Volve Creative secures pre-seed funding to build virtual music artist platform
Volve Creative, a Tokyo-based entertainment tech startup, has raised an undisclosed amount of pre-seed funding to bring its vision of virtual music artists to life. The round drew backing from Asu Capital Partners, MIXI, and Ken Soga.
The company is building a platform that merges virtual characters with original music, aiming to introduce new forms of performance and storytelling. The funds will go toward developing music-based IP, refining the underlying artificial intelligence and computer graphics technology, and setting the stage for international expansion.
Volve is best known for Akagimi, its virtual rap unit, which recently dropped a new track titled Blood Red Rain.
RockFlow raises USD 10 million to launch financial AI agent
RockFlow, a startup based in Singapore, has raised USD 10 million in a Series A1 funding round to continue developing Bobby, an AI agent designed to support young retail investors as they navigate the markets. The funding came from a mix of new and existing investors, whose names have not been disclosed.
Bobby is said to function like a real-time, data-savvy copilot. It reportedly analyzes market movements, suggests trading strategies, and factors in personal behavior—like spending habits or lifestyle changes—to tailor recommendations.
Vakee Lai, CEO of RockFlow, said the goal is to transform Bobby into a “cognitive partner” that personalizes the investment journey.
Kaya Founders backs five Philippine startups across fintech, insurtech, and edtech
Kaya Founders, a venture capital firm based in the Philippines, has reportedly broadened its portfolio with five investments, according to DealStreetAsia. They include three new additions and two follow-ons.
The new bets include LenderLink, a fintech platform using alternative data for credit scoring; ProTech, an insurtech startup offering device coverage in emerging markets; and Foodoo, a B2B food supply chain platform. Kaya also reinvested in Sourcy, an AI recommendation engine, and Edge Tutor, an online tutoring company.
The firm deploys capital via two vehicles: the Zero to One Fund for pre-seed startups, and the One to Ten Fund, which helps more mature companies scale and connect into broader ecosystems.
Catcha Digital to acquire 92.5% of Theta Service Partner
Catcha Digital is making a move into banking software by acquiring a controlling stake in Theta Service Partner, a company that builds loan origination platforms. The deal, valued at MYR 35 million (USD 7.9 million), will give Catcha Digital a 92.5% stake through its subsidiary, Catcha Theta, per TechNode Global.
The acquisition will be completed in four tranches, with payments contingent on Theta meeting profitability targets for fiscal years ending 2024 through 2026.
Theta’s software automates parts of the credit process—from assessments to compliance checks—and supports both retail and commercial lenders. The deal positions Catcha to expand into fintech infrastructure and complements its broader digital strategy.
Agibot raises funding from Tencent and others to expand robotics lineup
Chinese tech giant Tencent has reportedly led a Series B funding round for Shanghai-based robotics startup Agibot (also known as Zhiyuan Robotics), according to SCMP.
Agibot raised several hundred million RMB in this round, which also drew participation from Lanchi Ventures (formerly the China arm of BlueRun Ventures), Longcheer Technology, Wolong, and Zhuhai Huafa Group.
Founded in February 2023, Agibot develops embodied intelligence systems. Its product suite includes Yuanzheng, a bipedal humanoid robot for commercial use; Genie, a dual-armed wheeled robot; and Lingxi, a compact humanoid designed for developers and home users.
The company plans to produce 3,000 to 5,000 robots this year, aided by a new manufacturing plant in Shanghai.
Agibot is currently valued at around RMB 10 billion (USD 1.4 billion) and is targeting a valuation of RMB 15 billion (USD 2.1 billion) for its next round.
CBC Group raises RMB 7 billion for China’s largest RMB healthcare buyout fund
CBC Group, a healthcare-focused asset management firm, has raised over RMB 7 billion (USD 980 million) in the first close of its RMB-denominated healthcare buyout fund, with a final target of RMB 10 billion. That makes it the largest fund of its kind in China.
