Neptune Robotics Secures $52 Million to Revolutionize Automated Hull Cleaning
Hong Kong-based Neptune Robotics has successfully closed a $52 million Series B funding round, spearheaded by Granite Asia with strategic backing from NYK Line. The company specializes in developing advanced underwater robotic systems designed to replace manual hull cleaning by divers.
These autonomous robots operate up to five times faster than human divers and are engineered to perform efficiently under challenging conditions such as strong underwater currents and low visibility. Currently, Neptune Robotics’ technology services 61 ports across Asia, supporting major bulk carrier and container shipping fleets.
The fresh capital injection will accelerate research and development efforts, including the creation of new robotic platforms and AI-driven service systems. Expansion into global markets, with a particular focus on Japan, is also planned. The collaboration with NYK Line underscores the potential of robotics to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and mitigate operational risks within maritime logistics.
Honest Raises Capital to Broaden Credit Card Offerings in Indonesia
Indonesian fintech startup Honest has completed a growth funding round led by Orico, alongside investments from XYZ Venture Capital and SV Pacific Ventures. Additionally, the company secured $40 million in debt financing from Mizuho Bank, bringing its total equity funding to $100 million.
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Japan, Honest focuses on digital-first credit card issuance. The company aims to expand its portfolio to include corporate and co-branded credit cards, addressing Indonesia’s underdeveloped credit card market. The funds will support product diversification and operational enhancements as Honest prepares for a potential U.S. initial public offering in the near future.
ThinkZone Launches Global Minds Fund I to Empower Vietnamese Startups
Vietnamese venture capital firm ThinkZone has introduced its fourth fund, Global Minds Fund I (GMFI), which will invest up to $1 million per startup from pre-seed to Series A stages. The fund targets founders with Vietnamese heritage and businesses demonstrating strong international growth potential.
While sector-agnostic, GMFI leverages ThinkZone’s expertise in fintech and edtech and expands focus to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, SaaS, and health technology. The fund aligns with Vietnam’s national priorities on technological innovation and supports ventures with socially impactful business models.
Velocitor Solutions Expands AI and Geospatial Capabilities with Nextbillion.ai Acquisition
Velocitor Solutions has acquired Singapore-based Nextbillion.ai, a company specializing in AI-powered geospatial and mapping technologies. Founded in 2020, Nextbillion.ai offers customized mapping platforms that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience for global enterprises.
This acquisition broadens Velocitor’s portfolio in AI and location-based solutions, particularly in logistics and transportation sectors. Nextbillion.ai will maintain its brand identity while benefiting from Velocitor’s expanded resources for product innovation.
SingAuto Raises Over $50 Million to Propel Electric Vehicle Solutions in Cold Chain Logistics
Singapore-headquartered SingAuto, a technology company focused on sustainable cold chain logistics, has secured more than $50 million in funding. Investors include GSR Vision Capital, Delu Capital, Bank of China Asset Management (Singapore), BBG Global, MVGX Tech, and Startech Global Ventures.
The capital will be allocated toward international market expansion, localized vehicle assembly, and research and development of next-generation electric refrigerated vehicles. SingAuto aims to provide eco-friendly solutions for the transportation of perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
RedotPay Achieves Unicorn Status with $47 Million Strategic Investment
Hong Kong fintech startup RedotPay, specializing in stablecoin-based payment solutions, has raised $47 million in a strategic funding round featuring Coinbase Ventures, a global tech entrepreneur, and Vertex Ventures.
Established in 2023, RedotPay offers stablecoin-powered credit cards, multi-currency wallets, and international payment services. The new funds will be directed toward regulatory compliance, licensing, and infrastructure enhancement to support the growth of stablecoin finance.
Key Recent Funding Rounds in China’s Tech and Biotech Sectors
- Senior: This autonomous driving startup secured an eight-figure RMB Series B+ round from investors including Zhengzhou High-tech Industrial Investment and China Huarong. Senior focuses on smart driving solutions for industrial logistics such as ports and campuses, with plans to enhance R&D and broaden market reach.
- Veminsyn: Beijing-based synthetic biology firm Veminsyn raised an eight-figure RMB Series B+ round from Huatai GenScript and Haibang Venture. The company uses AI-driven molecular design to develop bio-based raw materials and aims to expand its technology platform and global footprint.
- Motorevo: Robotics joint module provider Motorevo completed two financing rounds totaling over RMB 100 million. Led by the Science and Fantasy Growth Foundation, the funds will support talent acquisition, R&D, manufacturing upgrades, and quality improvements for robotic joints used in humanoids, quadrupeds, and exoskeletons.
- EcoGiant: This biotech startup focusing on AI-powered catalysis and microfluidic manufacturing raised an eight-figure RMB angel round co-led by Beautiful Mind Capital and Addor Capital. The investment will fuel product development, production expansion, and factory construction.
- JQ Industries: Robotics and industrial tech firm JQ Industries secured consecutive eight-figure RMB funding rounds from China Growth Capital, Fosun RZ Capital, and Ying Capital. The company develops flexible fiber sensors and plans to advance solutions in embodied intelligence and smart elderly care.
Additional Noteworthy Investments in Southeast Asia
- Nvsion: Penang-based industrial AI startup Nvsion raised a seven-figure MYR funding round from Cambrian Fund.
- GravityLabs: South Korean health tech company GravityLabs received undisclosed investment from Naver’s D2 Startup Factory, the venture capital arm of the internet giant.
- iSense Global: Singapore smart city solutions provider iSense secured funding from Shenzhen-listed automation company Dnake, with details undisclosed.
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