Venture capitalists invested over $ 13 billion in companies in emerging countries, including India and China, in 2008, much higher than their previous bets, even as global economic situation continued to deteriorate at a faster pace. Venture capitalists (VCs)continued to seek out investment opportunities outside the US in 2008, as they put more than 13.4 billion dollar to work in 1,416 deals for emerging countries including India, China and Israel last year, as per global data provider Dow Jones VentureSource. VCs, who invest in startups and small businesses, raised investments by nearly five per cent from over 12.8 billion dollar in 1,711 deals outside the US in 2007.   more »

Leading private equity player 3i Group today said it has acquired a minority stake in Krishnapatanam Port Company (KPCL) for $161 million. The investment has been done from the $1.2-billion 3i India infrastructure fund, which is managed by 3i’s global infrastructure investment team, a release said. The fund was formed with an aim to invest in major infrastructure projects in the country and has completed investments in three major projects including that of KPCL, it said.   more »