Opinion
Asia fintech hubs: Head start
Singapore's move to strengthen its financial technology ecosystem underlines the importance of creating appropriate infrastructure and incentives for start-ups in the space
Asian private equity: The state we're in
Based on current progress, Asia is unlikely to match the last year's fundraising, investment and exit totals in 2016. But the fundamentals that underpin most PE opportunities in the region are still there
Sovereigns and VC: An eye on the future
Australia's Future Fund appears to have overcome the philosophical and structural challenges facing face large-ticket LPs that want exposure to early-stage innovation
Corporate carve-outs: Who's selling?
Certain markets in Asia represent a target-rich environment for corporate carve-outs, but private equity firms must be patient in waiting for deals to emerge
Chinese entrepreneurs: Under pressure
The health tolls of the entrepreneurial lifestyle and its effect on founders' lives and performance are an increasing source of concern for China's VC investors
Deal advisory: Helping hands
Chinese M&A buyers must overcome their reluctance to engage top-quality advisory teams for their transactions
PE roll-ups: Consolidation game
Quadrant Private Equity's foray into the fitness club space represents the latest in a string of roll-up investments pursued by middle market Australian GPs. This strategy is a proven winner but execution risk should not be underestimated
PE recruitment: The churn
Recent turnover spikes at pan-regional players could be a harbinger of future spin-outs
Australia VC: Interesting times
AirTree Ventures' successful fundraise underlines the growth interest in Australian venture capital, but the superannuation funds have yet to prove themselves to be a consistent source of capital
Wanda-lust: Chinese investment in the US movie industry
Jianlin Wang, chairman of Dalian Wanda Group, has set his sights on buying one of Hollywood's six major studios. The rationale is sound but a strategy of incremental acquisitions might work better
Size matters: Korea's heavily contested buyouts
Korea has delivered some of Asia's biggest private equity buyout opportunities, but the scarcity of these deals means processes are highly competitive and assets are richly priced
China football: Game of two halves?
Chinese investors are showing increased interest in international football clubs, hoping to profit off their growing domestic fanbases
Outbound fund-of-funds: China's white space
Is channeling capital from Chinese high net worth individuals into offshore private equity the next big opportunity for fund-of-funds providers?
Foreign internet players in China: After Uber
Uber's experience in China suggests that foreign internet companies should be careful when picking their battles and wherever possible emphasize the international angle
China venture capital: Contrarian view
While capital is widely available in China's VC scene, investors continue to worry worry that the market is not developing as it should
Vietnam redux
Vietnam's private equity sector is coming into its own; future success will require GPs to maintain consistent performance levels
Tipping points: Asian LPs target the US
While global private equity firms have well-established channels for tapping Asian institutional investors, it continues to be challenging for LPs from this region to access North America's middle-market managers
Japan succession: The long goodbye
As Masayoshi Son's recent about-turn on giving up the leadership of SoftBank suggests, Japanese founders of a certain age can be even less willing to consider succession than their younger peers
Micro VC: Small is beautiful
Asia's micro VC segment is gaining appeal as diversity among fund managers grows
Japan fundraising: Stronger sentiment
A host of Japanese GPs are either in the market with new funds or preparing to enter it. Industry participants are optimistic that the process will be smoother than last time around
It's good to talk: PE's communication imperative
Asian private equity has in recent years discovered the benefits of greater media and public engagement
China buyouts: Small beginnings
China holds many potential buyout deals, but the challenge for GPs is making sure they can complete their goals for the companies
Corporate VC: A fine balance
Corporations in Asia increasingly see the merits of captive VC units, but they must be clear in their financial and strategic objectives in order to give teams the right combination of autonomy and guidance
Hollywood fever: Alibaba targets the movies
An investment in Taobao Movie is essentially a bet on how the company can leverage what Alibaba Pictures might become, as well as on the broader Chinese box office