SME
They built AI agents on WhatsApp. Then Meta entered the chat
Meta has turned from supplier to rival of AI agent startups built on WhatsApp. Founders and business owners share where the squeeze hits.
Glenn Kaonang · · 7 min read
SMEs want AI too, but not the kind Big Tech is selling
Big Tech’s AI tools were built for enterprises, but SMEs want AI that’s cheaper, simpler, and predictable – creating an opening for tailored solutions.
Pranav Balakrishnan · · 8 min read
Spot the similarities: startup edition
Deepway, Salmon, Syenta, and more raised funds this week.
Stefanie Yeo · · 6 min read
New chapter for Vietnam’s fintech sector
We look at the post-MoMo transition of the country’s fintech space and the latest twist in the AI talent wars.
Peter Cowan · · 5 min readJapan gov’t launches push to help rural SMEs adopt robots
The project aims to make advanced robotic solutions more accessible across Japan’s regions and help businesses address local labor shortages.
Aiko Gao Ishida · · 1 min readSME-focused SG investment firm launches with $50m series A
Timah Partners is initially focusing its efforts in Singapore, where SMEs employ over 70% of the workforce.
Grace Priscilla Teo · · 3 min readFunding Societies, SME bank unit partner to expand financing
The partnership aims to address US$68.21 million financing gap reported for Malaysian SMEs in 2022
Naomi Li Gan · · 3 min readValidus halves losses amid 1.4x growth in loan portfolio
Backed by Vertex Ventures, the Singapore-based fintech firm is on track to hit breakeven by first half of 2025.
Samreen Ahmad · · 3 min readPhilippines’ Beppo raises pre-seed funding, buys tax compliance peer JuanTax
The acquisition also gives Beppo accreditation from the country’s Bureau of Internal Revenue, which JuanTax secured in 2019.
Elyssa Lopez · · 2 min readA comprehensive look at the supportive role banks play in businesses’ long-term plans
Help can take many forms – many of them go beyond the financial.
Jonathan Chew · · 5 min read