Alibaba

Baidu

ByteDance

Meituan

Pinduoduo

Tencent

Most Followed

KrASIA Connection

China's Auto Sector

Earnings Reports

Inside China's Startups

Venture Roundup

Our Events

View All

Collections

News

Features

Insights

Ecosystem

Press Releases

Anker

DeepSeek

Li Auto

MiniMax

Xiaomi

Xpeng

On the Radar

DeepSeek has denied reports of an August release for its next-generation R2 model, confirming no launch is scheduled this month. The delay follows CEO…

Events

Latest

About

Consumer

Robotics

Fintech

Collaborate

What guides machine-led insights? Uncover AI applications, language models, and decision-making systems transforming sectors worldwide.

Artificial Intelligence

What lies beyond familiar frontiers? Investigate emerging tech—like quantum computing and AI—transforming traditional sectors.

Deep Tech

China

Upstarts like Manus and Genspark made early waves, but lasting success will require more than a strong debut.

Chinese AI agents made a splash in 2025, but can they go the distance?

Decoding China&#039;s tech and business pulse

KrASIA

36Kr is China's most influential business and technology network, delivering high-quality content focused on China’s innovation and new economy trends since 2010. With its extensive traffic and network, 36Kr has built a comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities to provide insights into China’s technology landscape.

36Kr English

How does automation advance industry? Analyze robotic arms, drones, and AI-driven tools reshaping manufacturing and services.

Commercialization and global expansion are now central to the humanoid robotics race.

Taking the pulse of China’s humanoid robot push at WRC 2025

Shi Yi

How do markets shape wealth creation? Study portfolio diversification, asset classes, and strategies balancing growth and risk.

Investment

When do companies invite public investment? Understand listing criteria, underwriter roles, and regulatory steps defining initial offerings.

Why do firms join forces? Investigate synergy goals, valuation methods, and negotiations driving corporate consolidation.

Merger &amp; Acquisition

What happens after acquisitions close? Examine deal structures, operational improvements, and exit strategies molding corporate outcomes.

Private Equity

What fuels startup ecosystems? Review funding rounds, investor strategies, and market insights guiding entrepreneurial growth.

Venture Capital

Singapore

Southeast Asia

Bringing you the latest updates on funding deals and activities in the Asia Pacific.

Deals in brief: Naluri and Prefer raise funding, Antler invests in seven AI startups, six China deals, and more

An alias used when humans and machines team up in our newsroom. Articles under this byline may be shaped with the help of AI, but are always vetted by a human before publication.

Sudo Lim

KrASIA tracks China’s tech and business stories—alongside key developments across the broader Asia Pacific region.

Header Section | KrASIA

Home

Sections

Header Section

<a href="/company/deepseek">DeepSeek</a> has denied reports of an August release for its next-generation R2 model, confirming no launch is scheduled this month. The delay follows CEO Liang Wenfeng’s concerns over model performance and tight GPU supply after Nvidia’s H20 chip was blocked. DeepSeek has focused on iterative upgrades to its V3 and R1 models instead.

Apple is testing Douyin Pay as a new payment option on its China app store, local media reported. If implemented, the <a href="/company/bytedance">ByteDance</a>-owned service would join Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay as a supported platform, expanding user choice in China’s mobile payments ecosystem.

<a href="/company/lenovo">Lenovo’s</a> net income rose 108% to USD 505 million in Q2 2025, beating estimates as firms rushed PC purchases ahead of potential US tariffs. Revenue reached USD 18.8 billion, with PC shipments up 15% YoY. Analysts warn new trade measures may weigh on sales later this year.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a> said it doesn't have a definitive answer on US <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> chip import rules as talks between Beijing and Washington continue, but confirmed it has enough inventory to support ongoing AI training and service deployment. President Martin Lau said the company is closely monitoring developments.

Momenta has powered on its first in-house chip for assisted driving and begun vehicle testing. Designed to rival <a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia’s</a> Orin X and Qualcomm’s 8650, the chip aims to simplify integration and cut costs. With over 300,000 vehicles running its systems and global programs advancing via partners like IM Motors and Uber, Momenta is moving toward scaled deployment and a potential IPO.

Nibertex, a Singapore-headquartered textile membrane manufacturer, has raised USD 7 million in a Series A funding round led by TNB Aura, with participation from Asian Development Bank, Faircrest Holding, and Foxmont Capital Partners. Its technology produces PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membranes. The funds will support manufacturing in the Philippines, R&amp;D, and customer acquisition.

Prefer, a Singapore-based food tech startup, has raised USD 4.2 million in an oversubscribed funding round co-led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from Forge Ventures. The raise coincides with the launch of its soluble coffee and cocoa powders, made from food byproducts like rice and soy using proprietary processes that reduce emissions.

Naluri, a Singapore-based digital employee health and wellbeing provider, has raised USD 5 million in funding led by Telus Global Ventures’ Pollinator Fund for Good, with participation from Sumitomo Corporation Equity Asia, M Venture Partners, and unnamed investors. The raise is part of a broader USD 14 million Series B round and will support working capital, market expansion, and a new commercial partnership.

<a href="/company/kuaishou">Kuaishou</a> has no plans to fully enter self-operated <a href="/industry/e-commerce">e-commerce</a>, a person familiar with the matter said, after speculation arose from the online listing of a branded flagship store. Products are said to be sold and shipped by partner merchants. The platform remains focused on improving supply and merchant operations amid slowing GMV growth.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent’s</a> Q2 2025 revenue rose 15% YoY to RMB 184.5 billion, while non-IFRS operating profit climbed 18% to RMB 69.2 billion. <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-driven gains across <a href="/industry/gaming">gaming</a>, advertising, and <a href="/industry/fintech">fintech</a> fueled growth. Titles like Honor of Kings and Delta Force led engagement, while ad revenue jumped 20% on improved targeting tools.

Iluvatar CoreX is weighing a Hong Kong IPO that could raise USD 300–400 million, according to sources. Backed by Centurium Capital, the chipmaker is gaining traction as Beijing pushes firms to reduce reliance on <a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia</a>. Discussions are preliminary, and deal terms may still change.

How are driverless systems redefining mobility? Uncover sensor technologies, regulatory frameworks, and AI driving cars without human intervention.

Autonomous Vehicles

How is the way we move evolving? Explore developments in autonomous transportation, electric vehicles, and more efficient urban transit.

Mobility

What powers digital devices? Delve into chip design, manufacturing bottlenecks, and semiconductor breakthroughs fueling global electronics.

Semiconductors

How do goods and people flow worldwide? Examine transport networks, logistics innovations, and policies shaping global connectivity.

Transportation

Deals with IM Motors and Uber are already in place as the company ramps up its international rollout.

From China to Europe, Momenta pairs new chip with global assisted driving push

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a6b9ace74da9df391d5f7ba1892f4393?s=96&d=blank&r=g

What grounds digital progress in physical form? Analyze chipsets, sensors, and advanced components driving device performance.

Hardware

Once a quiet OEM base, the city’s industrial belt is investing in innovation, service networks, and niche applications to compete worldwide.

Chongqing’s machinery makers eye global markets, push for higher-value exports

New releases from StepFun, Z.ai, and Alibaba spark fresh competition, but in a field that may not have room for everyone.

DeepSeek says no R2 model yet

Latest Pulses

Most Recent

From China to Europe, Momenta pairs new chip with global assisted driving push

Chongqing’s machinery makers eye global markets, push for higher-value exports

China’s “AI tigers” return to the ring as the foundation model race reignites