Last week in tech: Softbank makes it rain hard, while Catcha Group wins big

Masayoshi Son at SoftBank World 2016. Photo credit: @SoftBank.

Softbank’s investments overshadow its Q1 losses, while a powerful ransomware virus eats its way through 100 countries. And why are startups now wary of Amazon investments? Welcome to Last Week in Tech, where we look back at what happened in the tech and startup ecosystem in the last seven days. We’ve also collated a list of regional events to look forward to in the week ahead for your convenience.

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Upcoming Events

Events to look out for this coming week. Want to list your event here? Email us and let us know!

Tech in Asia Singapore
Wed, May 17, 2017 – Thu, May 18, 2017
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM SGT
Suntec City Exhibition & Convention Centre
1 Raffles Boulevard

Tech in Asia Singapore 2017 is a 2-day conference aimed at connecting Asia’s tech ecosystem via networking opportunities and industry updates. This year, there will be 263 unique startups from 30 different tech verticals exhibiting in Bootstrap Alley, and the founders of Reddit, CXA Group and Razer will grace the Main Stage to sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and their two cents on upcoming tech trends. Not to mention the 60 investors taking part in the fast-paced Speed Dating to hear your pitch.

#INFINITILAB LIVE with Singapore’s Favorite Pastry Chef Janice Wong
Thu, 18th May, 2017
6 – 8pm SGT
INFINITI Showroom
45 Leng Kee Road

Join us on the 18th May for #INFINITILAB LIVE with Singapore’s favorite pastry chef Janice Wong. Hear from Janice on her experiences as the protégé of Michelin 3-star chef Thomas Keller and prodigious French pastry chef Pierre Hermé, and how she founded her businesses, whilst enjoying her famous desserts. During this fireside chat, Janice will talk about what inspired her to become a pastry chef, the challenges of running a business internationally, as well as reflect on the way ecommerce is changing how she does business.

Quick Bites

A snapshot of last weeks’ news in sentences.

Shock and horror

• Hide your designs! Amazon was accused of cloning Echo design from a startup it invested in, raising red flags for other startups to stay away. (Jason Del Rey / Recode)
• A destructive “ransomware” virus dubbed WannaCry slowed late on Friday, after locking up more than 100,000 computers over 100 countries. In Asia, Taiwan has been named a top target. (Jim Finkle and Eric Auchard / Reuters)

Softbank makes it rain hard on tech startups

Tom Holland does a Rihanna. Photo Credit: MTV Movie and TV Awards.

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