Asia tech news roundup – Nov 30

Viddsee co-founders Ho Jia Jian (L) and Derek Tan (R). Photo credits: Viddsee. Montage: Tech in Asia.

The cryptocurrency craze continues as Indonesia’s central bank indicates it will ban not just the tokens but also the businesses that transact them. In other news, two US tech giants reported positive growth in the region.

Media and entertainment

Viddsee bets on original content (Singapore). The video streaming company has created Viddsee Studios to produce original content for its platforms. It has also announced a partnership with the Singapore government’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to produce five online TV series next year. (Viddsee)

Fintech

Ayopop secures series A funding (Indonesia). Finch Capital led the round. Mobile bill payment app Ayopop previously raised US$1 million in seed funding from Gree Ventures and angels including Sandeep Tandon, co-founder of FreeCharge. (Finch Capital)

Central bank indicates cryptocurrency startups face ban (Indonesia). Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo said that all forms of cryptocurrency will be formally outlawed in the country at some point next year. He added that parties facilitating cryptocurrency transactions will be prohibited. (Coconuts)

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The former headquarters of Indonesia’s central bank in Jakarta, now a museum. Photo credit: saiko3p / 123RF

Consumer tech

Athlede raises US$40,000 seed funding (Singapore). Tri5 Ventures led the investment in the startup, which is developing health, fitness, and sports training assistance wearables. Athlede is backed by venture builder Budding Innovations. (Budding Innovations)

Transportation

Ola to trial bike-sharing (India). The ride-hailing company is making a tentative move into dockless bike-sharing. Dubbed Ola Pedal, the service will be piloted on the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur. (VCCircle)

Big tech

Amazon’s Marketplace revenue grows by over 105 percent (India). The US company’s ecommerce business appears to be a big hit in India, reporting that its income there more than doubled over the course of the year. (The Economic Times)

Google’s global headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photo credit: bennymarty / 123RF

Google reports 25 percent growth in ad revenue (Asia-Pacific). The internet giant’s chief business officer Philipp Schindler declared himself “a big fan” of the region, citing the significant growth in Google’s advertising revenue from markets such as Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. (Mumbrella)

Investors, incubators, and accelerators

It also announced its fifth Launchpad cohort (Asia-Pacific). Google’s emerging market accelerator program has selected 10 startups from Asia, including its first-ever Bangladeshi and Pakistani entrants. (Tech in Asia)