The Gentle Group bags SGD 2 million investment
The Gentle Group, a Singapore-based social enterprise founded in 2017, has raised SGD 2 million (USD 1.4 million) from the Asia Impact First Fund (AIFF) and SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore. The funds will be used to boost production capacity for its textured-modified food solutions and triple the number of individuals served annually. Currently, The Gentle Group serves over 250,000 meals each year.
Specializing in texture-modified food for people with dysphagia—those who have difficulty swallowing—The Gentle Group said it has experienced strong revenue growth since it started commercialization in 2020. The company is on track for sustained growth and profitability with this facility expansion. It also plans to expand into other markets, including Taiwan and Thailand.
In addition to food solutions, The Gentle Group provides training programs for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the public to raise awareness of dysphagia within the local community. —The Business Times
DealCart raises USD 3 million in seed round
DealCart, a Pakistan-based social commerce startup, has raised USD 3 million in a seed funding round jointly led by Shorooq Partners and Sturgeon Capital. The round also included participation from 500 Global, Evolution VC, Rayn Capital, and Khyber Venture Partners.
This funding will help DealCart expand its reach and provide affordable essential goods to low- and middle-income consumers across Pakistan. —TechNode Global
Recent deals completed in China:
- Xinzeyuan, a medtech company, has raised over RMB 100 million (USD 13.7 million) in a Series B funding round led by Qiming Venture Partners, with participation from Silicon Paradise. The funds will primarily be used for technology R&D and the construction of production bases. —36Kr
- Ninetech, a robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence platform incubated by China Merchants Group, has raised tens of millions of RMB in a Series B1 funding round led by Nuohui Fund, with participation from existing investor SCGC Sosfor. The funds will be used for product R&D, market expansion, and operations. —36Kr
- Volant Aerotech, a Shanghai-based developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft, has secured RMB 100 million in a Series A+++ funding round from Legend Capital Management. The funds will be used to advance the test flights and trials of its VE25 prototype, the development and manufacturing of its AC101 product, and the certification and commercialization process of the VE25-100 model. —36Kr
- INR Technology, a large language model (LLM) developer, has secured new funding from investors including Alibaba Cloud and Qiming Venture Partners. —36Kr
- Boundary.AI, a Shenzhen-based supplier of eVTOL flight control systems, has raised nearly RMB 100 million in a Series A funding round led by Shenzhen Co-Stone Asset Management, Nanshan SEI Investment, and Beihang Investment, with existing investor Puhua Capital participating. The funds will be used for the construction of the company’s airworthiness system and ongoing product development. —36Kr
- Loong Coffee, a specialty coffee brand established in 2024, has raised tens of millions of RMB in its inaugural funding round. The investor details were not disclosed. The brand, which specializes in premium black coffee and Chinese-style black coffee blends, aims to expand its product line and market presence. —36Kr
- LiangDao Intelligence, a company specializing in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, has raised new funds from China Merchants Capital and E-Town Capital. The funds will be used for the development of key LiDAR technologies, new sensing functions, and a data toolchain for various 3D perception solutions. —36Kr
- ClonOrgan, a Chengdu-based biotechnology company focused on advancing xenotransplantation, has raised nearly RMB 10 million (USD 1.3 million) in a Series A+ funding round. —36Kr
- Yanrong, a cloud and data storage solutions provider, has completed Series B and B+ funding rounds, raising nearly RMB 200 million (USD 27.5 million). The rounds were led by Harvest Capital and Beijing Equity Trading Center, respectively, with participation from existing investors including Glory Ventures, Z&Y Capital, and Sunyard Technology, among others. —36Kr
- Tomi Shuangdu Optoelectronics, a Chengdu-based manufacturer of flexible glass products, has completed an equity financing round led by Phoenix Tree Capital Group. The funds will be used for production and R&D. —36Kr
- Original Tech, a company specializing in chip and sensor development, has raised tens of millions of RMB in a Series A funding round from Rising Investments and Fastprint Circuit Technology. —36Kr
Dagangan, ESB, Saison International, and more last week’s headlines:
- Dagangan, an Indonesian rural commerce startup, received additional funding from the Kejora-SBI Orbit Fund.
- Energi Selalu Baru (ESB), a subsidiary of NFC Indonesia (NFCX), secured an undisclosed sum from LX Ventures and SAIC Capital in its pre-Series A funding round.
- Saison International, the international arm of Credit Saison, has made its first foray into Mongolia with a USD 14 million investment through Golomt Bank and M Bank. This investment will be managed by Saison Investment Management Private Limited (SIMPL).
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