Hong Kong and Singapore-based revenue-based investment and FinTech firm Choco Up announced on Thursday an $8 million investment in Janio, a cross-border platform that provides integrated, end-to-end e-commerce logistics solutions in Southeast Asia.
Choco Up’s investment is part of a wider closed round bridge investment, which also includes funding from Singapore-based Innoven Capital and Janio’s existing shareholders, the companies said in a joint statement.
“E-commerce is at an all-time high and it’s a very good time for Janio to carry out expansion plans to secure their presence in the region as the leading provider of logistic infrastructure that helps businesses scale their operations quickly and reliably,” said Choco Up Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Percy Hung.
“Choco Up’s backing and their fast-track funding system will provide us the quick capital necessary to carry out expansion plans with a peace of mind at this pivotal time for the industry,” said Janio Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Junkai Ng.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, Janio’s logistics services aim to simplify deliveries across borders. The company integrates the logistics chain by creating strategic partnerships with a wide network of quality service providers, connecting clients with logistics partners through their proprietary data-driven platform.
Janio’s solutions allow their clients across Asia — including Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Thailand — greater control over the supply chain, and it helps streamline logistic-related paperwork using technology.
With the e-commerce industry set to boom in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Choco-Up’s investment allows Janio to boost its growth to meet rising industry demands, the companies said. The investment will also enable Janio to increase its working capital, allowing the company to carry out expansion plans and take on new emerging markets and clients.
Backed by investors including US venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and Singapore-based Vertex Ventures and Insignia Venture Partners, Choco Up’s non-dilutive fast capital with flexible payment structure will strengthen Janio’s liquidity during a period of hyper-growth for the company, as it seeks to leverage on tailwinds provided by the rise of e-commerce, technology and the growth of the middle class in Southeast Asia, the companies said.
Founded in 2018, Choco Up is one of the largest revenue-based investment firms in the Asia Pacific, offering flexible non-dilutive funding solutions across eight countries and 10 sectors. With offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, Choco Up is an advanced data-driven FinTech platform that leverages data analytics and vast integration to automate growth fund deployment and risk management.
Choco Up invests in rapidly scaling companies with domain expertise, established products, and proven demand, providing them with recurring access to growth capital without equity dilution. Its funding model allows portfolio companies to grow their revenue, increase in profitability and valuation of the businesses while preserving equity for future equity fundraising rounds.
Featured image credits: Janio