Hello there,

Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Asia Pacific, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌏️ 

If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.

Ready? Let’s get right into it.

📰 Important News

• China has raised tariffs on US goods to 125% in retaliation for the US hiking duties to 145%, escalating the ongoing trade conflict.

• The Indian government is considering mandating local storage of AI models to reduce data leak risks.

• Waymo launched its first global test in Tokyo using 25 driver-operated EVs to map areas and study local roads and driving patterns.

• China has introduced an $8.2 billion AI fund to invest in early-stage projects across the AI supply chain, aiming to boost the industry.

• Airwallex is planning to expand into lending by pursuing banking licenses in the United Kingdom and the United States.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Chinese AI chipmaker Axera closed a $136 million Series C round to advance edge computing chips for smart devices and autonomous driving.

• Sary and ShopUp merged to form SILQ backed by $110 million to build the largest B2B commerce platform across the Gulf and South Asia.

• Australian cleantech startup RayGen raised $79.8 million in Series D funding to scale its solar energy and storage solutions.

• Juspay secured $60 million in Series D funding led by Kedaara Capital to enhance AI capabilities and merchant services as it expands globally.

• Haball raised $52 million in Pre-Series A to expand from Pakistan into Saudi Arabia and the GCC offering shariah-compliant supply chain financing.

💰️ Notable Exits

• China’s battery giant CATL is set to gain approval for a $5 billion Hong Kong listing as the city’s stock exchange is expected to greenlight the deal.

• India’s Urban Company received board approval for a $60 million IPO with plans to list on BSE and NSE pending final member consent.

• Indian coliving firm Zolo sold its student housing unit to Good Host for $12.5 million to boost liquidity and streamline operations.

• Pinch Payments has joined Fiserv to enhance payment solutions in the APAC region with faster innovation, more integrations, and expanded support.

• Payoneer has completed the acquisition of Easylink Payment, becoming the third foreign platform licensed to provide online payment services in China.

🏦 About Investors

• SoftBank Group is planning to raise $4.1 billion by issuing bonds to retail investors in its largest-ever bond issuance, according to a recent filing.

• US-based VC firm Expert Dojo has launched a $100 million fund, with $15 million dedicated to investing in 20-25 early-stage Indian startups.

• Asha Ventures has secured a $10 million investment from British International Investment for its debut fund, aiming for a $50 million first close.

• Qantas and Airbus have invested $9.36 million into VC Climate Tech Partners to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Axera

Chinese AI chipmaker Axera, founded in 2019 by former UniSoC CTO Qiu Xiaoxin, has raised over ~$136 million in a Series C round led by investors such as Ningbo Tongshang Fund, Zhenhai Industry Investment, and WeHao Chuangxin. The funding will support the development of next-gen AI chips focused on edge computing and smart applications including autonomous driving, with plans to accelerate mass production and market expansion. Known for its in-house AI-ISP and hybrid-precision NPU technologies, Axera aims to build scalable AI infrastructure across sectors like robotics, smart cities, and IoT.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Expert Dojo

Expert Dojo, a Santa Monica-based early-stage VC firm and accelerator founded in 2014 by Brian Mac Mahon, has launched its third global fund totaling $100 million. As part of this fund, $15 million will be dedicated to backing 20–25 early-stage Indian startups in fintech, B2B, SaaS, and AI during fiscal year 2026, with individual investments ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and supported by mentorship and market access. The firm, which already has a portfolio of 30 Indian startups and recently opened a Bengaluru office, plans to invest an additional $30 million in India over the next few years.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: Techstars New York City Accelerator

Apply to the Techstars New York City Accelerator by June 11th, 2025 to join one of the most founder-focused programs in the world. This in-person accelerator kicks off in September 2025 in the heart of NYC—home to leading hospitals, financial institutions, enterprise buyers, and media powerhouses. With a personalized approach, hands-on support, and access to a global network of 4,800+ startups, Techstars NYC is ideal for early-stage founders building in AI/ML, fintech, health, climate, enterprise SaaS, and beyond. Don't miss the chance to grow your startup in one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems.