What is the opportunity set in Chinese private equity today? What recent market developments have had the most significant impacts and how can private equity plan ahead for what comes next? Who will be the private equity investors of the future?

One of China’s most significant international initiatives of recent times, the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) has strategic implications for China’s role in Asia and broader relations with the world. Paul will explain the key reasoning behind the initiative, the reaction from Chinese and global observers, and how the BRI fits into a broader set of domestic and foreign policy objectives. He will also touch on the broader implications for governments and private institutions, including private equity.

How far has China come when it comes to buyout and control investment? What are the different approaches and what capabilities are required to make this work?

Is venture capital overpaying in China? How can venture capitalists get ahead of the curve and identify the next big trend? What can be done to assess a company’s worth at such an early stage of investment, and with so much competition and low barriers to entry?

What are the current trends in private debt fundraising and capital deployment in China and worldwide? How significant a portion of the funds raised target Chinese opportunities?

NPLs are grabbing the headlines in China, but what other opportunities are there in the wider universe of private debt in China and Asia? How does investment differ between China and other markets such as Korea, Australia and others?

• Why you need to care about blockchain & token investing
• How to evaluate a token project
• The major blockchain trends for 2018

How can different vehicles, domicile locations, tax structures and other regulatory requirements be evaluated?

What are VCs and growth equity fund managers doing to differentiate themselves at both a fund and deal level? What is their role today aside from bringing capital into play? Is power in the hands of the entrepreneur now and how concerned should LPs be?

Enjoy a chance to dig deeper into informal discussions in a more relaxed environment.

1. TMT sector update – what is the opportunity set in TMT in China, and is that too broad a definition for the sector? How will portfolio companies in new sectors such as AI and virtual reality monetise the tech?
2. ICOs in China – what are ICOs and what does it mean for investors in companies pursuing one? How is the regulatory environment developing?
3. Crossing borders – what are the latest developments in China/Europe cross-border investment? Where are investments being targeted and where do the synergies lie?

Governance and private debt - how concerned are LPs about the legal framework surrounding private debt in China? As a GP, how do you explain this and keep your investors comfortable? Is the diversification play worth the risk?

The Chatham House Rules apply. No Press Allowed.