's Globis
Deal focus: Navis to grow Texon outside the shoebox
After a major turnaround for Texon International, Navis aims to reinforce management's strengths and help the company reach the next level
Deal focus: VCs back Kyulux to be leading light
VCs and strategic investors demonstrate confidence in Kyulux to produce energy-efficient digital displays with higher quality at a lower price
Deal focus: Ticket Monster targets seamless service
Korea's NHN Entertainment seeks payment synergies with PE-backed e-commerce marketplace Ticket Monster