Alibaba’s challenging Didi with Gaode Map’s carpool service. / Photo Credit: China Money Network

Here’s a wrap of the day’s news.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies

Database startup secures funding from China’s NEO (Singapore). Homegrown startup Bluzelle has raised US$1 million from NEO Global Capital, the investment arm of Chinese blockchain platform NEO. Just two months ago, the company got US$19.5 million in a token sale and another US$1.5 million via private investors from Japan, Korea, UK, and Europe. Bluzelle, which provides data storage solutions on a decentralised network, didn’t reveal how it plans to use the fresh funding. (e27)

Transportation

Alibaba launches shared mobility services to rival Didi (China). Gaode Map, the tech titan’s mapping unit, has launched a carpooling business in Chengdu and Wuhan, with future plans to expand nationwide. Last February, Chinese superapp Meituan-Dianping also rolled out its own ride-share services and now operates in seven Chinese cities. With these moves, both companies are challenging Didi Chuxing’s dominance in the country’s ride-hailing market. (China Money Network)

Baidu heats up race for autonomous vehicle technology (China). Search engine giant Baidu completed China’s first driverless car road test in Xiongan, which has been designated as the country’s tech city development zone. The company worked with telecom companies ZTE and China Telecom to conduct the test on a 5G network. According to Baidu, a recent fatal accident in the US involving a self-driving Uber car will not put a dent on its development plans. (South China Morning Post)

Ecommerce

Local fashion startup raises undisclosed series C financing from Khazanah (Malaysia). FashionValet announced today the closing of a series C investment from Khazanah Nasional, the Malaysian government’s strategic investment arm. The new funds will be used to increase the startup’s market presence in its home country and to expand to other markets via technology and more physical stores. (FashionValet)

Policy and regulation

Airbnb may share hosts’ personal data to the government (China). By March 30, the US firm may have to disclose information about its hosts with listings in China to the government. Airbnb users were informed via an email sent to them by the company. Short-term rental businesses come under strict rules in China: Guests must check in with a valid ID, and information recorded by the hotels are sent to the local police station’s central registers. (Technode)

Social media

Video-streaming sites get backlash for inappropriate content (China). Online video platforms like Douyin and Meipai have come under public scrutiny for indecent content, reported state-owned People’s Daily. Social apps have become popular in the past few years, and users compete for more “likes” by posting provocative videos and other content to attract attention. These sites are now under pressure to regulate user-generated content. (Technode)