Investments
Singapore’s Nexstrom raises $12M to scale 12-inch 2D semiconductor platform
Singapore semiconductor startup Nexstrom has raised a $12 million seed round led by Xora Innovation to commercialize a wafer-scale platform for single-crystal 2D semiconductor materials.
SoftBank launches $11B bond sale to fund OpenAI investment
SoftBank has launched an $11 billion-equivalent bond sale to finance its next $10 billion OpenAI investment tranche and refinance bridge borrowing.
[Central Asia Rising] Uzbekistan’s tech gambit: nation vies for global stage with new “Enterprise Uzbekistan” free zone
Uzbekistan is trying to position itself as a technology hub for Central Asia, combining tax incentives, sector-specific tech parks, a young workforce and closer regional ties. A key part of that push is “Enterprise Uzbekistan,” a free zone for technology companies and financial organizations that is expected to operate under English common law.
Applied Materials commits $5B to expand India semiconductor footprint
Applied Materials plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next decade, expanding research, suppliers and workforce as the country builds its chip ecosystem.
[Central Asia Rising] Beyond oil & gas: how Kazakhstan wants to become a gateway for Chinese capital & technology
For many Chinese investors, Kazakhstan and Central Asia have long been associated with natural resources—oil, gas, mining and commodities. Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), believes that perception is beginning to change. “Traditionally, China always looked into the advanced economies—Europe,…
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.
