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Binance enters Japan after acquiring Sakura Exchange BitCoin

Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, announced Wednesday it has acquired 100 percent of Sakura Exchange BitCoin (SEBC), the Japanese-registered crypto exchange service provider. Through this acquisition, Binance enters the Japanese market, as a Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) regulated……

Gogoro partners Globe’s 917Ventures, Ayala Corporation to bring battery swapping and smartscooters to the Philippines

Gogoro Inc., a Taiwan-based technology firm in battery swapping ecosystems, has on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership in the Philippines with Globe's 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation. The companies will be launching a two-wheel battery swapping pilot in Manila using Gogoro's industry leading battery swapping and Smartscooters.

Singapore’s Iterative closes $55M Fund II to back 100+ more companies

Iterative, a Singapore-based early-stage venture capital firm that also runs a YC-style accelerator, said Wednesday it has closed its second fund at $55 million to invest in startups across Southeast Asia.

Funding Societies crosses $27.8M in loan disbursements to SMEs in Thailand

Funding Societies | Modalku, the Singapore-based small and medium enterprise (SME) digital financing platform, has on Wednesday announced that its Thai business (Funding Societies Thailand) has reached THB1 billion ($27.8 million) in loan disbursements to small businesses in the country for year-to-date 2022.

Y Combinator-backed workplace startup Deskimo expands to Dubai

Y Combinator-backed Singapore workplace startup Deskimo, has expanded its services to Dubai, with plans to add Abu Dhabi and other cities in the region in the near future. The firm has built a network of independent workspaces across Dubai and makes them accessible via a mobile app.

Plant-based leather startup PEEL Lab aims to replace 1% of existing leather market by 2030, says Co-Founder [ORIGIN Innovation Awards Q&A]

A winner of the ORIGIN Innovation Awards 2022: Startup Leader of the Year — Startup Trailblazers award, PEEL Lab Co-Founder Jim Huang noted that millennials and GEN-Z are looking for eco-friendly products and brands. The startup hopes to make its leather affordable and accessible to everyone.

Indonesia’s J&T Express announces Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador

Indonesia-based logistics service provider J&T Express has announced football star and global sports icon Lionel Messi as its first global brand ambassador. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and resilience, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner understands the continuous commitment to improvement that is at the heart of J&T Express.

Indonesia’s ESQA raises $6M series A funding led by Unilever Ventures

ESQA, an Indonesian indie beauty brand, has raised a $6 million Series A round led by Unilever Ventures, the venture capital arm of consumer giant Unilever. Renowned investor, East Ventures has also participated in this round.

PolicyStreet partners foodpanda Malaysia to digitise delivery partners’ insurance

Malaysia-based insurance technology firm PolicyStreet has teamed up foodpanda Malaysia to digitise delivery partners’ insurance for better protection. All of foodpanda Malaysia’s delivery partners classified as gig workers nationwide will be enjoying simplified insurance processes as part of PolicyStreet’s commitment to close the insurance protection gap…