Managers

XPNDCroissance Fund grows to $52 mln with Caisse commitment

XPNDCroissance Fund, the second fund of Canadian growth equity firm XPND Capital, has increased its size to $52 million following an investment by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The Caisse committed $15 million to the fund, which adds to a $10 million commitment made last month by Investissement Québec. XPNDCroissance Fund plans to invest in Québec companies active in sustainable transportation, innovative industries, and technology, media and entertainment. It is expected to reach $70 million in committed capital by the end of 2015.

Venture firm Andreessen Horowitz launches $200 million Bio Fund: Reuters

Venture firm Andreessen Horowitz put itself on the map with software investing. Now, it plans to take its software-heavy approach to biology and medicine, with a new $200 million fund for the hybrid sector and a former Stanford professor to run it, Reuters News reported.

Global fundraising recap

Fundraising recaps from the past month regarding Formation 8, 500 Startups, Partech and other firms from around the world

Pro-rata rights: The Force Awakens

IPO Profiles: Nine VC-backed companies went public in October

Formation 8 partners to raise new fund

Three investing partners at Formation 8 have filed to raise a new fund, Eight Partners Fund I, according to a filing with the SEC. No target size for the fund was listed.

Emerging managers can mean top-tier returns, but how do you convince an LP?

More emerging managers than ever seem to be raising venture funds. So how do you stand out in a crowded fundraising market where re-upping is often the default LP option?

BDC earmarks $500 mln for small businesses hit by lower oil prices

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has earmarked $500 million in additional financing for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the decline in oil prices. It will also offer advisory services to enterprises that are looking to adjust operations in response to the economic downturn. BDC said the focus of its strategy will be to help companies with projects aimed at diversifying their business, increasing operational and environmental efficiency, improving financial management, and purchasing new technology and equipment.

IPO Aftermarket: Life sciences dominate new issues in October

How to avoid FOMO

The fear of missing out on the next big deal is an issue for some investors, and it’s being blamed for helping drive up late-stage valuations. There is a way to combat it.