Singapore-headquartered AI-enabled trade compliance solutions provider Dutycast has announced an undisclosed strategic investment from GTR Ventures (GTRV) and angels. Dutycast offers AI Trade Agent, a global trade intelligence platform to help companies navigate international markets. Its technology simplifies complex compliance matters such as rules of origin and tariffs with AI precision, reportedly slashing costs by […]
The global financial markets are navigating a turbulent landscape as of April 16, with risk sentiment taking a noticeable hit due to escalating trade tensions and mixed economic signals. I see a complex interplay of geopolitical manoeuvring, economic data, and market dynamics shaping investor behaviour. My perspective is that while short-term volatility is likely to […]
Indonesia’s fintech sector is gaining global attention, spurred by the growing appetite for digital payments and a fast-expanding digital-native population. With Asia’s fintech transaction volumes projected to reach US$19 trillion by the end of 2025, Indonesia stands as one of the region’s most dynamic markets in terms of usage and innovation. According to a recent […]
Singapore- and Hong Kong-based safety artificial intelligence (AI) startup viAct has closed a US$7.3 million Series A funding round led by Venturewave Capital, an Irish impact investing firm. Other participants in the round included Singtel Innov8, Korea Investment Partners, and PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. The new funding, which exceeded viAct’s initial target of US$6 million, […]
Cinch wants to democratise electronic device ownership in Southeast Asia. A device-as-a-service (DaaS) platform, it offers flexible, affordable, and sustainable access to various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This model allows individual consumers to upgrade to the latest technology through low monthly fees, thereby removing the burden of substantial upfront costs and long-term […]
Late last year, Singapore was identified as the crypto hub of the region in a study by ApeX Protocol, with more approved crypto exchange licenses and a larger crypto talent pool than other leading crypto markets, including Hong Kong. Strategically positioning itself as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, the country has been proactive in fostering a robust […]
AI is actively changing everything from how founders code software to how governments deliver public services. But while innovation moves fast, regulations often don’t. Across Southeast Asia, we now face a pivotal moment: How can we design an AI playbook that not only protects the public but also empowers local innovation? As a technology lawyer […]
The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation represents a significant shift in the global stablecoin landscape, but its approach may be fundamentally flawed. As a financial journalist who has closely followed the evolution of digital assets and regulatory frameworks, I believe MiCA’s requirement for 60 per cent of stablecoin reserves to be held in […]
Singapore-based growth-stage venture capital fund Vertex Growth has announced a commitment of €10 million (~US$11 million) to Dolphin Semiconductor, a French provider of semiconductor IP solutions specialising in mixed-signal IP design. The company will use the funding to expand its operations and meet the increasing demand for advanced semiconductor IP across key markets, including industrial, […]
You’d be surprised to see how many business owners try to sell stuff (including their own name card) without leveraging an impactful value proposition people can relate to. Worse, you’d be even more surprised to see how many of them don’t even have a value proposition at all! I see the issue frequently in my […]
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You’d be surprised to see how many business owners try to sell stuff (including their own name card) without leveraging an impactful value proposition people can relate to. Worse, you’d be even more surprised to see how many of them don’t even have a value proposition at all! I see the issue frequently in my […]
It’s no secret that a significant part of passenger and carrier transportation in Indonesia is being operated by using motorcycles. Bikes are the most popular type of transport in Indonesia due to the local road systems and narrow streets. But more importantly, they come at a lower cost compared to cars, and their overall maintenance […]
If we don’t drastically reduce our emissions – and tackle the climate crisis now – we’ll run out of time. To have productive conversations, to take impactful action, to rewind the effects of climate change, all of it. It’s a statement most of us already know is true, but few want to hear. Let alone […]
007 Venture Partners, a newly launched early-stage fund based in Sydney, is putting AU$5 million (US$3.1 million) behind a clear mission to support founders in solving some of the world’s most urgent and complex problems. Spearheaded by Bond Sudarta, an early Airbnb operator and seasoned angel investor, the fund is designed to back startups that […]
A new report from Velocity Ventures, the Innovation & Deal Flow Report 1Q2025 [Accommodation], highlights a dynamic global landscape in accommodation technology. While the report by Velocity Ventures, which identifies itself as a leading travel and hospitality tech investor in Southeast Asia, offers a broad overview, a closer examination reveals key areas of innovation and […]
Dear reader, Velocity Ventures’s latest report offers a timely and exciting lens into the travel services industry, with Southeast Asia taking centre-stage in a rapidly transforming landscape. What’s striking is how digital security, solo travel, and even space tourism are no longer fringe topics but key growth drivers. The 35.5% CAGR in data privacy reflects […]
Our country is the epitome of cultural diversity that is further solidified by the many holidays that we tend to celebrate as Malaysians. Within the first quarter of 2023 alone, we celebrated Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Wesak. As Malaysians, we come from various different backgrounds, and this promotes social cohesion and harmony […]
