Hello there,
Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Asia, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌏️
If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.
📰 Important News
- Byju Raveendran appealed a U.S. ruling demanding over $1 billion repayment as he fights lenders’ claims and parallel insolvency cases.
- Rapido partnered with Magicpin to scale its zero-commission Ownly food delivery across major cities using ONDC merchants.
- Japan is planning to require crypto exchanges to set up emergency reserves and tighten registration rules after a $312 million hack.
- Upbit halted trading after a $37 million Solana hack and pledged compensation a day after parent Dumanu announced a $10.3 billion merger.
- Singapore’s Agnes AI partnered with Agora to launch real-time multi-agent collaboration tools for teams as it targets 1 million daily users by Q1 2026.
💸 Top Funding Rounds
- Robotera raised nearly $140 million in Series A+ funding to scale mass production of humanoid robots and dexterous hands for global clients.
- Hypershell landed $70 million across Pre B and B rounds to scale mass market exoskeletons, advance AI-driven R&D, and expand globally.
- Phrontline Biopharma secured $60 million Pre-A+ to advance its bispecific and dual payload ADC platform, and expand clinical programs.
- Roojai closed a $60 million Series C to expand its digital insurance platform across Thailand and Indonesia.
- Candi Solar raised $58.5 million in IFC-led debt financing to scale distributed solar projects across India and South Africa.
💰️ Notable Exits
- SoftBank completed its acquisition of Ampere Computing, making the ARM-based AI chip designer a wholly owned SBG subsidiary.
- Fractal Analytics secured SEBI approval for a $590 million IPO, set to become India’s first listed AI firm, while funding global expansion.
- Adani Defence and Horizon Aero Solutions acquired 73% of FSTC for $98 million as part of Adani’s expansion in defense and aerospace.
- Vyapar acquired AI accounting startup Suvit to enhance compliance automation for Indian MSMEs and expand digital accounting capabilities.
- Brown Brothers Media acquired Silicon Canals to grow its European tech news presence and expand editorial and digital product offerings.
🏦 About Investors
- Monolith Management raised $289 million to invest in China’s AI sector, surpassing its target as global investors re-engage.
- Google and Accel launched a partnership to back pre-seed founders building AI applications in India.
- VentureSoul Partners closed its $33.6 million debut debt fund and activated a greenshoe to double capacity for venture debt in Indian startups.
- Gobi Partners expanded into Japan by joining JR East’s LiSH hub to connect Japan’s tech strengths with Southeast Asia.
- Tykhe Capital and Skyvast Digital launched a $150 million tokenized AI infrastructure fund offering revenue share and accessible investment.
🚀Startup of the Week
Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆
Robotera
Beijing-based Robotera, founded in 2023 by Tsinghua University assistant professor Chen Jianyu with co-founder Xi Yue, has rapidly become one of China’s most commercially advanced humanoid robotics startups. The company recently secured a landmark $140 million Series A+ round led by Geely Capital and BAIC Capital, adding to earlier backing from Alibaba, Haier Capital, and Lenovo, and is led by Xi Yue as it moves toward large-scale deployment. With more than $70 million in 2025 orders from major clients including Geely, Renault, SF Express, and Haier, Robotera is positioning itself as a key force in bringing embodied intelligence to manufacturing, logistics, and commercial services, driving China’s next major robotics leap.
💼 Investor of the Week
Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆
Monolith Management
Monolith Management, founded in 2021 in Hong Kong by former Sequoia China partner Cao Xi and ex-Boyu Capital partner Timothy Wang, has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential venture firms in China’s AI rebound. The firm focuses on growth equity and venture capital across technology, software, healthcare, and consumer markets, driven by a rigorous research-first strategy. Monolith recently raised $289 million, surpassing its target, as global investors re-engage with China, and is widely recognized for backing MoonShot AI, a key rival to DeepSeek. Led by Wang and Cao, the firm aims to accelerate the rise of China’s next generation of high-growth tech innovators and strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem.
🤑Opportunity Radar
Call for Applications: The Imagine H2O Accelerator
The Imagine H2O Accelerator is now open for applications until December 19, 2025, offering a zero-equity program designed to help early-stage water and climate tech founders scale globally. Startups gain access to world-class mentorship, pilot funding, investor networks, and a strong industry ecosystem, with participation open to teams worldwide, including all African markets. The 2026 program cycle begins soon, supporting innovators developing breakthrough solutions across water management, quality, access, and sustainability. Apply now to accelerate your technology and enter new markets.
Thank you for joining us this week! We trust you found value in our latest edition. 🚀
Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts. We're committed to continuously improving and delivering content tailored to your interests and needs 📩
Looking forward to staying connected and bringing you more exciting content next time!