Yimie Yong

Vietnam’s e-wallet firm MoMo raises $200M, now a unicorn valued above $2B

The company will also expand and strengthen its services in tier 2 and tier 3 cities as well as rural areas.

Southeast Asia’s Top 10 tech news in 2021

It’s that time of the year again when we take a look back at what had happened during the year in the tech and startup scene.

Softbank, Tencent-backed Indian used car platform Cars24 raises $400M

The investment will be used for the brand’s global expansion in the Middle East, Australia, and Southeast Asia, and to further strengthen its foothold in the Indian market.

Malaysia-based Iris Capital Partners launches $37.8M Venture Debt Fund

The Iris Fund, established under the Dana Penjana Nasional program, is co-managed by Hanwha Asset Management and Iris Capital Partners aims to support Malaysian and Southeast Asian startups.

Indonesia’s GoTo said to appoint banks for $1B local IPO – report

GoTo Group has picked PT Mandiri Sekuritas and PT Indo Premier Sekuritas as underwriters for a local IPO that could happen as soon as next quarter, Bloomberg reported.

Malaysian securities regulator revises SPAC framework

The revised SPAC framework will take effect on Jan 1, 2022.

Indonesia to launch Merah Putih Fund worth $200M to support local ‘soonicorns’ – report

Erick said Indonesia has the potential to create more unicorns, 25 in his estimation.

Malaysia-based SPAC Kairous Acquisition starts trading on NASDAQ

The company said the timing is just right as it believes that Southeast Asia is on the verge of producing many more great tech companies in years to come.

Grab to acquire Malaysia-based supermarket chain Jaya Grocer

While Grab did not disclose the financials of the transaction in the filing, the deal is said to be worth between MYR1.5 billion ($354 million) and MYR1.8 billion ($425.42 million), local media reported, quoting sources.

Binance withdraws Singapore cryptocurrency bourse application – report

The company was said to be among some 170 firms that applied to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a permit to offer cryptocurrency services.