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Australian venture capital firm Blackbird said Wednesday it has raised Australia’s largest venture capital fund at just over AUD$1 billion ($640 million) in committed capital. The fund, consisting of a AUD$284 million ($180.77 million) core fund, AUD$668 million ($425.2 million) follow-on fund and NZ$75 million ($43.76 million) dedicated New Zealand fund.

Essentially, ESG is being called on to encourage organizations, especially businesses, to strongly consider factors beyond just their bottom line – particularly environmental impact, employee culture, and the ethics of how the company is being run. 

Petronas, Accenture and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are collaborating to evaluate commercialisation opportunities globally for the cloud-based logistics solution and services platform STEAR.

The MOU seeks to formalize each national FinTech association’s involvement in the formation of the ASEAN FinTech Movement, with the goal of raising the region’s profile as a FinTech powerhouse, as well as providing a common networking platform for the region’s FinTech players to tap onto.

Singapore-based insurtech Igloo, in partnership with PVI Insurance, Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) and international reinsurer SCOR, on Tuesday announced the launch of the country’s first weather index insurance - a blockchain-based parametric index insurance product that automates insurance claims of rice farmers.

Wise, the United Kingdom-based payment firm, announced Wednesday that it has received a capital markets services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which will enable the firm to bring its new investment product, Assets, to Singapore in the coming quarters.

Weavr, a United Kingdom-headquartered technology provider that empowers businesses with plug-and-play embedded finance solutions, has set up in Singapore as part of its mission to make embedded financial services available to any digital business.

Datasonic Group Berhad, a Malaysia-based ICT solutions provider, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Meta Doers World Holding Berhad (Meta Doers) to form a strategic partnership through incorporation of a joint venture company to explore the business opportunities related to metaverse in Malaysia and ASEAN countries.

L Catterton, the United States-based consumer-focused private equity firm, announced Monday the establishment of its impact investing platform and the appointment of Tehmina Haider and Michael O'Leary as Partners to lead the strategy.

In the interview, Bhanu also elaborates on its plans after raising funds and the firm’s ambition in the longer term. He, however, declined to comment on the company's financials and fundraising plans.