May 13, 2025

I recently came across news discussing maritime contestation fears at IMDEX Asia 2025. The event highlighted ways to navigate ongoing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, with discussions on critical undersea infrastructure security and upcoming naval exercises. The event also saw the publicization of new defense agreements, such as Singapore finalizing a contract for two additional submarines.

In addition to the maritime security initiatives, the news also mentioned the geopolitical and geoeconomic significance of the region, including Kremlin diplomacy, strategic partnerships, energy ban talks, and emerging rare earth signals. The event also touched upon industry developments like a new digital deal, nuclear framework hopes, and regional green futures.

Another news article discussed the out-of-favor stock-market strategy of growth at a reasonable price (GARP). UBS identified 29 stocks that meet the criteria, with an average trading at 30 times estimated 2025 earnings and an expected return of 19%. The strategy focuses on companies that are neither too expensive nor a value trap, with operational quality and growth potential.

Overall, the news articles provided insights into various topics ranging from maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region to stock-market strategies like GARP investing. The discussions shed light on emerging trends, geopolitical dynamics, and investment opportunities in the market.

I recently learned that Christopher Hilditch is stepping down as head of global alternatives at T. Rowe Price to take on the role of CEO of permanent capital and wealth at RedBird Capital Partners. His new focus will be on developing new evergreen solutions for the firm’s longer-term investments. Additionally, former partner with Founders Fund, Jennifer Campbell, is reportedly targeting around $300 million for a new early-stage fund after joining FF in 2023 from Coinbase. The Treasury Department announced plans to establish a fast-track process for CFIUS approvals, including a “known investor portal” to increase foreign investment in the U.S. Rippling, a provider of HR software, raised $450 million in Series G funding and agreed to repurchase shares at a $16.8 billion valuation, showing confidence from investors despite legal battles.

In the venture capital world, Classiq, an Israeli quantum software company, raised $110 million in Series C funding, while X-Bow, a Seattle-based solid-rocket motors provider, raised $105 million in Series B funding. Farmley, a healthy snacks brand in India, raised $42 million in Series A funding, and Egyptian proptech startup Nawy raised $29 million in Series A funding. WhatsApp-based AI executive assistant Zapia raised $7.25 million in new seed funding, and AI platform TensorStax raised $5 million in seed funding. S4labour, a U.K.-based workplace management software provider, also raised £4 million from YFM Equity Partners.

In private equity news, Bain Capital is in talks to buy PCI Pharma Services for over $10 billion, while Blackstone agreed to acquire TaskUs for around $2 billion. Cressey & Co. invested in Paradigm Health, and Hub International raised $1.6 billion in minority equity funding. Macquarie agreed to buy Iberdrola’s U.K. smart meter rentals business for nearly £900 million, and TSG Consumer Partners agreed to acquire EoS Fitness. Lastly, eToro is expected to be the only major IPO on U.S. exchanges this week.

Stay Well!