Latest news and trends about tech

Pandemic has served as a catalyst for accelerating ESG innovation in Southeast Asia, says Ee Ling Lim of 500 Startups [Q&A]

In this TechNode Global Q&A with Ee Ling Lim, Head of APAC Business Development, 500 Startups, we learn how the pandemic has served as a catalyst for companies in the region to accelerate their ESG initiatives. We also learn about the nuances in incorporating and implementing such criteria, which may include the need for a shift in corporate culture, as…

BigPay banks on AirAsia’s ecosystem, consortium’s banking expertise to vie for digital banking license in Malaysia [Q&A]

In the interview, Dhanani also shared BigPay’s plans and strategy on how to serve the “underserved and unserved” segment in Malaysia.

Temasek, SoftBank invest in India EdTech unicorn Unacademy’s Series H funding round

The latest fundraise takes the valuation of Unacademy Group to $3.44 billion.

Guschcloud International launches celebrity NFT collection in partnership with Robin8 and ToKAU Japan

Gushcloud International has announced that it has teamed up with AI-powered influencer platform Robin8, as well as global NFT platform ToKAU Japan to create NFT collectibles, in an effort to bring celebrities and influencers closer to their fans.

Malaysia’s Axiata eyes 66% stake in Indonesia’s Link Net

The group and its 66.48 percent subsidiary, PT XL Axiata Tbk, has entered a non-binding term sheet with Asia Link Dewa Pte Ltd and PT First Media Tbk to facilitate discussions and negotiations for a potential acquisition of 1.82 billion shares or 66.03 percent stake in Link Net.

SME lending FinTech Validus reports breaching the billion-dollar (SGD) lending mark

The platform connects growing SMEs to accredited and institutional investors for fast, secure, collateral-free financing. Its differentiator lies in its strong origination channels, which involve partnership-led strategy and bank channels. It counts large corporations and government-linked companies such as ST Engineering, YTL PowerSeraya, and Siemens as…

Temasek, DBS jointly launch $500M debt financing platform for Asia’s growth stage tech firms

Headquartered in Singapore, EvolutionX will provide non-dilutive financing to growth stage technology-enabled companies across Asia, with a focus on China, India, and Southeast Asia.

FinTech democratizes access to investments as capital shifts toward private markets, says Oi Yee Choo of ADDX [Q&A]

The shift toward private capital is driving innovation in many ways – in technology, in business processes, and in the way the markets are regulated. The rise of platforms like ADDX that expand access to private investments such as VC funds, pre-IPO equity, hedge funds, wholesale bonds, and private real estate, is an example of that innovation.

Animoca Brands acquires indie game developer Blowfish Studios

The current management of Blowfish will continue to operate the company after the acquisition.