Asia
Alternative protein investor Lever VC announces $80M final close of Lever VC Fund I
Lever VC is also actively speaking with investors interested in Lever VC Fund II, which will begin raising early next year.
EY: Asia-Pacific M&A hit highest value on record, fuelled by technological innovation & ESG agendas
M&A targeting technology companies hit a record high in Asia-Pacific with tech, advanced manufacturing and mobility sectors topped regional deal activity.
Malaysia SPAC AEI CapForce II Investment plans to raise $100M from IPO
At the proposed deal size, AEI CapForce II Investment would command a market value of $129 million.
PayPal to acquire Japan BNPL unicorn Paidy for $2.7B
The acquisition will expand PayPal's capabilities, distribution and relevance in the domestic payments market in Japan, complementing the company's existing cross-border ecommerce business in the country, PayPal said.
Singapore e-commerce startup Rainforest raises $20M pre-Series A funding round led by Monk’s Hill Ventures
Funds will be used to drive Rainforest’s growth strategy, including expanding its portfolio of e-commerce brands in the home goods, mother & kids, personal care and pet categories by three times and growing its leadership team.
Pakistan logistics startup Truck It In extends pre-seed round to $4.5M
The extended round was again led by Global Founders Capital and Fatima Gobi Ventures. They have been joined by early-stage technology investment firm Picus Capital and Zayn Capital.
Central banks of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa to test central bank digital currencies for international settlements
Led by BIS Innovation Hub’s Singapore Centre, the project, dubbed Project Dunbar, aims to develop prototype shared platforms for cross-border transactions using multiple CBDCs.
Singapore’s Accelerating Asia launches $20M Fund II
The targeted $20 million fund already has around 50 percent in soft commitments from existing investors and partners.
Malaysia-based SPAC Kairous Acquisition files for a $50 million IPO on NASDAQ
The SPAC intends to focus on fast-growing technology companies in e-commerce, financial technology, insurance technology, digital health, digital media, and digital services.
Malaysia’s AirAsia launches e-hailing services; eyes more acquisitions as it builds Super App
AirAsia's e-hailing venture came as the aviation group is in the midst of building its digital businesses and its ASEAN Super App when most of its planes were grounded due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
