This week saw significant capital flowing into innovative startups across the Asia-Pacific region, with deals spanning AI automation, retail technology, renewable energy, body scanning, and sustainable agriculture.
Pine Secures $25 Million Series A
AI-powered task automation platform Pine has closed a $25 million Series A funding round led by Fortwest Capital. The company’s autonomous digital agent handles phone calls, emails, and software operations to complete real-world tasks on behalf of users.
The “ask-and-it’s-done” AI aims to restore people’s time and reduce the friction of everyday digital chores, positioning Pine at the forefront of the emerging AI agent economy.
Etaily Raises $24 Million Total Funding
Philippines-based digital-native retail platform etaily has secured strategic investment led by Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) through its SMBC Asia Rising fund, bringing total funding to over $24 million. The round included participation from Kaya Founders, JGDEV of the Gokongwei Group, and other prominent Asia-based family offices. The investment strengthens etaily’s position in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing e-commerce market and brings strategic banking expertise to support the company’s expansion.
Hachiko Powers Up with $2.5 Million Seed Round
Industrial battery energy storage optimisation startup Hachiko has raised $2.5 million in Seed funding to advance its software platform for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Archangel Ventures led the round, with backing from Twynam, Investible, Motion Capital, Electrifi Ventures, and Wattle Hill Capital.
The funding will support Hachiko’s mission to maximise efficiency and returns from industrial-scale battery storage infrastructure as renewable energy adoption accelerates.
Bodd Scans $15 Million
3D body scanning platform Bodd has secured $15 million to fuel its international growth ambitions. US strategic investor Blue Sky Capital led the round, supported by Ellerston Capital and a roster of existing investors including chairman Tim Allison, director Peter Leonard, Swans director John Gerahty and his family office Liangrove Group, commodities trader Ken Loughnan, and fashion retailers Nick and Candice Hirons. The technology offers precise body measurements for applications across fashion, fitness, and healthcare sectors.
Fremantle Seaweed Raises $2.2 Million
Tasmanian startup Fremantle Seaweed has closed a $2.176 million Seed round through crowdfunding, raising capital at $2 per share for a $112 million market cap. The company joins the growing field of startups addressing livestock methane emissions using seaweed-based solutions.
Following the announcement, the company’s share price surged more than 72% to $3.88 in Monday morning trading, reflecting strong investor appetite for climate-focused agricultural innovations.
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