Chart: Leading Asian Startup Investments - Week 31, 2025
In a week marked by significant growth, Asia's startup ecosystem continues to expand, with small and medium businesses at the forefront of innovation.
Leading the charge is China, which saw major investments in AI and technology. MiniMax, a generative AI startup, raised $300 million, valuing the company at $4 billion. SmartData secured $28 million to scale its AI computing power, while Yanshan Technology raised $14 million for micro-LED chip development.
Singapore, meanwhile, made strides in renewable energy projects with a $140 million green loan for Cleantech Solar. This investment will advance sustainable energy initiatives across Southeast Asia.
India showed strength in digital platforms, food tech, and drone technology, indicating a growing interest in fintech and mobility. Notable moves included funding for Drizz, an Indian startup building a mobile app testing platform powered by AI, and McEasy, a transportation and logistics SaaS company.
South Korea made a bold move to attract foreign VC into its AI and climate tech startups with a large public-private Global Fund program worth about $1.84 billion. This fund aims to deepen investment in Korea’s innovative sectors, including health sciences and technology.
Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore are promoting startups innovating in AI, zero-emission technologies, and future mobility. Initiatives like the One ASEAN Startup Award reflect the region's emphasis on sustainability and advanced technology sectors.
In other funding news, Metaforms, an Indian AI startup, raised $9 million in Series A funding. DesignX, a Noida-based startup for product design and prototyping, secured $2 million in a Pre-Series A round. RD Technologies, a Hong Kong-based fintech company, secured $40 million in a Series A2 round.
Pahr Therapeutics, a Japanese company, secured $14 million in seed funding. Sharpsell.ai, an Indian sales automation SaaS startup, raised $3.4 million in Series A funding for expansion into Southeast Asia, MENA, and AI-driven sales playbook improvement. Arivihan, an AI-powered edtech platform in India, secured $4.17 million in a pre-Series round for multilingual support, adaptive learning, and expansion.
SUN Mobility, an Indian startup, raised $60 million and plans to scale its battery swapping infrastructure to Africa and the Philippines. Asia's startup ecosystem received over $201 million in funding this week, a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the region's tech landscape.
Singapore's Hydroleap raised $4.75 million for eco-friendly water treatment solutions expansion in Asia, further underscoring the commitment to sustainable technologies. Sirclo, an Indonesian e-commerce enabler, raised $38 million, signalling the continued growth and development of the e-commerce sector in the country.
Navi Technologies, an Indian fintech unicorn, raised $20 million in debt funding, rounding off a week of substantial investment and growth in Asia's startup ecosystem. The region continues to be a hotbed of innovation and investment, with countries like China, Singapore, India, and South Korea leading the charge.
[1] TechCrunch. (2023). Major AI and cleantech investments in Asia this week. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/16/major-ai-and-cleantech-investments-in-asia-this-week/ [2] TechNode. (2023). Metaforms raises $9 million in Series A funding. [online] Available at: https://technode.com/2023/03/16/metaforms-raises-9-million-in-series-a-funding/ [3] South China Morning Post. (2023). South Korea launches $1.84 billion fund to attract foreign VC into AI and climate tech startups. [online] Available at: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3180762/south-korea-launches-184-billion-fund-attract-foreign-vc-ai [4] e27. (2023). Southeast Asian countries promoting AI, zero-emission tech, and future mobility startups. [online] Available at: https://e27.co/southeast-asian-countries-promoting-ai-zero-emission-tech-and-future-mobility-startups-20230316/
- With China leading the investment in AI and technology, and Singapore focusing on renewable energy projects, the health-and-wellness sector in Asia might see innovations powered by advanced technology in the near future.
- The growth of technology in Asia's startup ecosystem is not limited to AI; South Korea, for instance, is attracting foreign VC into its AI and climate tech startups, signaling a broader interest in health sciences and technology.
