OpenAI is seeking huge financing in the Middle East
According to several Chinese reports, Sam Altman, CEO of American artificial intelligence company OpenAI, traveled to the Middle East to raise funds during the latter half of the year, with a source confirming to Tencent News Deep Web that Altman is aiming to raise no less than USD 100 billion.
This move follows several funding rounds completed by OpenAI earlier this year, which raised tens of billions of dollars. Despite its massive user base, OpenAI is incurring losses due to computing power requirements. Operating ChatGPT, one of OpenAI’s flagship projects, costs approximately USD 700,000 per day, excluding other expenses. —Tencent News Deep Web
Geo Energy partners with Charged Asia in a USD 4 million loan agreement
The Indonesian coal producer has joined forces with Charged Asia, a Singapore-based electric vehicle startup, in a USD 4 million loan agreement facilitated by Geo Electric, its subsidiary. The agreement allows for the loan amount, along with accrued interest, to be converted into ordinary shares of the EV company under certain conditions.
The funds will be used to support Charged Asia’s growth in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia as part of its efforts to contribute to the region’s energy transition. —The Business Times
Jianwang Technology closes seed round worth a nine-figure RMB sum
The China-based health tech company has raised around RMB 100 million (USD 13.7 million) in a Series A funding round jointly led by Zhejiang Provincial Energy Group and CDH Investments. The funds will be used to expand the company’s production capacity and support its R&D efforts. —36Kr
Zepto, Mateside, HC Scientific, and more led last week’s headlines:
- Zepto, an Indian quick commerce company, raised USD 200 million in funding, achieving a valuation of USD 1.4 billion. The funding round was led by StepStone Group and Goodwater Capital, with participation from Nexus Venture Partners, Glade Brook Capital, and Lachy Groom. Zepto aims to strengthen its presence in Indian cities with the capital.
- Mateside, a China-based home rehabilitation medical equipment company, raised nearly RMB 100 million (USD 13.7 million) in its first round of financing. The round was led by Yuanning Investment, with participation from Hengxu Capital and Xiangyu Medical. The funds will support product R&D, supply chain enhancement, and channel expansion.
- HC Scientific, a China-based biotechnology company, has completed a Series B+ funding round, raising over RMB 300 million (USD 41.1 million). Investors that led the round include Lake Bleu Capital and Guotai Junan Securities, with participation from Eightfold Venture Partners, Legend Capital, LYFE Capital, and other investors. The funds will primarily be allocated by HC Scientific to develop new products, expand into new markets, and acquire talent.
If there are any news or updates you’d like us to feature, get in touch with us at: hello@kr-asia.com.