Suzuki Motor Corp launches $41m social impact fund for India

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation on Thursday launched a $41-million (Rs 340 crore) social impact fund to invest in Indian startups focused on agriculture, financial inclusion, rural supply chain, and rural mobility. Called Next Bharat Ventures, the fund will offer a four-month residency programme for early-stage entrepreneurs. The flagship programme, which is now accepting applications,… Continue reading Suzuki Motor Corp launches $41m social impact fund for India

ANZ, Blackstone launch new wealth management fund in Australia

ANZ Group and Blackstone have jointly launched a new wealth management fund in Australia targeting the lender’s private clients, the country’s fourth-largest bank said on Thursday. The new investment vehicle, named Graphene Alternative Fund, will be managed by Blackstone and will adopt an absolute return strategy, aiming to attract the nation’s richest families. An absolute… Continue reading ANZ, Blackstone launch new wealth management fund in Australia

Indonesian EV brand Volta parent raises pre-Series A round from LX Ventures, SAIC CapitalThe fresh investment followed funding from Rigel Capital and …

Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) company PT Energi Selalu Baru (ESB), which owns the two-wheeler brand Volta, has raised an undisclosed sum from LX Ventures and SAIC Capital in its pre-Series A funding round, the company said on Thursday. ESB is a subsidiary of Indonesia-listed PT NFC Indonesia Tbk, part of the MCASH Group. The fresh… Continue reading Indonesian EV brand Volta parent raises pre-Series A round from LX Ventures, SAIC CapitalThe fresh investment followed funding from Rigel Capital and …

China’s CICC to open offices in Indonesia, Malaysia in SE Asia push

China International Capital Corp (CICC) plans to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by opening offices in countries including Indonesia and Malaysia, said its investment banking head, as a slump in deals at home hurts its prospects. Founded in 1995, the Beijing-based investment bank currently has a presence in seven international financial centers outside of… Continue reading China’s CICC to open offices in Indonesia, Malaysia in SE Asia push

Japan asset managers support corporate governance push, says Oasis founder

Japanese asset managers are increasingly supporting the targeting of poorly performing firms by activist fund Oasis Management, its founder said, paving the way for more campaigns to improve corporate governance and deliver higher shareholder returns. Hong Kong-based Oasis, which does not publicly declare its assets under management, has launched high profile campaigns against at least… Continue reading Japan asset managers support corporate governance push, says Oasis founder

China’s BYD launches EV factory in Thailand, first in SE Asia

China’s BYD opened its first electric vehicle plant in Thailand on Thursday, the auto maker’s first in Southeast Asia. “BYD is using Thailand as a production hub for export to ASEAN and many other countries,” Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of Thailand’s Board of Investment said at the opening ceremony, referring to the 10-nation Southeast Asian… Continue reading China’s BYD launches EV factory in Thailand, first in SE Asia

Ambani’s Reliance set to launch IPO-bound Shein in India

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail Ventures will launch Chinese fast fashion label Shein in the coming weeks, selling the latter’s products on its app and brick-and-mortar stores, The Economic Times reported on Thursday. The retail unit of Ambani’s oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries reportedly teamed up with the IPO-bound fashion brand last year and is… Continue reading Ambani’s Reliance set to launch IPO-bound Shein in India

AI deals lift US venture capital funding to highest level in two years

U.S. venture capital funding surged to $55.6 billion in the second quarter, marking the highest quarterly total in two years, according to PitchBook data published on Wednesday. The latest figure shows a 47% jump from the $37.8 billion U.S. startups raised in the first quarter, largely driven by significant investments in artificial-intelligence companies, including $6… Continue reading AI deals lift US venture capital funding to highest level in two years