🇸🇬 Livestreaming firm records $4.5m in fresh funds

BeLive Technology, a Singapore-based provider of livestreaming solutions, has raised S$6 million (US$4.5 million) in its bridge-funding round led by FTAG Ventures.

BeLive co-founders Lim Kim Hui (left) and Kenneth Tan / Photo credit: BeLive

The company will boost its current headcount of 80 to 100, hiring for roles in business development, customer services, and tech. It will also expand its local operations across international markets, such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

BeLive will use the fresh funds to develop AI and machine learning capabilities in livestreaming. It is also looking to team up with ecommerce giants, apps, and brands.

The company provides live shopping and video analysis as well as interactive livestreaming services. BeLive says it has a reach of over 100 million viewers worldwide.

Meanwhile, FTAG Ventures focuses on fintech, media, education, and mobile startups. It is the venture arm of Singapore-headquartered FTAG Group,

“We’re in the midst of a direct-to-consumer revolution, with live video omnipresent in every brand’s customer engagement strategy,” said BeLive CEO and co-founder Kenneth Tan.

See also: How big will livestreaming ecommerce get in Southeast Asia?

The startup has powered livestreams for businesses including Zalora, Valiram Group, Rakuten Group, and Bukalapak.

In June 2021, BeLive launched Z-Live, an in-app livestreaming platform for fashion ecommerce startup Zalora. Z-Live allows Zalora to interact and receive direct payments from its customers in real time.

Currency converted from Singapore dollar to US dollar: US$1 = S$1.35.