From the entry of Amazon to the market debuts of technology leaders and the most important investments within the region, here’s a summary of crucial technology news that made a splash in Southeast Asia this 12 months, in line with Tech In Asia.
More public debuts
The Southeast Asian startup community closely watched the initial public offerings of computer hardware maker Razer and Tencent-owned gaming company later this 12 months.
Amazon’s grand entrance
Speaking of e-commerce, this sector has develop into much more exciting because of the American giant Amazon.
Alibaba shopping frenzy
Jack Ma’s company continued its expansion in Southeast Asia, this time investing $1.1 billion in Indonesia’s Tokopedia.
The American giant is betting on Indonesia
Online travel startup Traveloka’s $350 million funding round led by Expedia.
The first Filipino unicorn
Revolution Precrafted raised a Series B round co-founded by Singapore-based K2 VC last October, valuing the corporate at greater than $1 billion, in line with two Tech in Asia sources acquainted with the deal.
Uber reaches an agreement with the most important taxi company in Singapore
Uber has signed an agreement to sell 51 percent of its automobile rental unit to ComfortDelgro for $218 million.
Malaysia opens a digital free trade zone
In November, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma opened the doors to Malaysia’s free trade zone.
Get an enormous war chest
Benefit from a $2 billion financing round from China’s Softbank led by Didi Chuxing and Masayoshi Son, the most important single financing within the history of Southeast Asia.
The latest investment reportedly gave the corporate a post-money valuation of over $6 billion, making it the most beneficial startup within the region.
Grab will use the cash to tighten its grip on the region’s passenger transport market and put money into its GrabPay mobile payment solution.
The company has made GrabPay available for payments at stalls and restaurants in shopping malls in Singapore, marking its biggest move outside the transportation segment so far.
Source : TechInAsia
