Asia

American technology firm Microsoft has announced it will invest $2.9 billion over the next two years to increase its hyperscale cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Japan.

Neysa, an India-based artificial intelligence (AI) cloud and platform-as-a-service startup (PaaS), has secured $20 million in seed funding. Led by Matrix Partners India, Nexus Venture Partners, and NTTVC, the funding will help drive the generative-AI-cloud platform as a service and observability for India and global markets.

The Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO) and SPORTPASS, a fan engagement and gaming platform and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, have on Wednesday announced the entry into a framework in respect of a partnership to transform the fan experience for triathlon and endurance sports that leverages Web3 and blockchain technology.

Australian miner Rio Tinto is teaming up with global venture studio and start-up investor Founders Factory to invest AUD 14.4 million ($9.28 million) in technology startups.

Metalpha Technology Holding Limited, a Hong Kong-based digital asset-focused wealth management company, together with global chips provider Algos Electronics Corp., have established NOWLIT FinTech Solutions Corp.

Southeast Asia's initial public offering (IPI) activity slowed down in the first quarter, with a total of 38 deals raising$1 billion, down from 51 deals raising $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023.

Filter Capital, a technology-focused growth investment firm based in India, has announced the successful final close of its first fund – Filter Capital India Fund I at a total corpus of 800 crores ($97 million).

Chinese fintech firm Ant Group, along with 11 overseas payment partners of Alipay+ and major international card organizations, have launched in Beijing a nation-wide Program to build International Consumer Friendly Zones across major Chinese tourist and commercial cities, with the support of relevant authorities and local governments.

Hong Kong-based gaming firm company Animoca Brands and Web3 entertainment and intellectual property (IP) company Imaginary Ones have on Monday announced a partnership to enhance Web3 entertainment ecosystem.

Japanese Fintech leader Smartpay was oversubscribed in raising $7 million in pre series A round led by Japanese technology investor SMBC Venture Capital.