Opinion

VC and supercomputing: Access denied

VCs continue to shun the field of supercomputing despite new commercial upside related to the rise of artificial intelligence. Asia, however, could offer a relatively competitive launchpad for start-ups in the segment

Japan VC: Acorns to oaks

Japan Post Investment Corporation seeks to fill the late-stage investment gap in Japan's venture capital market that local VC investors lack the capacity to address

Hong Kong biotech IPOs: Capital injection

The move to allow zero-revenue biotech companies to list in Hong Kong has spurred investor interest in healthcare. But valuations are high and success in this capital-intensive space is by no means guaranteed

Activist investors in Japan: Governance gambit

Japan's governance reforms have given activist investors more leverage over underperforming companies. PE firms are well positioned to offer solutions to these targets in the form of carve-outs, privatizations, or partnerships

Japanese LPs: The long walk

PE firms have been trying to open up the Japanese LP market for years. Now that local institutions are showing a greater appetite for alternatives, it is unclear who will manage their investment programs

US pension funds: Going direct

California Public Employees’ Retirement System's (CalPERS) decision to launch a private equity direct investment strategy sets it apart from its counterparts, but the plan will need conviction and focus to succeed

  • LPs
Vietnam: Growth agenda

Comparisons with the dynamics in China a decade ago are often used to illustrate Vietnam's potential. The country may replicate some of its larger neighbor's success, but patience and reform remain paramount

Corporate divestments: Time to sell?

Asia Pacific companies are increasingly willing to consider non-core asset sales as they seek to shed dead weight and re-focus on major business areas, especially as technology threatens to overturn established practices

EV in Asia: Easy riders

Higher scooter and motorcycle use rates in Asia suggest an opening for the region to take the lead in clean mobility. Early investors in electric two-wheelers have outlined the opportunity

Alibaba vs Tencent: Trench warefare

Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings have different approaches to M&A but the same objective of achieving pre-eminence in China's internet industry. Other companies are obliged to take sides

Asia risk: Bullish on the brink

Investors appear to be discounting Asia risk in the face of rising political concerns, ranging from North Korea to Myanmar

  • GPs
Southeast Asia: Wary voices

LPs are likely to remain reluctant on Southeast Asia funds until GPs can demonstrate a consistent ability to generate positive returns from the region

Hong Kong IPOs: Open season

Hong Kong is proposing to loosen its listing requirements - with a view to attracting Chinese technology IPOs - in a measured way. However, changes of such significance are rarely implemented smoothly

Specialization: Buying better

Should the next-generation Australian private equity firm be doing more to differentiate itself from the competition - in the eyes of potential investees as well as investors?

Sovereign wealth funds: Size matters

GIC Private is an example of a sovereign wealth fund that has developed wide-ranging private equity capabilities. More of its peers have been boosting exposure to alternatives, highlighting the prospect of increased direct investment, but establishing...

Buyouts: Courage of conviction

Buyout firms are responding to higher valuations by doing more to ensure they can bring about transformation in portfolio companies. They are also being more careful in terms of sector selection and leverage