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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 🌏️ 

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📰 Important News

• Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in India and train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030.

• ByteDance has launched the Melolo app for international short drama content, expanding its team for the venture and targeting markets like Indonesia and the Philippines.

• Shein is planning to launch its IPO in London by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals, according to sources familiar with the matter.

• Breakthrough Victoria-backed Seer Medical entered voluntary administration following a product recall, legal disputes, and financial struggles.

• Taiwan has introduced a digital nomad visa for remote workers from visa-exempt countries, allowing stays of up to six months.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Chinese robotics firm Fourier raised nearly $109 million in its Series E round with backing from Prosperity7 Ventures to support development and growth.

• Alebund Pharmaceuticals closed a $75 million Series C round to advance its kidney disease drug pipeline and accelerate clinical trials and commercialization efforts.

• Interstellar Technologies obtained $44.4 million from Toyota’s Woven unit to boost rocket mass production and strengthen supply chains.

• Mumbai-based Infinity Fincorp secured $35 million in a round led by Jungle Ventures to support MSME property loans.

• Endowus raised $17.5 million in a round extension, bringing the total of the round to $52.5 million, to support its expansion in Asia and invest in AI.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Hospitality tech unicorn Mews acquired Auckland’s Clarity Hospitality Software Solutions to strengthen its presence in the APAC and UK markets.

• Sportable acquired Intaneous to enhance sports data visualization, integrating advanced computer vision with its tracking technology.

• CoreLogic acquired Prime Ecosystem to expand contractor solutions globally, launching CoreLogic Contractor Workspace™ to streamline job management.

• Leyden Labs acquired Singapore-based CoV Biotechnology, boosting its R&D efforts in pandemic preparedness and partnerships in Asia.

• Australia-based Employment Hero has acquired Canadian platform Humi for $69.6 million, marking its entry into the Canadian market.

🏦 About Investors

• Z Venture Capital has launched ZVC Fund II, a $190.8 million fund focused on high-growth sectors like media, commerce, fintech, AI, and deeptech.

• South Park Commons is raising a $40 million India-specific fund, following its 2023 entry into the market, aiming to support early-stage technologists.

• Rishen Kapoor, former CEO and co-founder of Toplyne, has rejoined Peak XV Partners’ investment team following Toplyne's closure in October 2024.

• US-based Eagle Venture Lab is expanding into Asia to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem by supporting emerging businesses.

• AIFs urged the Indian government during a meeting to launch specific funds for deep-tech startups and extend the Fund of Funds for Startups scheme.

🤝 Diversity Spotlight

Australia’s venture capital landscape is thriving, thanks in part to the exceptional contributions of female leaders who are championing innovation and inclusivity. These trailblazers are driving investments in sectors like clean energy, health tech, and early-stage startups while mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their work highlights the transformative power of gender-diverse leadership in reshaping industries and fostering growth. Dive deeper into their inspiring stories and the impact they’re making on the ecosystem.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Fourier

Chinese robotics firm Fourier has raised nearly $109.1 million in its largest funding round, with support from investors including Prosperity7 Ventures, Peakvest, Guoxin Investment, and Zhangjiang Science & Technology Venture Capital. Founded in 2015 by Alex Gu and headquartered in Shanghai, the company recently rebranded to focus on general-purpose humanoid robotics, expanding beyond its original exoskeleton and rehabilitation products. Fourier has launched the GR-1 and GR-2 humanoid robots, designed for AI research, manufacturing, hospitality, and safety applications. With over 500 employees and a presence in more than 40 countries, Fourier competes with global robotics giants and aims to capitalize on the growing $38 billion AI-powered robotics market.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Z Venture Capital

Z Venture Capital, the corporate venture capital arm of LY Corporation, has launched ZVC Fund II, a $190.8 million fund focused on high-growth sectors like media, commerce, fintech, AI, and emerging deeptech fields such as space technology and robotics. Established in 2021 through the merger of YJ Capital and LINE Ventures, ZVC plans to invest in startups at various stages, from seed funding to late-stage development, leveraging its presence in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The fund, which officially commenced operations on January 1, 2025, aims to support global ventures in key markets.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: THRIVE Academy program

Apply now to the THRIVE Academy program by January 19, 2025, and accelerate your agrifood tech startup journey. Designed for pre-seed to early seed-stage companies, this 12-week pre-accelerator offers intensive virtual programming, expert mentorship, and valuable resources to help you become market and investor-ready. Throughout the program, you’ll build a strong foundation for scalable growth, refine your go-to-market strategy, and prepare to secure investment. Don’t miss the chance to bring your groundbreaking agrifood innovations to life—apply today!