Investments

Malaysian government entities MaGIC & Penjana Kapital collaborate to offer seed stage startups better funding access

By bridging the funding gap, MaGIC and Penjana Kapital aspire to reorient private capital for innovative start-ups, attract global and regional VCs into Malaysia, as well as elevate knowledge transfer, talent development and creation in Malaysia ecosystem.

Indonesia wealth tech firm Pluang raises $55M round led by Square Peg

With the fresh capital, the company will continue to democratize access for Indonesian retail investors to grow their wealth via its digital savings and investing products.

Thailand hobby-focused commerce startup Mercular extends Series A fundraise, ropes in Thai retail conglomerate Central Retail

The funding will be deployed to create an all-encompassing community-like shopping experience for the hobbyists.

Indonesia e-commerce firm SIRCLO bags $36M funding from East Ventures, Saratoga, Traveloka

The funding aims to further develop SIRCLO’s technological capabilities and accelerate the retail digitalization for various businesses all across Indonesia.

Singapore’s Neuroglee Therapeutics closes $10M Series A led by Openspace Ventures, EDBI

The funding injection will enable Neuroglee to launch virtual neurology clinics for patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment related to difficult-to-treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, while also advancing the company’s DTx pipeline.

Singapore automotive startup Motorist raises $891K seed funding led by JobsCentral co-founder

Funds will be deployed to explore growth opportunities in Singapore and Malaysia, and kickstart its expansion into Thailand.

Malaysia SPAC AEI CapForce II Investment plans to raise $100M from IPO

At the proposed deal size, AEI CapForce II Investment would command a market value of $129 million.

PayPal to acquire Japan BNPL unicorn Paidy for $2.7B

The acquisition will expand PayPal's capabilities, distribution and relevance in the domestic payments market in Japan, complementing the company's existing cross-border ecommerce business in the country, PayPal said.

‘Indonesia-only’ VC firm Intudo Ventures closes $115M Fund III

Intudo Ventures Fund III will seek out opportunities in agriculture, B2B & enterprise, education, finance & insurance, healthcare, logistics, and new retail & entertainment, constructing a concentrated portfolio of 12-14 Indonesian homegrown companies.

Singapore e-commerce startup Rainforest raises $20M pre-Series A funding round led by Monk’s Hill Ventures

Funds will be used to drive Rainforest’s growth strategy, including expanding its portfolio of e-commerce brands in the home goods, mother & kids, personal care and pet categories by three times and growing its leadership team.