Investments
David Kim on why better startup pitches can still fail investors [Q&A]
David Kim discusses investor signals, fundraising narratives, international pitch localization and the limits of AI-generated investor materials.
China’s Apex Intelligence raises nearly $50M for self-evolving AI models
Beijing-based Apex Intelligence has raised nearly $50 million across angel rounds to develop self-evolving foundation models for scientific research.
ByteDance AI drug discovery spin-off Anew Labs raises $290M at $1.5B valuation
Anew Labs, ByteDance’s AI drug-discovery spin-off, has raised $290 million in its first external round at a valuation of about $1.5 billion.
[Central Asia Rising] Kazakhstan’s venture market is growing up — and looking to China
Kazakhstan’s venture capital ecosystem is still young, but Askar Bilisbekov, CEO and board member of Alem Capital Management, sees room for growth through more institutional capital, stronger international links and deeper ties with China.
Canadia Impact Fund invests in Cambodian AI startup Newwave
Canadia Impact Fund has invested in Cambodian AI and software startup Newwave’s seed round, its second disclosed startup deal since launching in 2025.
Allfunds and HSBC add same-day fund settlement in Hong Kong
Allfunds says its HSBC-backed same-day settlement service for Hong Kong-domiciled money market funds went live in August 2026.
Flam raises $40 million Series B for interactive AI content
Flam raised $40 million in a QED Investors-led Series B to develop interactive AI content tools and expand enterprise sales, with activity in India and Southeast Asia.
Space42 and Viasat plan up to $1 billion for Equatys
Space42 and Viasat signed a binding agreement to form Equatys, with founder equity commitments of up to $1 billion once closing conditions are met.
[Central Asia Rising] From Astana to Hong Kong: new capital routes for Central Asia
At an SCMP Live panel in Astana, representatives of AIX, HKEX, Alem Capital Management and Gobi Partners discussed how Central Asian companies could connect with international capital, and what a more diversified route beyond traditional resource and trade links might require.
Z.AI plans about $5 billion in share and bond financing
Z.AI proposes a Hong Kong share placement and a separate convertible-bond issue with combined gross proceeds of about $5 billion, subject to closing conditions.
