Cortical Labs secures funding, Gobi Partners among investors
Cortical Labs, a Melbourne-based deep tech company developing biological computing systems, has secured an undisclosed investment in a round co-led by Horizon Ventures and 3C, with participation from Tom Oxley, founder of brain-computer interface company Synchron. Gobi Partners also participated through the Gobi Dana Impak Ventures fund backed by Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Impak initiative.
Cortical Labs develops computing systems that combine living human neurons with silicon hardware, representing an alternative approach to conventional artificial intelligence computing. Its core platform, known as CL1, integrates lab-grown neurons cultured on high-density electrode arrays with a life-support system that allows the biological networks to remain viable for extended experiments.
The technology is being used by academic and commercial institutions for applications such as neuroscience research and central nervous system drug discovery, enabling researchers to observe how neural systems respond to different stimuli and compounds in real time.
TVS invests USD 4 million in Dat Bike
Thien Viet Securities (TVS), an investment bank, has invested USD 4 million in Vietnamese electric motorbike manufacturer Dat Bike as part of the company’s Series B funding round.
Founded in 2018, Dat Bike develops electric motorcycles designed and manufactured in Vietnam. The company focuses on vertically integrated capabilities spanning R&D, design, and production, positioning itself as a local alternative in one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets.
The newly raised capital will be used to expand Dat Bike’s production capacity, strengthen its supply chain, upgrade distribution channels, and enhance R&D. These efforts are expected to support the company’s next phase of regional expansion.
Beyond capital, TVS will provide advisory support, including management consulting, development planning, value chain optimization, and access to capital markets.
Acceler8 raises seed funding in a16z-led round
Acceler8, a Singapore-based workforce intelligence startup, has raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz’s a16z Speedrun, with participation from Golden Gate Ventures and several angel investors.
The startup develops a platform designed to help enterprises make data-driven workforce decisions. Its system reportedly uses agentic AI to analyze signals generated across enterprise tools and workflows, producing insights related to employee performance, leadership readiness, and capability gaps.
Acceler8 positions its platform as an intelligence layer that integrates with existing human resource systems and business tools. By synthesizing real-time data, the platform aims to support leadership decisions in areas such as promotions, development planning, and succession management.
The newly raised capital will be used to expand product capabilities, deepen deployments with enterprise customers, and grow the company’s AI and engineering teams.
Sapiens AI raises USD 20 million to scale Agnes AI platform
Sapiens AI, a Singapore-based company, has raised USD 20 million in its first funding round, valuing the company at USD 100 million, according to Tech in Asia. The round was led by an undisclosed Singapore-based family office. The first USD 10 million tranche has already been disbursed, with the remainder expected to close this month.
Sapiens AI develops Agnes AI, a consumer-facing platform targeting emerging markets including Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, and parts of the Middle East. The company aims to differentiate itself by building much of its technology stack in-house rather than relying on preexisting APIs.
Instead of routing queries to third-party models, Sapiens AI said it has developed proprietary models optimized for tasks such as research, spreadsheets, image generation, and conversational assistance. The approach is intended to reduce costs compared with relying on external models.
The company plans to use the funding to expand model development, grow its team, and accelerate user acquisition as it scales the platform across multiple markets.
One% Nutrition secures pre-seed funding to expand across Indonesia
One% Nutrition, an Indonesia-based health and wellness startup, has closed its second pre-seed round, raising a six-figure USD sum, according to Tech in Asia. Ondine Capital led the round, with participation from existing investor Init6.
Founded in 2024, One% Nutrition produces protein beverages designed for everyday consumption, including protein shakes and protein waters. Its products are sold primarily through offline channels such as minimarts, supermarkets, sports clubs, and gyms, alongside e-commerce platforms including Shopee and TikTok Shop.
The company will use the new funding to expand its presence across Indonesia beyond Jakarta and Bali, accelerate product development, and strengthen marketing efforts. It is also exploring overseas expansion.
