Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of USD funds in 2025, highlighting a significant fundraising round exceeding $2 billion, which is seen as a potential turning point for USD investments in China after a prolonged period of stagnation [5][6][14]. Fundraising Dynamics - Several institutions, including Lightspeed Venture Partners and Black Ant Capital, are reportedly raising new USD funds, with a total target exceeding $2 billion, marking the largest USD fund return in recent years [6][14]. - The primary market views this fundraising positively, interpreting it as a sign of global capital reassessing the Chinese market [7][14]. - The fundraising process is described as low-key, with key details such as closing times and LP composition remaining undisclosed [9]. Investment Trends - Despite caution in sectors like semiconductors and AI, areas such as AI+, robotics, and pharmaceuticals are emerging as key investment directions for this fundraising round [11]. - International investors are increasingly interested in China's advancements in hard technology, with a consensus that the pharmaceutical sector has become attractive due to valuation adjustments [11][12]. - There is a shift in the expectations of US LPs, who are now looking for Chinese GP to establish funds focused on pipeline acquisitions rather than traditional equity financing [11][12]. Market Context - The overall fundraising situation for USD funds remains challenging, with a reported 32% decrease in China's private equity market fundraising, totaling over 1,066.5 billion yuan [14]. - The actions of leading USD fund institutions are viewed as a potential precursor to a broader recovery in the market [14][15]. Structural Changes - The article outlines a structural transformation in USD funds, moving from a focus on internet-based investments to deeper engagement in non-sensitive sectors and innovative opportunities [18]. - The shift in investment strategy is reflected in the language used by fund managers, moving away from terms like "burning money" to concepts like "patent licensing" and "cross-cultural networks" [18]. Historical Perspective - The peak expansion period for USD funds in China was from 2000 to 2015, driven by regulatory arbitrage and significant returns from investments in major tech companies [17]. - The decline from 2015 to 2023 was attributed to the rise of RMB funds and external market pressures, leading to a drastic drop in USD fundraising from $17.2 billion in 2021 to $1.3 billion in 2024 [17]. Future Outlook - While the current fundraising activities are seen as a trial, the long-term outlook for USD funds in China is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of increased influence and scale in the coming years [16][18].

Core Viewpoint - KKR has successfully launched a RMB fund, marking a significant shift in the domestic dollar fund landscape, with several VC firms also initiating fundraising for dollar funds [2][3][4]. Group 1: KKR's RMB Fund - KKR has established the Kai De Shi Pu (Shanghai) Private Investment Fund Partnership, with a total fund size of approximately 410.12 million RMB [3]. - The major contributors to the fund include Ping An Capital, which invested about 327 million RMB, accounting for 79.78% of the total [3]. - The fund's management is handled by Kai De Shang Pu (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Co., Ltd., which is controlled by KKR Hong Kong [3]. Group 2: Changes in Fundraising Landscape - Recent reports indicate a resurgence in dollar fundraising, with six VC firms, including Lightspeed and Monolith, actively seeking to raise dollar funds [2][8]. - In Q1 2025, 988 RMB funds were raised, totaling approximately 34.26 billion RMB, while only four foreign currency funds raised about 446.8 million RMB during the same period [7]. - The Chinese government has introduced measures to encourage foreign investment in equity, which may positively impact the fundraising environment for foreign funds [7]. Group 3: KKR's Market Position - KKR, established in 1976, is one of the largest alternative asset management firms globally, with assets under management of approximately 664 billion USD (about 4.8 trillion RMB) [5]. - Despite a less active presence in China compared to peers like Blackstone and Carlyle, KKR has been involved in notable IPOs, such as Zhenjiu Li Du and Guai Bao Pet, in 2023 [4].