In the realm of Learning and Development (L&D) professionals, showcasing the value of corporate training is paramount to securing budgets, retaining team members, and bolstering their influence. A key metric that substantiates this value is the return on investment (ROI), which evaluates the gross benefits of a program relative to its total cost. The goal […]
A new report from Velocity Ventures, titled Innovation & Deal Flow Report 1Q2025 [Travel Services], paints a vibrant picture of the global travel services industry, particularly emphasising the opportunities and trends relevant to Southeast Asia. According to the report, the current travel services market displays “extremely optimistic growth potential”. Notably, data protection, space travel, and […]
The business and marketing world has gone through quite the makeover, all thanks to how people make purchases these days. It used to be all about buying what you needed, but now, it’s about making purchases based on what resonates with your emotional demand. In this new paradigm, profound experiences, genuine connections, and the additional […]
Echelon Startup Pitch The Echelon Philippines 2024 Startup Pitching Competition brought together 15 groundbreaking startups, each presenting innovative solutions to pressing challenges. This event not only highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit but also offered a platform for startups to gain feedback, connect with industry leaders, and explore investment opportunities. Among the standouts was BuildIt, which aims […]
Driving Innovation in Philippine Healthcare: Opportunities Beyond Telehealth At Echelon Philippines 2024, the panel ‘Driving Innovation in Philippine Healthcare: Opportunities Beyond Telehealth’ explored the evolving healthcare landscape, focusing on digital health platforms, medical devices, and personalised medicine. Moderated by Amanda Cua, Founder and CEO of BackScoop, the session featured insights from Hamilton Angluben, Founder and […]
Climate Tech: Seizing Opportunities in an Emerging Ecosystem At Echelon Philippines 2024, a panel discussion titled ‘Climate Tech: Seizing Opportunities in an Emerging Ecosystem’ brought together key voices in the climate tech space to explore innovations, funding opportunities, and strategies for navigating regulatory landscapes. Moderated by Katherine Khoo, Lead, Social Impact and Equity Action from […]
AI Leapfrog: Build an AI-first Tech Ecosystem for a Global Competitive Advantage At Echelon Philippines 2024, a panel discussion titled ‘AI Leapfrog: Build an AI-first Tech Ecosystem for a Global Competitive Advantage’ brought together experts from various industries to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Moderated by Bianca Cruz, Co-Founder of 10xme Academy and […]
Is the Philippines the Most Underrated Market in Southeast Asia? Storehub’s Bold Bet on Its Future At Echelon Philippines 2024, Wai Hong Fong, Chieftain and Co-Founder of StoreHub, joined Judge Calimbahin III of Endeavor Philippines for a fireside chat titled ‘Is the Philippines the Most Underrated Market in Southeast Asia? StoreHub’s Bold Bet on Its […]
From Digital to Traditional: Salmon Group’s Integration Strategy with Rural Banking to Enhance Financial Services At Echelon Philippines 2024, Pavel Fedorov, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Salmon (Fintech Holdings Ltd), joined Maansi Vohra of Monk’s Hill Ventures for a fireside chat titled ‘From Digital to Traditional: Salmon Group’s Integration Strategy with Rural Banking to Enhance […]
At Echelon Philippines 2024, Sabrina Tan, Co-Founder of Lhoopa, joined Adriel Yong of Ascend Network for an insightful fireside chat titled ‘Beyond Walls and Roofs: Lhoopa’s Journey of Empowering Individuals and Transforming Lives’. The session highlighted Lhoopa’s efforts to revolutionise homeownership in emerging markets. Lhoopa’s mission is to make affordable housing accessible while creating […]
Funding the Future: Navigating Emerging Sectors and Investment Opportunities Echelon Philippines 2024 hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Funding the Future: Navigating Emerging Sectors and Investment Opportunities’, shedding light on the growth potential of emerging sectors and strategies for startups to secure funding. The session brought together key investment leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges in […]
From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Building and Scaling for the Philippine Market The Echelon Philippines 2024 fireside chat titled ‘From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Building and Scaling for the Philippine Market’ explored key strategies and challenges for growing businesses in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. Moderated by Joan Yao, Vice President of Investments at Kickstart […]
Leveraging Silicon Valley Networks: Zed’s Path to Growth and the Long Term Impact to Philippine Ecosystem As part of Echelon Philippines 2024, the fireside chat titled “Leveraging Silicon Valley Networks: Zed’s Path to Growth and the Long Term Impact to Philippine Ecosystem” examined how Zed has successfully navigated two ecosystems to drive innovation and growth. […]
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Singapore-headquartered AI-enabled trade compliance solutions provider Dutycast has announced an undisclosed strategic investment from GTR Ventures (GTRV) and angels. Dutycast offers AI Trade Agent, a global trade intelligence platform to help companies navigate international markets. Its technology simplifies complex compliance matters such as rules of origin and tariffs with AI precision, reportedly slashing costs by […]
Singapore- and Hong Kong-based safety artificial intelligence (AI) startup viAct has closed a US$7.3 million Series A funding round led by Venturewave Capital, an Irish impact investing firm. Other participants in the round included Singtel Innov8, Korea Investment Partners, and PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. The new funding, which exceeded viAct’s initial target of US$6 million, […]
Singapore-based growth-stage venture capital fund Vertex Growth has announced a commitment of €10 million (~US$11 million) to Dolphin Semiconductor, a French provider of semiconductor IP solutions specialising in mixed-signal IP design. The company will use the funding to expand its operations and meet the increasing demand for advanced semiconductor IP across key markets, including industrial, […]