Recent deals completed in China:
- MizarVision, a geospatial intelligence analytics company, has raised over RMB 10 million (USD 1.4 million) in a pre-Series A round backed exclusively by Phenomenon Capital. Founded in 2021, the company integrates commercial satellite remote sensing with AI to deliver real-time geospatial intelligence services. The fresh capital will support business expansion. —36Kr
- Weiguang Dianliang, a company founded by entrepreneur Song Ziwei, has secured over RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in a pre-Series A round jointly led by HongShan and BlueRun Ventures, with participation from Ant Group, CDH Investments, Human Capital, and existing investor Unity Ventures. The company is developing an ecosystem of AI-native fashion hardware, with its first device reportedly designed as a smart mirror integrating daily styling and wardrobe scenarios. The funds will be used for talent recruitment, smart hardware development, vertical model training, and deployment of fashion-focused AI applications. Earlier, the startup raised angel funding in a round co-led by Casstar and Unity Ventures. —36Kr
- MetaNovas, an AI-driven drug discovery company, has completed its Series A+ and Series A++ rounds with backing from GRC SinoGreen Capital, Hillhouse Capital, and Kangaroo Mommy Group, among other investors. Its earlier Series A round was co-led by GL Ventures and Pagoda Top Capital, with participation from Ruoyuchen. The company focuses on applying AI to scientific research, particularly in drug development and materials science. While advances in AI have lowered the barriers to generating and optimizing molecular structures, the company continues to address persistent challenges in translating computational discoveries into clinical outcomes. —36Kr
- GigaAI, an embodied intelligence startup, has secured nearly RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million) in a pre-Series B round. Investors include China Fortune-Tech Capital, Sunic Capital, Xingyuan Capital, Wanlin International Holdings, and a Shanghai state-backed semiconductor fund, alongside financial and state-backed investors such as CICC Capital, Suzhou Capital Group, Hua Qiang Capital, Changjiang Capital, Optics Valley Industrial Investment, Xishan State-owned Investment, Jolmo Capital, Xin Ding Capital, Lingyang Investment, Caixin Capital Investment, Zhangke Yaokun, and CZ Investment. Existing investors, including CICC Capital, Hua Qiang Capital, Caixin Capital Investment, and Zhangke Yaokun, also increased their stakes. —36Kr
- PaXini, a developer of embodied perception technologies, has raised over RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million) in a Series B round, pushing its valuation above RMB 10 billion (USD 1.4 billion). The round was jointly led by Huangpu River Capital, Kaitai Capital, and CIM International, with participation from a large dual-currency fund, Zhuhai Technology Industry Group, Shanda Capital, and Haichuan Fund, as well as Uni-Trend, Zhilai Capital, Leo Lion, Nanling Fund, and Xiangcheng Financial Holdings. Existing investors such as Addor Capital increased their stakes, while Glacier Capital China served as financial advisor. —36Kr
- Azure Flying, a developer of sustainability technology, has secured an eight-figure RMB sum in a Series C2 round from Bojiang Capital, marking the firm’s second investment in the company following its earlier participation in the Series C1 round. Founded in 2018, Azure Flying develops AI-powered waste recycling equipment and digital platforms for urban waste management. The company’s solutions include automated sorting systems and digital oversight tools for sustainability initiatives. The new funding will support equipment upgrades, expansion into new application scenarios, and optimization of its digital solutions. —36Kr
- Contango, also known as Shengshui, has raised over RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in a Series A round led by Nio Capital, with participation from Lenovo Capital and Zhongan Capital, as well as follow-on investment from Hefei Innovation Investment. Six Sigma Capital served as the company’s long-term financial advisor. The company plans to use the capital to fulfill large-scale orders, expand R&D reserves, build a new factory, support operations, and advance supply chain integration in the new energy sector. —36Kr
- Lingge Energy, a developer of energy storage systems, has secured an eight-figure RMB sum in an angel round from Sky Factory Venture Capital. As part of the Mova ecosystem, the company focuses on household balcony energy storage hardware and integrated energy solutions, combining lithium iron phosphate batteries, smart inverters, and AI-based energy management algorithms. The funding will support technology R&D, expansion of its product lineup, scaled manufacturing, and global channel development. —36Kr
- Feagine, a robotics startup, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in an angel round led by Decent Capital, with follow-on participation from existing investor MiraclePlus. Founded in March 2025, the company develops biomimetic flexible robots using adaptive soft-drive technology designed to replicate the dexterity and safety of human arms while overcoming the rigidity of traditional industrial robots. The funds will support R&D, product iteration, and commercialization across multiple application scenarios. —36Kr
- Sinoits, a smart mobility technology provider, has secured Series B1 funding from Hefei Luzhou Industry Fund. The company develops AI-driven systems for transportation management and smart mobility. Prior to this investment, Sinoits had received backing from investors including Qualcomm Ventures, Glory Ventures, Seashell Capital, Soaring Capital, Highsea Capital, and CCCC Capital, as well as support from Nanjing Communications Group to build regional smart transportation ecosystems. —36Kr
- Leman Biotech, a cell therapy developer, has raised nearly RMB 200 million (USD 28 million) in a new round jointly led by Yuecai Zhongyin Private Equity and XtalPi. Other participants include Kuangshi Zhixing, Mony Valley, Tailong VC, Zhongshan Investment Holdings, and individual investors, with existing shareholder Fuho Capital increasing its stake. The company is advancing low-dose metabolism-enhanced CAR-T cell therapies and operates two proprietary platforms that combine AI and metabolic reprogramming technologies to develop cell therapy treatments. Proceeds will support clinical trials, automated manufacturing process development, and the clinical translation of therapies targeting solid tumors. —36Kr
Aonic, Dyna.Ai, Spirit AI, and others made recent headlines:
- Aonic, a Malaysia-based drone technology company, raised USD 10 million in a Series A funding round led by Kairous Capital, with backing from Jelawang Capital.
- Dyna.Ai, a Singapore-based developer of agentic AI systems, has closed a Series A round led by Lion X Ventures, raising an undisclosed eight-figure USD sum. The round included participation from tech company Adata, an unnamed South Korean financial institution, and several finance industry veterans.
- Spirit AI, one of China’s embodied intelligence companies, secured nearly RMB 2 billion (USD 280 million) across two consecutive rounds. Investors include Yunfeng Capital, HongShan, Chaos Investment, and industrial and state-backed funds such as Synstellation Capital, TCL Capital, Mornway Capital, Chongqing Industrial Parent Fund, and Hangzhou Finance and Investment Group. Existing backers Shunwei Capital and Prosperity7 also participated.
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