Asia news roundup: Uber in Japan pilot, NewsDog fetches $50m, and more

An Uber-branded taxi / Photo credit: dacosta / 123RF

Here’s a wrap of the day’s news.

Transportation

Uber pilots taxi-hailing service on island (Japan). The US ride-hailing firm has obtained government approval to trial app-based taxi hailing on the island of Awaji, which has a population of around 120,000 and 12 taxi companies in operation. Japan has largely prohibited ride-hailing services such as those offered by Uber, since it has strict rules against unregulated drivers or companies offering public transport services. This new development could signify a way into the untapped Japanese market for Uber, which has exited China and Southeast Asia in sell-offs to local rivals Didi Chuxing and Grab, respectively. (Bloomberg)

Media and entertainment

NewsDog gets US$50 million in series C (China/India). The India-focused news and entertainment platform completed the round, which was led by Tencent. DHVC, Legend Capital, and Dotc United Group also participated. NewsDog uses advanced machine learning capabilities to personalize content for its users. Last year, it launched WeMedia, which features user-submitted content. The company will use the funds to add more regional Indian languages to its platform and support its technical capabilities. (NewsDog)

NewsDog co-founder and CEO Forrest Chen / Photo credit: NewsDog

IQiyi to use AI for personalized user experience, content production (China). The streaming service is developing AI technology that suggests content and programming based on viewers’ emotions, said CEO Gong Yu at iQiyi’s annual entertainment marketing conference. The company is also developing AI that can assist directors in casting and editing films. To help with this, iQiyi is creating a database with information such as actors’ physical features, performance genres, behavior, and even fashion tastes. (TechNode)

Ecommerce

Milkbasket grows further with US$7 million series A (India). The grocery delivery startup secured the investment in a round led by Kalaari Capital. Singapore’s BeeNext and existing investors Unilever Ventures and Blume Ventures also participated.The company will use the funds to expand to other markets as well as to improve supply chain efficiency and logistics. (DealStreetAsia)

Photo credit: HelloBeauty

HelloBeauty gets seed backing (Indonesia). The startup received the undisclosed financing from VC firm Nest Corp. HelloBeauty helps beauty professionals with their online presence by providing tools to manage and grow their business. The company, which also connects industry experts and customers, is planning to launch a mobile app version of its web-based platform. (HelloBeauty)

Enterprise software and services

Mobisy secures US$3.5 million in second funding round (India). SIDBI Venture Capital led the round, with Ojas Partners, Triton Investment Advisors, and several individual investors joining in. Mobisy offers supply chain and sales automation solutions. The newly acquired funds will go towards marketing plus research and development. (The Economic Times)

Delivery and logistics

A shipping container is loaded onto a haulier’s truck. / Photo credit: anekoho / 123RF

Fintech

Edtech

Social media

Property and real estate

Big tech