News

CPPIB to increase bets in China despite political tensions: Reuters

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) plans to continue deploying capital in China, despite political tensions between the two nations, CEO Mark Machin told Reuters. Following the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s CFO on December 1, China warned Canada it would face consequences if it did not immediately release her. “If we cut aside all of the rhetoric, I think China will take a mature, cool-headed attitude toward pragmatic negotiations, so we won’t get too much wild action,” Machin said. CPPIB has 8 percent of its funds invested in China and has previously indicated it plans to increase that significantly in the next few years.

EduLab Capital Partners targets $15 mln for maiden fund

EduLab Capital Partners is seeking to raise $15 million for its debut fund, according to an SEC filing. Boston-based EduLab Capital Partners invests in edtech.

The Hardware Club closes $50 mln first fund.

The Hardware Club said it completed a final close of its $50 million first fund. The firm, operating from Paris, Tokyo and San Francisco, raised the capital from investors, including Isomer Capital, Draper Esprit, Bpifrance’s French Tech Acceleration funds, Foxconn and Arkéa.

Fusion Fund launches in Ohio

Bounce Innovation Hub, Acquire Investments and JumpStart Inc announced the launch of Fusion Fund, a $20-million, for-profit venture fund aimed at growing companies in and around Ohio. The fund will make seed and early-stage investments in advanced materials, life sciences and tech companies located within a four-hour radius of Akron, Ohio.

Fund Performance: A review of San Francisco's venture portfolio from 2015

BCF Ventures grows pool to $12 mln, backs six tech startups

BCF Ventures, a Montréal-based pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm, has increased the potential size of its fund to $12 million. Initially capitalized at $5 million by BCF Business Law partners, the fund raised additional commitments from family offices and accredited investors. Led by CEO and Partner Sergio Escobar, BCF and its co-investors provide financing to cloud and software-as-a-service companies leveraging artificial intelligence, big data, analytics and security, primarily in North America. To date, BCF has invested in six companies, including Canada's Bridgr, CareTeam and FleetOps.

Frist Cressey Ventures collects almost $50 mln for second fund

Frist Cressey Ventures has raised almost $50 million for its second fund, according to an SEC filing. The target is $80 million. Based in Nashville, the firm invests in healthcare.

DBL Partners TIAB 2018 targets $125 mln

DBL Partners TIAB 2018 is seeking to raise $125 million, according to an SEC filing. Based in San Francisco, DBL Partners invests in companies that "enable social, environmental and economic benefits," according to its website.

HubSpot launches $30 mln fund

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based HubSpot, a software company, has launched HubSpot Ventures, a $30 million fund, according to a company announcement. HubSpot Ventures is targeting companies "that take the long-view on success by putting their customers first, investing in an inclusive company culture, and delivering highly differentiated products."

OAV and Apicil launch insurtech fund

Odysseus Alternative Ventures and French insurer Apicil has launched an insurtech fund with a commitment of 10 million euros. The fund will invest in French and European startups seeking to develop new technologies, new business models and new forms of delivery for the insurance sector.