SEA
Malaysia’s Carsome raises $200M in financing round, valuation hits $1.3B
The Series D2 round saw participation from one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the region and a pool of new international investors such as Catcha Group and MediaTek as well as strong participation from existing shareholders including Asia Partners, Gobi Partners, 500 Southeast Asia, Ondine Capital, MUFG Innovation Partners, Daiwa PI Partners, and…
Singapore’s F&B startup Chope & Alipay forms strategic partnership
Through this strategic partnership, Alipay will provide Chope with its mini program Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and know-how, while Chope becomes Alipay's platform partner with the capability to integrate a variety of mini programs quickly and flexibly.
Alibaba’s Lazada rebrands logistics arm, introduces multi-channel logistics services
Along with the rebranding, Lazada Logistics is also introducing multi-channel logistics (MCL) services, which provide a single stock fulfillment solution to help e-commerce enablers and brands fulfill across all e-commerce channels seamlessly.
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.
Malaysia’s telecoms infrastructure firm Edotco accepted as United Nations Global Compact signatory
As a signatory, Edotco said it will be supporting the 10 Principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, which will be embedded as part of the company’s strategy, culture, and day-to-day operations.
Political uncertainties in Malaysia seen as ‘short-term risks’, say tech investors
Venture capitalists TechNode Global contacted opined that political issues will have little impact on investors' confidence in Malaysian tech startups. The tech industry in the country will continue to grow due to the ongoing pandemic which has accelerated digitalization.
Philippines to stop accepting digital bank applications for 3 years, caps licenses to 7
The Monetary Board decided to close the window for the submission of applications from new digital banks, including converting banks, starting August 31, 2021. This is in line with the overall thrust of maintaining a stable and competitive environment for banks.
AirAsia’s logistics arm Teleport to acquire food delivery platform Delivereat for $9.8M
The deal values Teleport at $300 million and welcomes investors, including Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai-based venture capital firm Gobi Partners onboard.
AirAsia partners with InsurTech startup PolicyStreet to provide digital car insurance service
The digital car insurance service includes insurance and road tax renewal and allows car owners to make price comparisons of various insurance providers.
