Rising startups on Tech in Asia: endoscopic AI, eSIM provider, construction management

Which are the startups that are on the path to becoming the next big thing? In this regular post, we give you an overview of the companies that have raised money in the past week, as well as those that we think investors should look at.

1. AI Medical Service Inc. (Japan)

AI Medical Service Inc. (AMS) is a real-time endoscopic AI developer creating tools to support endoscopic examinations in clinics. The company has raised US$42.9 million in series B funding from Sony Innovation Fund, Globis Capital Partners, and World Innovation Lab, among others. AMS intends to use these funds to further develop its pipeline, hire expert personnel, promote clinical trials, and invest in equipment and overseas expansion. More info.

2. 99.co (Singapore)

Singapore-based marketplace 99.co is launching a joint venture with REA Group’s property portals Rumah123 (Indonesia) and iProperty (Singapore). REA Group is injecting US$8 into the new JV. 99.co raised US$15.2 million in an August 2019 series B round that pushed its market value past US$100 million. Key investors in 99.co include East Ventures, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Sequoia India, among others. More info.

3. Astroscale (Japan)

Astroscale aims to solve the problem of space debris. The company raised $30 million in April 2019 from several Japanese funds, including UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. and INCJ, Ltd. The amount is a welcome addition to the $50 million that was raised during the company’s October 2018 Series D round. Astroscale plans to use the funds to open a U.S. office in Colorado and further validate the product market. More info.

4. DealShare (India)

DealShare is a hyperlocal business-to-consumer platform that offers consumers products like fruits and vegetables, grocery items, home decor, and fashion accessories. DealShare has raised US$11 million across seed and series A rounds led by Matrix Partners India and hedge fund Falcon Edge Capital. Users who buy with their friends can receive discounts on the platform, which also offers free home delivery and cash-on-delivery services. More info.

5. Sleek (Singapore)

Sleek is a Singaporean startup that hopes to help entrepreneurs quickly and transparently manage proper company incorporation, governance, accounting, and taxation. Sleek has so far raised US$2.1 million in overall funding, including investments from Martin Crawford, former CEO of business services provider Vistra. More info.

6. Sampingan (Indonesia)

Sampingan is an on-demand workforce startup that offers businesses a network of agents and community leaders who can complete specific tasks, like merchant acquisition or data collection, efficiently. The company has secured US$1.5 million in a pre-series A round led by Golden Gate Ventures. Antler and other investors also participated in the round. More info.

7. Drivehub (Thailand)

Following a US$1 million round led by Singapore’s KK Fund last year, car rental marketplace Drivehub has announced that it has reached breakeven. The startup plans to raise additional funds, which will be used to fuel wider regional expansion and leverage its fleet of vehicles to venture into other mobility sectors, such as the emerging vehicle subscription model and peer-to-peer car rental.

8. Melorra (India)

Melorra, a direct-to-consumer jewelry brand, has secured US$12 million in a series C funding round that included Lightbox, BlackSoil Capital, Ravi Sheth, Rainmaker Ventures, Great Eastern Shipping Company, the Burmans of Dabur, and others. The company had earlier raised US$12 million from Lightbox in a previous round, and the funds will be used to increase brand visibility, expand the employee base, and enhance Melorra’s technological capabilities. Melorra uses 3D printing tech to make jewelry moulds. More info.

9. TouchTen Games (Indonesia)

Mobile gaming company TouchTen Games has secured an undisclosed amount of new funding from investment firm Prasetia Dwidharma, which will be used to accelerate market growth for female gamers. Other investors include Cuebic, a digital marketing company from Japan, as well as Carsurin CEO Sheila Tiwan and King Foto Group founder Indra Leonardi. More info.

10. Sprout (Philippines)

Sprout is a Manila-based payroll and human resources platform designed to automate company timekeeping, payroll, and filings. The platform has raised a US$6 million series A round led by New York-based Point 72 Ventures. Other new include Next Billion Ventures, Dymon Asia, and Endeavor Catalyst. Existing investors Kickstart, Beenext, and Wavemaker Partners returned to participate. The company has been working on developing predictive analytics, and the new funds will be used to develop the platform’s technology further, expand the client base, and grow its 240-strong team. More info.4

11. MindX (Vietnam)

MindX is an edtech startup focused on training tech skills. The company has raised US$500,000 in funding in a round led by ESP Capital Investment Fund, with participation from other individual investors. The funds will be used to open new centers in Ho Chi Minh City and upgrade the current syllabus for 3D drawing, VR/AR, and design skills. More info.

12. Simak Online (Indonesia)

Simak Online is a learning progress monitoring platform designed to help teachers and parents communicate better. The company allows education institutions to arrange teaching routines and track attendance. The firm won the Tech In Asia 2019 Arena, bringing home US$5,000. More info.

13. FreightAmigo (Hong Kong)

FreightAmigo is like the Expedia of freight forwarders and logistics. The company seeks to serve as a one-stop freight-booking platform, helping customers quickly compare prices for air and ocean freight, then book and pay online. More info.

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14. Bijak (India)

15. Airalo (Singapore)

16. Brick&Bolt (India)

17. Chilibeli (Indonesia)

18. Classplus (India)

19. Cognicept (Singapore)

20. Freewill (India)

21. Hevo Data (India)

22. InVideo (India)

23. Juno (India)

24. Klub (India)

25. Log9 Materials (India)

26. PerroMart (Singapore)

27. Quolom (India)

28. Rheo TV (India)

29. Rukita (Indonesia)

30. Storie (Indonesia)

31. Trell (India)

32. Yours (Singapore)

33. BeeKrowd (Vietnam)

34. BoxShop (Vietnam)

35. EcomEasy (Vietnam)

36. Hachium (Vietnam)

37. TripHunter (Vietnam)