It was a big week in Asia as we saw 14 startups get funded. Singapore-based I3 Precision has got to be a personal favorite because it’s a very meaningful startup that could save lives.
Moovz, a location-based social app for gay guys, has secured a new round of funding worth $1.4 million to help it grow. The Israel-based startup has so far attracted $2.4 million in funding since the app’s launch last October. The app is proving most popular in the Philippines, followed by users in Mexico, the US, and Brazil.
Ximalaya, an audio-streaming startup, recently closed a series A funding round of $11.5 million. According to the company’s official release, the investment was led by big name VC firms including Kleiner Perkins, Sierra Ventures, and SIG China.
Indonesian energy company Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSS) invested S$4.4 million (US$3.5 million) into Singapore-based internet service provider MyRepublic for 5.9 percent ownership. DSS is part of Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas Group. MyRepublic CEO Malcolm Rodrigues recently explained – during our Startup Asia Singapore event – that he’s aiming at a MyRepublic IPO in 2017.
EBay-backed Snapdeal revealed another US$100 million funding round from five new investors: Premji Invest, Temasek, BlackRock Inc, Myriad, and Tybourne. Snapdeal’s last round was just three months ago, when it secured $134 million from eBay, Kalaari Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Intel Capital, and Saama Capital.
HelloMarket is like Craigslist on steroids, with a better interface oriented around photos and a built-in escrow payments system. It has secured KRW 3 billion (US$2.93 million) in funding to grow the business and help it expand from Korea into several Asian markets.
The funding round was led by Korea’s GS HomeShopping, along with input from Hanhwa Investment, Daesung Private Equity, and Hanbit Investment.
