SEA

Grab Financial Group launches new brand GrabFin

Grab Financial Group (GFG), a Singapore-based fintech platform, announced Monday that it will be launching GrabFin, a new brand for its digital payments, insurance, lending and wealth management offerings. Following its launch in Singapore and Malaysia, the GrabFin brand will be progressively rolled out in other Southeast Asian markets in the coming months.

Mass-market metaverse builder Virtualtech Frontier announces backing by 500 Global

Southeast Asian Metaverse Builder Virtualtech Frontier (VTF), which has an extensive background in developing virtual environments, NFTs, and game development, has announced its vision to create a high utility Metaverse platform. Backed by venture capital firm 500 Global, the fresh funds will go towards team expansion to serve their waitlist of customers.

Indonesian culinary multi-brand firm Hangry eyes up to 100 outlets in 2022 while hunting for M&A targets

The company’s expansion will focus on Indonesia first before starting to expand regionally in 2024.

Singapore’s Oddle raises $5M in Pre-Series B funding

Funds from this bridge round will power product development and regional market expansion in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Singapore skyline SGX SPAC

Japan’s SBI, South Korea’s Kyobo & NTU Singapore to raise $75M venture fund

The fund aims to accelerate digital transformation in Southeast Asia and South Asia through the combined operational expertise, regional go-to-market connections and extensive industry network across the three general partners.

Singapore’s Jungle Ventures closes a $600 million fund, AUM crosses $1B

This brings their total Assets Under Management (AUM) to over $1 billion.

Zipmex invests in Thailand’s Fintech firm Forward

The investment, made by Zipmex Labs, a unit under Zipmex Group, is part of a series of investments aimed at promoting and supporting blockchain projects and entrepreneurs looking to transform the crypto ecosystem through innovative business ideas, Zipmex said.

Malaysian Prime Minister too, tries to court Tesla to invest in the country – report

Neighbouring Indonesia has been publicly wooing Tesla to invest in the country to help develop its ambitious EV and battery industry plans. Indonesian President Joko Widodo is planning to meet Tesla Founder and Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk.

Grab announces three ESG goals for sustainable and inclusive growth

Grab, the Singapore-based superapp, announced Thursday three goals to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia. The new goals are doubling the number of marginalised individuals earning income on its platform by 2025; reaching 40 percent female leadership by 2030, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.