The initial capital came entirely from state-affiliated backers, including Beijing State-owned Capital Operation and Management Company (BSCOMC) and Beijing E-Town. Insurance firms may join in later funding rounds.
CBC plans to use the capital for control-position investments in biotech, medtech, healthcare services, and consumer health companies.
Other deals recently completed in China:
- Huiyi Technology, a startup focused on virtual space design, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in a Series A funding round led by Lingdong Fund. The company, founded in 2018, operates a 3D platform tailored to home and living design, offering real-time spatial modeling, AI-powered layout tools, and digital human integration. The new funds will go toward further product iterations and expanding its market footprint. —36Kr
- BlueLink SatCom, a Bluetooth satellite technology startup, has closed an angel plus round of financing, securing an eight-figure RMB sum. KylinHall Partners led the investment, with Hongfu Invest joining in. The funds will support the end-to-end deployment of China’s first Bluetooth satellite, including manufacturing, launch, and operations, as well as team expansion. —36Kr
- Lofandi, which builds components for short-distance mobility products, has secured nearly RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in a Series B funding round. The investment came from Guangzhou Industrial Investment and Capital Operation Holding Group, Dice Investment, and Fortune Capital. With this funding, Lofandi plans to ramp up overseas operations, bring new hires on board, and start mass production of its next-gen product lines. Its catalog includes internal gear systems, smart locks, and motor-integrated gearboxes. —36Kr
- Seeex Tech, a hydrogen energy systems provider, has pulled in nearly RMB 100 million across a pre-Series A funding round and two extensions. The backers include Topband, Bridge Capital, Jiangsu Jinqiao, Bozhon, and returning investor Dongfang Guozi. Seeex builds power systems for electrification and low-carbon use cases, from aerial mobility to intelligent transport systems. —36Kr
- InfinAstro, a space infrastructure startup, has landed an eight-figure RMB sum in its angel funding round. Unity Ventures led the deal, with Innoangel Fund participating. The capital will support development of in-orbit satellite service tech—including systems for deployment, movement, and hosted payloads. —36Kr
- Truelight 3D, a developer of optical 3D imaging instruments, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in an angel plus round. Oriza Seed, Optics Valley Industrial Investment, and Changshu Guofa Venture joined as new investors, while FreesFund returned with follow-on support. The company will use the funding to advance R&D and push its semiconductor and advanced electronics inspection tools toward commercialization. —36Kr
- Keruier, which makes packaging equipment for semiconductor modules, closed a Series A+ funding round with an eight-figure RMB injection from Zhejiang Venture Capital Group. It also received backing from CRRC Capital earlier this year. Founded in 2014, Keruier builds precision tools like automatic die bonders and micro-level pin insertion machines used for packaging insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and silicon carbide (SiC) modules. —36Kr
- Xingyu Aerospace, a propulsion systems startup, has secured an eight-figure RMB sum in its angel round of financing. The investment was led by Zhongguancun Qihang Investment, with participation from Longding Capital. Chao Capital acted as financial advisor. —36Kr
- Puruishunxiang (PRSX), which supplies minimally invasive surgical tools, has closed a Series A funding round with an eight-figure RMB investment led by E-Town Capital. MedBio Capital served as financial advisor. The company said it will allocate the funding toward product development and market expansion. —36Kr
Funding Societies, Vertex Ventures, Motion Ventures, and more made recent headlines:
- Funding Societies, a Southeast Asian digital lender, received a fresh equity investment from Gobi Partners. The deal’s value was not disclosed.
- Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ), the Japanese arm of Vertex Holdings, made the first close of its maiden fund, targeting JPY 10 billion (USD 67 million). The fund is anchored by Vertex Holdings and steered by new hires Naonori Kurokawa and Akiko Kihara.
- Motion Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Singapore, launched its second fund with a USD 100 million target. The firm plans to invest in startups developing solutions to modernize port logistics, vessel operations, and sustainability.
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