Debt Facility Granted to Hubble by AlteriQ Global, SoftBank Investment in Perplexity AI, Fundraising by Etched for Advanced AI Chip Development, and More News Highlights
In the world of technology, funding announcements and acquisitions are shaping the future of various industries. Here's a roundup of some recent developments:
Series Funding Rounds
- Botinkit, a technology company based in Shenzhen, has secured nearly RMB 100 million (USD 13.7 million) in a Series A+ funding round. The exact details of the investment are yet to be disclosed.
- Etched, an AI chip startup, has raised $120 million in a Series A funding round. However, it appears there may be some confusion as this information does not align with the search results. In a separate report, a different company raised $120 million in a Series C funding round.
- Perplexity, an AI-driven search company, is finalizing an investment of $10-20 million from SoftBank Group's Vision Fund 2. This deal values Perplexity at $3 billion and is part of a larger $250 million funding round. The company aims to compete with Google in the AI-driven search market.
- Samsara Eco, a climate-focused company, has raised USD 65 million in its latest funding round. The company harnesses recycling technology to eliminate plastic waste.
- H-Great Optoelectronic, a Shenzhen-based company developing automotive-grade LED products, has raised RMB 40 million (USD 5.5 million) in a Series A funding round. The funding will be used to further develop their specialized products.
- Aerofugia, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, has secured several hundred million RMB in a Series B funding round. The exact amount raised has not been disclosed.
Acquisitions and Expansion
- Mekari, a software-as-a-service company operating in Indonesia, has announced its acquisition of Jojonomic to expand its business and ecosystem in the archipelagic nation.
- Dali Stores, a discount grocery chain in the Philippines, has received USD 8.4 million from DEG, the investment arm of German state-owned development bank KfW. The capital committed by DEG will be used by Dali Stores to accelerate the rollout of new stores and distribution centers and drive the launch of new private-label brands.
Innovative Platforms
- Hubble has developed a "progress-to-payment" platform that integrates construction management with financial services. The platform provides liquidity to the supply chain, enabling early payments based on verifiable progress data. The funding secured by Hubble will accelerate the growth of its financial services division.
Emerging Technologies
- Weiyuan Biotechnology, a Hangzhou-based synthetic biology company, has raised tens of millions of RMB in an angel funding round.
- Mayoo Technology, a company specializing in enzymatic DNA synthesis, has completed an angel round of financing, raising an eight-figure RMB sum.
- SoftBank's investment in Perplexity underscores its commitment to accelerating AI advancements. The investment in Perplexity's specialized chip, Sohu, designed for transformer models, will further drive this advancement.
These developments highlight the continued growth and innovation in the tech sector, with companies across various industries securing funding and making strategic acquisitions to drive their growth.
