Venture capital continues to flow into Southeast Asia, with startups securing significant funding across diverse sectors. From AI-powered customer support platforms like Brainfish to innovative agritech solutions like Rize, these investments reflect the growing interest in tech-driven innovation. Companies like Runchise are revolutionising restaurant management, while NSG BioLabs provide essential infrastructure for biotech startups. International job placement platforms like Gapai are also attracting attention. With renewable energy startups like MetroElectro gaining traction, the funding la ..read more

Dear reader, The lawsuit filed by TikTok and ByteDance against the US government’s law to force divestiture or ban the app reflects the escalating tensions between the US and China in the realm of technology and national security. TikTok argues that the law violates constitutional rights, including free speech protections. This legal battle underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges of balancing security concerns with the global digital economy. With TikTok’s vast user base and economic impact at stake, the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications fo ..read more

We are 5 days away from Echelon X! Visit Echelon X to learn more about the program. Get your tickets here! India’s population, exceeding 1.3 billion, offers substantial market potential across diverse sectors. A nation with a wealth of skilled IT professionals becomes an ideal hub for fostering tech-driven startups.  According to Startup India, “[the country] has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world; expected to witness YoY growth of a consistent annual growth of 12-15%.” The Economic Times reported that “the country has become a global powerhouse with more than ..read more

As an entrepreneur in Singapore’s booming e-commerce industry, I’ve witnessed the meteoric rise of emerging founders eager to create their own e-commerce empires. My journey with Heavenluxe, a million-dollar brand that I built and strategically exited within nine months, serves not just as a success story but as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking success in this trillion-dollar industry. Now, I’m on a mission to empower more e-commerce brands to do the same, too. By leveraging niche opportunities, cultivating a compelling brand identity, prioritising customer satisfaction, and embra ..read more

Building a startup is a complex process that requires careful consideration and decision-making. Typically, the company’s founders serve as its directors following incorporation. As the startup progresses through various equity funding cycles, it is natural for the board membership to expand. Lead investors in these rounds often request a board seat to oversee matters at the board level. However, the inclusion of independent directors on the board is a topic that has not been widely discussed. Some assume that independent directors are only necessary for public-listed companies or those with ..read more

With Singapore aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, everyone, including corporations, has a part to play in reducing their carbon emissions. Earlier this year, the nation announced that large non-listed and listed firms will have to report climate-related information from 2025, with scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions soon to follow. It is thus imperative that companies, regardless of size, find a way to not only incorporate environmental sustainability reporting into their business operations but also actively find ways to reduce their emissions. There remains a pressing need for businesses ..read more

The Rize team Rize, an agritech platform aiming to make sustainable rice cultivation viable through innovative and data-driven practices, has closed its USD$14 million Series A funding round. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, GenZero, Temasek, and Wavemaker Impact co-led the round. This round will enhance Rize’s technology stack, including its measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) technology. Also Read: Wavemaker Impact backs Australian climate-tech startup MetroElectro The capital will also enable it to expand its operations deeper into Indonesia and Vietnam and help strengthen its team o ..read more

xcube founder and director Sebastien P Singapore-based corporate venture studio xcube recently launched corporate venture portfolio equities (CVPE), an equity-based ecosystem of tech startups. CVPE features a combination of venture-building initiatives, external early-stage startups and corporate partnerships. It introduces a holistic approach by investing in an interconnected ecosystem of tech startups. How does CVPE work, how is it different from traditional venture-building models, and what are its objectives? xcube founder and director Sebastien P discusses CVPE, its modus oper ..read more

We are 6 days away from Echelon X! Visit Echelon X to learn more about the program. Get your tickets here! Echelon X is a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration among startups, investors, corporations, SMEs, governmental bodies, and other vital players in the ecosystem. It provides valuable resources and insights for all stakeholders to cultivate synergy and drive innovation. This annual event, attracting esteemed brands and influential thought leaders, delivers unparalleled opportunities for attendees to gain market intelligence, devise growth strategies, access a di ..read more

Wizly founders Samir Khadepaun, Puja Bharwani, and Kapil Shah SMEs and scaling startups grapple with fragmented processes when tackling growth challenges, often wasting valuable time in disjointed searches for knowledge and experienced professionals. While organisations resort to multiple platforms such as LinkedIn, AI tools, and talent agencies, the process remains inefficient and uncoordinated. “Many professionals on LinkedIn with a high following also position themselves as ‘experts’ but are more content creators or influencers who have not done the work or operations in a company and do ..read more