Populix, an Indonesian technology-based research company, has announced it has successfully raised US$4.3 million in the initial closing of its Series B funding round. MSW V Asia Fund X led the investment, which was joined by existing investors Intudo Ventures, Altos Ventures, and Acrew Capital. The funding will be channelled towards further developing and training […]
A new report from Velocity Ventures, the Innovation & Deal Flow Report 1Q2025 [Accommodation], highlights a dynamic global landscape in accommodation technology. While the report by Velocity Ventures, which identifies itself as a leading travel and hospitality tech investor in Southeast Asia, offers a broad overview, a closer examination reveals key areas of innovation and […]
Accenture Ventures, the investment arm of Accenture, has announced an undisclosed strategic investment in GoUpscale, a content engagement technology company headquartered in Singapore. The collaboration will facilitate GoUpscale’s expansion into new markets. The startup will also benefit from Accenture’s expertise in generative AI, industry knowledge, and data assets. The two companies’ combined efforts are geared […]
Singapore-based women’s health supplement brand Moom Health has announced SGD3.5 (US$2.7) million pre-Series A funding round led by Wipro Consumer Care Ventures, the venture funding arm of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. Existing investor DSG Consumer Partners, alongside Racer Ventures (the family office of the Eu family and founders of Eu Yan Sang) and HPRY […]
Singapore-based digital bank GXS Bank has announced the acquisition of Validus Capital, the Singaporean subsidiary of Validus Investment Holdings (Validus Group), following regulatory approval. The all-cash transaction saw Validus Capital become a wholly owned subsidiary of GXS Bank. The acquisition positions GXS Business Banking to cater to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all stages […]
A new report from Velocity Ventures, titled Innovation & Deal Flow Report 1Q2025 [Travel Services], paints a vibrant picture of the global travel services industry, particularly emphasising the opportunities and trends relevant to Southeast Asia. According to the report, the current travel services market displays “extremely optimistic growth potential”. Notably, data protection, space travel, and […]
Indonesian premium affordable coffee chain Fore Coffee has attracted significant investor interest in its recent initial public offering (IPO). The offering, which concluded between April 8 and 10, 2025, saw 114,873 retail investors participate and was oversubscribed by 200.63 times via the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) e-ipo system. This development comes despite the uncertainty in […]
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Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping how we live, work, and interact with the world around us. Consumers seek smarter, more secure, and energy-efficient homes while embracing health-monitoring tools for better well-being. Industries are evolving alongside these advancements as well. This is evident in how they leverage AI, automation, and data-driven solutions. As […]
The financial services industry is expected to grow exponentially as economies become more digitised. As a result, consumers are in a cycle, expecting their financial transactions to be fast, secure, and seamless. This demand behaviour is driving rapid growth in the digital payments market across countries as businesses and consumers seek more efficient payment solutions […]
Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a present reality with direct and devastating consequences on global health. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are accelerating the spread of infectious diseases, exacerbating respiratory conditions, and straining healthcare infrastructure. Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these crises. They face limited access […]
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 16 January 2025 – Over 400 business owners, marketers, and advertisers gathered at Hotel Maya in Kuala Lumpur for TikTok’s highly anticipated Ramadan Ready for SMBs: Elevate Your Brand’s Story on TikTok event. This exclusive event provided small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the latest strategies and tools to maximize brand […]
The customer engagement landscape is rapidly evolving. AI-driven innovations, shifting consumer expectations, and a dynamic business environment are fundamentally changing how brands connect with their audiences. Businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind—just as Kodak, Blockbuster, and Yahoo did when they ignored industry shifts. To stay competitive, organizations must embrace new strategies and technologies […]
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack access to the digital tools that larger companies use to transform their operations. With constrained budgets, they face challenges in acquiring, integrating, and managing new software, hardware, and technologies. Without the right tools, SMEs struggle to digitise workflows, collect and analyse customer data, and automate repetitive tasks. This […]
Raising capital is one of the biggest hurdles for startups. With fewer than one per cent of startups securing venture capital, most turn to angel investors. However, founders often struggle with finding relevant investors in their industry and geography, preparing professional investor-ready documents such as pitch decks and business plans, and effectively reaching out and […]
Omnichat, the leading all-in-one omnichannel customer experience platform in the Asia-Pacific region, announced its AI-powered conversational suite driven by Agentic AI for 2025. Notably, it is backed by prominent investors such as AppWorks, 91APP, Palm Drive Capital, Cornerstone Ventures and AVA Angels. Omnichat has achieved significant growth with an eightfold revenue increase over the past […]
SINGAPORE — e27 announced a new integration with Meta’s Llama Incubator Programme. This initiative is designed to accelerate AI adoption among startups and SMEs in Singapore. It features two specialized tracks: the Startup Track and the SME Track. Both tracks will equip participants with the necessary tools and expertise to integrate AI solutions effectively into […]
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