Wavemaker Impact launches Nul with USD 500,000 pre-seed funding
Sustainability-focused venture builder Wavemaker Impact has launched Nul, a climate tech startup, with a USD 500,000 pre-seed investment.
Nul is developing a platform that uses agentic artificial intelligence to help fashion brands cut down on overproduction and optimize inventory. The software is designed for demand forecasting and inventory rebalancing across retail locations—tackling longstanding issues of waste and unsold goods in the fashion industry.
The startup will use the funding to expand pilot programs across Southeast Asia, with an eye on global commercialization.
Gobi Partners invests in SkyeChip to bolster Malaysia’s chip design sector
SkyeChip, an integrated circuit (IC) design firm, has secured an investment from Gobi Partners through the Dana Impak Fund, which is backed by Khazanah Nasional.
Based in Malaysia, SkyeChip focuses on silicon IP and custom ASICs tailored for AI and high-performance computing. The investment will be used to grow its team, expand operations, and cover working capital needs.
Betterteem secures backing from 1337 Ventures
Betterteem, a human resource tech startup based in the Philippines, has secured seed funding from 1337 Ventures. The amount was not disclosed.
The startup builds AI-powered tools to predict employee turnover and assess workplace sentiment using data pulled from enterprise systems. It also offers mental health support features and customizable benefits. The new funds will go toward product development and regional growth.
Qualcomm acquires VinAI’s generative AI unit
US chipmaker Qualcomm has reportedly acquired the generative AI division of Vietnam’s VinAI for an undisclosed sum, according to TechCrunch.
The move is expected to bolster Qualcomm’s AI toolkit, particularly in edge computing applications. VinAI, which is backed by Vingroup, was founded in 2019 and has developed generative AI models for use in computer vision, language modeling, and in-vehicle systems. The company employs about 200 people across Vietnam, the US, and Australia.
GIC and Temasek take stake in Novotech to fuel CRO expansion
Novotech, a Singapore-headquartered clinical research organization (CRO), has secured a new investment from GIC and Temasek, which have signed binding agreements to acquire a significant stake in the company.
TPG, an existing backer, will also reinvest through its Asia fund.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Novotech specializes in high-growth therapeutic areas, including cell and gene therapies, radiopharmaceuticals, and mRNA-based clinical trials. The fresh capital will support global expansion and potential M&A. CEO John Moller said the investment will help the company deepen its footprint in the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
TPG first invested in Novotech in 2017, when it operated primarily in Australia and New Zealand.
Granite Asia, Integral launch USD 100 million JV to bridge Japan’s tech sector
Granite Asia and Japan-based Integral Corporation have launched Granite-Integral, a USD 100 million joint venture targeting high-growth companies tied to Japan’s tech ecosystem.
The JV aims to support both foreign tech firms seeking entry into Japan and Japanese enterprises aiming to expand internationally—particularly into Southeast Asia. It combines Integral’s on-the-ground support with Granite Asia’s global investment network.
Beams Fintech Fund backs Infinity Fincorp in Series A extension
Infinity Fincorp, a Mumbai-based non-banking financial company (NBFC), has raised USD 40 million in a Series A extension backed by Beams Fintech Fund.
The company provides loans to small businesses and vendors across tier-three towns in six Indian states. It plans to use the funds to grow its loan book and expand into more regions.
Infinity Fincorp currently operates in eight states and reports a loan book exceeding INR 11 billion (USD 128.7 million).
OneStack raises USD 2 million in Series A round
OneStack, an Indian fintech platform, has raised USD 2 million in a Series A round of financing led by Pentathlon Ventures. 100Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, and Yatra Angel Network also participated.
OneStack provides banking software for India’s cooperative banks. It plans to use the funds for product expansion, onboarding support, and scaling into southern and eastern India.
Recent deals completed in China:
- RoboScience, an embodied intelligence company, has raised tens of millions of RMB in a seed funding round exclusively backed by 01VC. The capital will be used for product R&D and team expansion. —36Kr
- Spirit AI, an embodied intelligence startup, has secured RMB 528 million (USD 73.9 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by Aramco’s Prosperity7 Ventures. Other investors include China Merchants Venture, GF Xinde Investment, Eminence Ventures, Oriental Fortune Capital, Tsinghua Holdings Capital, and Huafa Properties. Existing backers Fortune Capital, Boray Capital, Highlight Capital, and Fibonacci VC also participated. The funds will be used to accelerate the iteration of large models, robotic body development, and team building. —36Kr
- RoboCT, which focuses on exoskeleton robotics and brain-computer interface (BCI) products, has completed a near RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) Series B funding round. The round was led by Wuxi Capital Group, with Haoyue Capital acting as financial advisor. RoboCT will channel the proceeds into R&D for exoskeletons and BCI products, facility expansion, and global market development, with a focus on rehabilitation, elder care, and consumer applications. —36Kr
Volve Creative, RockFlow, Agibot, and more made recent headlines:
- Volve Creative, a Tokyo-based entertainment tech startup, raised an undisclosed amount of pre-seed funding in a round that drew backing from Asu Capital Partners, MIXI, and Ken Soga.
- RockFlow, a startup based in Singapore, raised USD 10 million in a Series A1 funding round. The funding came from a mix of new and existing investors, whose names remain undisclosed.
- Agibot, a Shanghai-based robotics startup, reportedly raised a nine-figure RMB sum in a Series B funding round led by Chinese tech giant Tencent. The round also drew participation from Lanchi Ventures (formerly the China arm of BlueRun Ventures), Longcheer Technology, Wolong, and Zhuhai Huafa Group.
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