BrightChamps acquires Edjust in cash and stock deal
Edtech platform BrightChamps has acquired Edjust, a K12 education platform, in a cash and stock transaction. Edjust uses artificial intelligence and data to streamline edtech sales by connecting with parents inclined toward digital learning solutions.
This marks BrightChamps’ fourth acquisition since its inception in 2020. The company plans to refine Edjust’s sales model, expand into 30 geographies, and complement its STEM-focused offerings. The acquisition includes the launch of a new vertical for academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English.
In a statement, BrightChamps said Edjust’s founders will lead efforts to build new distribution channels and enhance customer engagement through augmented and virtual reality experiences.
Aleph raises USD 750,000 to optimize industrial processes
Aleph Digital Technologies, a Singapore-based AI solutions provider, has raised USD 750,000 in seed funding led by Cocoon Capital, with participation from Graiden Gorge Investments.
Aleph’s flagship product, a copilot solution, uses digital twin and machine learning technologies to optimize industrial processes, reportedly improving yield and efficiency by up to 40% while reducing carbon emissions. The funding will support Aleph’s expansion across Asia and the Middle East, focusing on energy-intensive industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
East Ventures closes GP-led secondary transaction with Coller Capital
East Ventures, a Southeast Asian venture capital firm, has completed its inaugural GP-led secondary transaction with Coller Capital.
The deal offers liquidity to limited partners in East Ventures 5 LP (EV5) while maintaining exposure to future returns. EV5, which holds a near-twofold distributions-to-paid-in capital (DPI) ratio, includes prominent Southeast Asian tech firms such as IDN and Waresix in its portfolio.
“We believe the portfolio is well positioned to benefit from the secular tailwinds of the Indonesian growth story, particularly with the rise of its digital economy,” said Willson Cuaca, co-founder and managing partner at East Ventures.
UBS Private Funds Group advised on the transaction.
uHoo secures USD 3.7 million for indoor environmental quality solutions
Singapore-based uHoo, a provider of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) monitoring solutions, has closed a USD 3.7 million funding round comprising equity and debt, according to TechNode Global. Wavemaker Ventures and Menarco Development Corporation co-led the round, with participation from Undivided Ventures, Neo Office CEO Raymond Rufino, Lighthouse Canton, and other existing shareholders.
The funding will enable uHoo to expand its B2B offerings and develop new hardware and software products. uHoo’s flagship product, uHoo Aura, monitors up to 16 environmental parameters and integrates with building systems to automate air conditioning, ventilation, and heating. The company aims to help organizations improve health, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Cyfirma receives investment from MDI Ventures
Cyfirma, a Singapore-based cybersecurity firm specializing in threat intelligence and management, has received an undisclosed investment from MDI Ventures, according to Kontan. MDI Ventures is the venture capital arm of Indonesia’s Telkom Group.
The funding will support Cyfirma’s growth in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and bolster its R&D efforts. Cyfirma’s external threat landscape management (ETLM) platform offers predictive insights and digital risk protection to counter advanced cyber threats.
The deal includes leveraging Cyfirma’s capabilities within Telkom Group while expanding the cybersecurity firm’s regional market reach.
Eden Exchange acquires Dealcierge to create EdenX platform
Melbourne-based fintech company Eden Exchange has acquired Dealcierge, a platform incubated by SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s innovation arm.
The acquisition will establish EdenX, a Singapore-based platform valued at AUD 50 million (USD 35 million). EdenX will focus on modernizing funding, mergers, and acquisition deals for small and medium enterprises across the Asia Pacific. SC Ventures retains a shareholder stake in the venture.
100X.VC invests USD 2.7 million in latest startup cohort
Indian venture capital firm 100X.VC has invested approximately USD 2.7 million in 18 startups from its latest cohort.
The investments, facilitated through SAFE notes, span sectors such as B2B software, biotechnology, gaming, and consumer products. Each startup received around USD 150,000.
Recent deals completed in China:
- OYMotion, an industrial solutions provider, has raised nearly RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in a Series B+ funding round. Huafa Properties led the round, with participation from Guangda Huitong and Heying Capital. OYMotion will use the proceeds to establish high-standard production systems and boost production capacity. Founded in 2015, the firm specializes in R&D integrating neural interface, robotics, and artificial intelligence technologies. —36Kr
- Fluoever New Materials, a Shanghai-based provider of high-performance fluoropolymer films, has secured tens of millions of RMB in its Series A funding round. A fund managed by the Guangzhou Development District Industry Fund Investment Group led the round, with Cowin Venture Capital joining as a returning investor. The funds will go toward production expansion, product R&D, and commercialization. —36Kr
- AromeManpo, a Chinese aromatherapy skincare brand, has raised tens of millions of RMB across pre-Series A and Series A funding rounds. The pre-Series A round was co-led by NX Fund and Cathay Capital, while the Series A round was led by Challenjers. MM Capital acted as a long-term financial advisor. AromeManpo blends global natural aromatic plants with patented fermentation technology to create functional skincare and home care products. —36Kr
- Murphy Security, a supply chain security enterprise, has completed its pre-Series A round, raising an eight-figure RMB sum. Hundson Technologies and Fuzhuo Investment Management participated in this round, with Voyagers Partners acting as the financial advisor. Murphy Security’s offerings aim to mitigate risks such as ransomware and data breaches. —36Kr
- Viitrix, an intelligent systems firm, has raised a six-figure RMB sum of angel funding round from iFlytek. The funds will be used primarily for R&D. Established in 2021, Viitrix focuses on adapting large model technologies to edge computing for cost-efficient system upgrades. —36Kr
Aevice Health, BeZero Carbon, Airwallex, and more made recent headlines:
- Aevice Health, a Singapore-based medtech company, raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Denka and Elev8.vc.
- BeZero Carbon, a London-based carbon ratings agency, closed a USD 32 million Series C funding round led by Temasek-founded GenZero, with additional support from Japan Airlines, the Translink Innovation Fund, and various existing investors.
- Airwallex, a cross-border fintech platform, completed its acquisition of MexPago, a licensed electronic payment fund institution based in Mexico.Meituan’s DragonBall Capital led the round, with participation from Jinqiu Fund, HongShan, and IDG Capital.
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