U.S.-based venture capital Walden International plans to launch a global fund early next year to raise up to $500 million as it steps up investment in China and India, a top official said on Tuesday. Walden manages more than $1.9 billion in assets, mainly in China and the United States. It aims to invest up to $150 million in the next 12-18 months in India's education, financial and healthcare service firms, Managing Director Rajesh Subramaniam told reporters in Mumbai.The firm was among the first investors in India's Mindtree Ltd , and currently owns 17 percent of the software services firm. It has also bought into unlisted Indian back-office firm Anantara and outsourcer Sierra Atlantic.   more »