private equity

PE-VC investments in late-stage companies have significantly declined, plummeting by 61% from $23.4 billion in CY2021 to $9 billion in CY2024, reflecting investor caution. This trend continues into the current fiscal year, with investments down to $1.2 billion in Jan-March CY2025. The market recalibration emphasizes profitability and cash flow over hypergrowth, impacting deal values and exit options.

Global investors including Temasek, IHC, and Alpha Wave Global are investing in Haldiram's, valuing the company at $10 billion. These investments will help Haldiram's expand in the US and Middle East. The company plans to go public within the next two years.

Intel, under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, is selling a 51% stake in its Altera programmable chip business to Silver Lake for $4.46 billion. This deal values Altera at $8.75 billion, significantly less than Intel's 2015 acquisition price. The move aims to provide Intel with capital to strengthen its finances and streamline operations, following unsuccessful diversification attempts.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, writes in Fox News that President Trump's plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education would severely hurt 90% of public school students, particularly low-income and special needs children. The cuts would reduce vital federal funding, hurting educational equity and increasing reliance on private school vouchers. Weingarten warns that this move would exacerbate inequality and put vulnerable students at risk, undermining decades of progress.

Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Harvard University, demanding an apology for allegedly promoting antisemitism. His administration has frozen billions in grants after Harvard refused to dismantle DEI offices and alter admissions policies as per a new federal directive. Harvard defends its stance, citing First Amendment rights and challenging the government's authority.

Donald Trump has threatened Harvard University's tax-exempt status, accusing it of promoting "terrorist inspired/supporting 'Sickness?'" after the university refused to comply with federal directives, leading to a freeze of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts.

Indian stock exchanges will be closed on Monday for Dr BR Ambedkar Jayanti. Last week, the markets closed positively, recovering from an initial decline triggered by US-China tariff concerns. Investors are now awaiting corporate earnings reports from major companies like Wipro, Infosys, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank in the holiday-shortened week.

Nations reach a historic agreement in Geneva to combat future pandemics. The accord addresses shortcomings exposed by Covid-19. It focuses on pathogen data sharing and technology transfer. Article 11 was a point of contention. The World Health Organization will present the final text for approval next month. The US absence and potential tariffs cast a shadow.

President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status after the Ivy League institution defied the administration's demands, including reducing diversity programs and complying with government directives. In retaliation, the Trump administration slashed $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university. Harvard rejected the government's requests, asserting its independence. The standoff highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and US higher education, with potential implications for academic freedom and political influence.

A clash has erupted between Donald Trump and Harvard University over governance, hiring, and admissions, including demands to shut diversity offices. After Harvard rejected these demands, citing constitutional rights, the White House froze $2.2 billion in federal funding. Elon Musk has weighed in, supporting Trump's call to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status.

Former US President Barack Obama has publicly supported Harvard University's rejection of the Trump administration's $2.3 billion federal funding freeze, calling the move an effort to suppress academic freedom. Obama praised Harvard for defending intellectual debate and institutional autonomy. Harvard's vast endowment and diversified revenue allow it to resist political pressure, unlike other universities more reliant on federal support. The standoff marks a pivotal moment in the battle over government influence in higher education.

Equity markets are bracing for a volatile, holiday-shortened week, influenced by US-China trade war developments and key Q4 earnings from Indian giants like Wipro and Infosys. Investors will closely monitor global cues, foreign investor activity, and inflation data. Market sentiment will also be affected by rupee-dollar movements and Brent crude oil prices amid significant global economic data releases.

Barack Obama lauded Harvard University for resisting the Trump administration's attempt to control academic freedom through a $2.2 billion funding freeze. Harvard refused to comply with directives to dismantle DEI initiatives and alter admissions policies. While Columbia University yielded to similar demands, Harvard President Alan Garber asserted the university's independence and constitutional rights against government overreach.