Header image source: Peak XV Partners.
Insider raises USD 500 million to reshape the martech landscape
Insider, a platform redefining customer engagement, has raised USD 500 million in a Series E funding round led by General Atlantic.
Already established across 28 countries, Insider will direct the capital toward expanding its talent pool, enhancing artificial intelligence functionalities, and scaling in regions where demand is surging, particularly the US.
This latest round underscores a shift in marketing technology, where brands are breaking away from traditional one-size-fits-all models and opting for more predictive, personalized customer journeys. CEO Hande Cilingir noted that Insider’s growth reflects a growing appetite for integrated solutions that unify diverse data streams and engagement channels—from SMS to WhatsApp and beyond.
With the new funding, Insider is also exploring strategic M&A opportunities to deepen its tech stack, signaling its ambition to be a comprehensive alternative to legacy marketing platforms.
Capital C clinches funding to fuel financial inclusion across Southeast Asia
Capital C Corporation, a Singapore-based firm providing financial services to the underserved, has secured pre-Series A funding from Phillip Private Equity, Azure Capital, and high-net-worth individuals, according to e27. The amount raised was not disclosed.
The firm said it will use the funds to introduce new debit and credit products and roll out a “superapp” that simplifies financial access for individuals and small businesses across Southeast Asia.
Focused on bridging credit gaps for those with limited financial history, Capital C’s platform offers digital microfinancing, payday loans, and buy now, pay later solutions.
Funding Societies secures third credit facility from HSBC
Funding Societies, a digital financing platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia, has signed a USD 100 million credit facility with HSBC, marking their third collaboration.
This funding from HSBC’s ASEAN Growth Fund will support underserved MSMEs across Southeast Asia, where traditional credit gaps remain substantial. Funding Societies stated that it aims to expand its reach in key markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where MSMEs play a crucial role in economic resilience but often face limited access to credit.
UOB FinLab allocates over USD 100,000 to back ASEAN green tech pilots
UOB FinLab, an accelerator run by the regional bank, has committed more than USD 100,000 to support green tech startups working on real-world sustainability pilots across ASEAN, as part of its GreenTech Accelerator program.
Now in its second edition, the program calls on startups to tackle urgent regional challenges in areas such as waste management and sustainable urban planning. With this funding, 15 pilot projects will be launched in partnership with major corporations in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, targeting meaningful change across industries.
Shannon Lung, head of UOB FinLab, said that the program’s goal is to build a network that drives the growth of green tech solutions, underscoring ASEAN’s growing focus on environmental responsibility.
Wavemaker Impact launches Numat with USD 525,000 investment
Climate tech venture builder Wavemaker Impact has introduced Numat, a venture focused on sustainable bamboo processing, supported by a USD 525,000 investment.
Numat aims to harness bamboo’s potential as a carbon sink—absorbing nearly 4.6 tons of CO2 per ton harvested—by focusing on efficient processing methods. CEO Mark Sebastian views this as both an environmental and social opportunity, utilizing mobile processing units to preprocess bamboo directly at harvest sites, which cuts logistics costs and provides economic benefits to local communities.
Recent deals completed in China:
- Falcon Aviation, an aerospace propulsion developer, has secured funding in a Series A+ funding round led by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Group. Vermilion Partners and Chaoyue Moer Fund also participated. The company, founded in 2020, specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing various engine systems, including turboprop, piston, and hybrid extended-range engines. The proceeds will be used to enhance its R&D and production capabilities. —36Kr
- Cosmoleap, a commercial space tech company focused on reusable launch systems, has raised RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in a seed round of financing led by Shenergy ICY Capital, with additional support from Tianjin Venture Capital, Boyan Venture Capital, K2VC, and individual investor Zhang Chao. Chengyi Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor. The funds will facilitate tests for the company’s proprietary launch tower and the development of its rockets, aiming to provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for reusable rockets. —36Kr
- Yuequan Bionics, a humanoid robotics firm, has completed a pre-Series A funding round totaling close to RMB 100 million. Hongtai Aplus led the round, with Changxing Fund and Zhongguancun Qihang Fund participating. The capital will be directed toward the development of humanoid robots, expanding the talent pool, and accelerating commercialization efforts. Chao Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor. —36Kr
- X Square, an embodied intelligence startup, has concluded both its pre-Series A and pre-Series A+ funding rounds, raising approximately RMB 100 million. Investors include Delian Capital, Shenzhen Co-Stone Asset Management, QF Capital, and Nanshan SEI Investment, with continued support from Unity Ventures. I&R Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor. The funds will be allocated to training artificial intelligence models and expanding application scenarios for general-purpose robotics. —36Kr
- Robopoet, a companion robotics company, completed an angel funding round in mid-2024, raising millions of RMB from undisclosed industry investors. The funding will advance the development of its companion robots, including its first product, with expectations for market release next year. —36Kr
- Zhongke Bosheng, an advanced thermoelectric semiconductor company, has closed a pre-Series A funding round, raising tens of millions of RMB. Casstar led the round, joined by a Jiangyin state-backed angel fund, Sukong Venture Capital, and Oriza Seed. The funds will expand production, boost R&D, and strengthen its team. —36Kr
81Ravens, Honor, Eikto Battery, and more made recent headlines:
- 81Ravens, a Singapore-based game development company known for its arena shooter game Paravox, raised USD 4.5 million in a seed funding round co-led by Digital Hearts Holdings and Gree Ventures.
- Honor, once a subsidiary of Huawei Technologies, reportedly attracted new investors, including China Telecom, CICC Capital, and Cornerstone.
- Eikto Battery, a developer of industrial lithium-ion batteries from Anhui, secured RMB 400 million (USD 56 million) in a funding round led by state capital investors including Hefei Industry Investment and Kaisheng Group. A RMB 3 billion (USD 420 million) industry fund backed by China Galaxy Investment (CGI) also participated.
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