{"id":2093,"date":"2025-05-16T06:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T06:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/?p=2093"},"modified":"2025-05-16T16:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T16:51:27","slug":"ecosystem-roundup-apac-embraces-long-haul-ai-vflow-tech-raises-us20-5m-gnosis-acquires-headquarters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/16\/ecosystem-roundup-apac-embraces-long-haul-ai-vflow-tech-raises-us20-5m-gnosis-acquires-headquarters\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecosystem Roundup: APAC embraces long-haul & AI | VFlow Tech raises US$20.5M | Gnosis acquires Headquarters"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As we step into Spring 2025, the latest Criteo Travel Pulse report reveals a travel sector brimming with resilience and reinvention.<\/p>\n

Despite economic headwinds and global uncertainties, travellers remain undeterred\u2014opting for adventure, flexibility, and smart planning over inertia. In fact, travel bookings have outpaced retail sales across most regions, with Asia Pacific delivering a particularly strong showing.<\/p>\n

This appetite for exploration is accompanied by a noticeable shift in mindset. Travellers are browsing longer, consulting AI tools for inspiration, and demonstrating a growing appetite for value and bespoke experiences.<\/p>\n

Ground travel and diverse accommodations are gaining traction, and long-haul dreams are firmly back on the map.<\/p>\n

Even as financial anxieties persist, travellers are making conscious trade-offs to keep their journeys alive\u2014prioritising flexibility, early bookings, and off-peak bargains.<\/p>\n

For marketers and platforms in the travel space, the message is clear: the modern traveller demands agility, personalisation, and value at every touchpoint. Whether it\u2019s Gen Z hopping on a train or Boomers driving cross-country, staying visible throughout the longer booking window and embracing AI-enabled engagement will be critical to winning hearts\u2014and wallets\u2014in 2025\u2019s dynamic travel ecosystem.<\/p>\n

REGIONAL<\/h2>\n

VFlowTech bags US$20.5M to supercharge global expansion of long-duration energy storage<\/a>
\nThe investors include Granite Asia, EDBI, Wavemaker Partners, and SEEDS Capital | The Singaporean deep tech startup plans to scale vanadium battery production, enhance AI energy platform, and expand global clean energy reach.<\/p>\n

Gnosis forays into Asia with US$14.95M acquisition of Headquarters<\/a>
\nHeadquarters enables firms to manage their treasury and make payments using stablecoins while maintaining full control of their assets through self-custody.<\/p>\n

Singapore\u2019s Altern\u014d raises Series A funding<\/a>
\nThe investors include UntroD Capital Asia and ADB Ventures | Altern\u014d plans to accelerate the deployment of its sustainable heat technology and support its mission to eliminate 100M tons of CO\u2082 emissions annually by 2030.<\/p>\n

SG digibank Anext Bank reports 83.5% revenue jump in 2024<\/a>
\nThe Ant International-owned digital wholesale bank reported revenue of US$34.58M for 2024 | Customer deposits surged by 207% to US$697.73M, while loans rose 280% to US$652.29M, reflecting strong demand from MSMEs.<\/p>\n

BrioHR nets US$6.5M to advance all-in-one HR tech platform<\/a>
\nThe investors include Openspace Ventures and Taiwania Hive Ventures |
\nBrioHR’s immediate strategic focus will be on further developing the integration of AI capabilities and expanding its footprint in Singapore.<\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s MUU secures strategic funding to scale animal-free dairy across Asia<\/a>
\nThe investors include A2D Ventures, Leave a Nest Capital, and Brinc |
\nLeveraging precision fermentation, MUU produces bioidentical milk proteins designed to replicate cow’s milk’s taste and nutritional value.<\/p>\n

Citics lands US$2.1M to digitise mortgage lending, real estate transactions<\/a>
\nThe investors include TVS, Ai Viet Ventures, and Vulpes Ventures | The startup has developed an automated valuation model, Citics Valuation, to enable banks to assess property values quickly and accurately.<\/p>\n

Singapore independent booksellers team up to launch Bookshop.sg<\/a>
\nThe newly launched Bookshop.sg project aims to bring renewed energy to Singapore\u2019s independent bookselling scene.<\/p>\n

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS<\/h2>\n

2025 travel trends: Long-haul flights and AI planning take off in APAC<\/a>
\nTravel demand remains strong in Spring 2025, with smarter, value-driven, AI-assisted planning reshaping global and Asia Pacific booking trends.<\/p>\n

The Binary Holdings wants to Web3-enable a billion users without them even realising it<\/a>
\nCEO Manit Parikh shares how The Binary Holdings is driving Web3 adoption via telcos, loyalty innovation, and seamless user experiences.<\/p>\n

Cards stay the course amid digital payments surge, Worldpay finds<\/a>
\nWhile the dominance of digital wallets and A2A systems is growing, especially in Asia Pacific, cards for payments are far from obsolete.<\/p>\n

Local content, natural products, and BNPL: Understanding Cambodia\u2019s new digital habits<\/a>
\nWhile Cambodia still faces infrastructure and regulatory challenges, the report underscores the country\u2019s increasing digital maturity.<\/p>\n

BioArk\u2019s growth strategy plants seeds for a greener agricultural future<\/a>
\nKey to BioArk\u2019s development philosophy is the view that plant health cannot be separated from environmental health.<\/p>\n

How Validus overcame market turbulence to lead SME financing in Southeast Asia<\/a>
\nAmidst volatile markets and rising expectations, Validus has continued its mission of empowering SMEs with more innovation.<\/p>\n

INTERNATIONAL<\/h2>\n

Google backs Saudi VC firm\u2019s new AI fund for MENA startups<\/a>
\nSTV\u2019s new AI Fund focuses on backing early-stage AI startups in the MENA | The fund targets localised AI applications and infrastructure to boost the regional AI ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Alibaba revenue up 7% as free cash flow dives 76%<\/a>
\nThe group’s revenue grew 7% to US$32.58B | The company reported a 93% increase in operating income, reaching US$3.92B. This growth is attributed to adjusted EBITA growth and lower share-based compensation expenses.<\/p>\n

Ant Group profit drops 31% on AI, business spending<\/a>
\nThe company contributed US$244M in profit to Alibaba Group Holding, which owns one-third of Ant | This translates to an estimated profit of US$742M for the three months ending December 31.<\/p>\n

Group that opposed OpenAI’s restructuring raises concerns about new revamp plan<\/a>
\nThe group wrote in a letter this week that the startup’s new organisational plan still does not go far enough to safeguard the ChatGPT creator from generating dangerous AI technology.<\/p>\n

SEMICONDUCTOR<\/h2>\n

AMD plans US$6B stock buyback<\/a>
\nThis increases the company\u2019s total share buyback authorisation to ~US$10B | The Santa Clara-based chip designer confirmed that the buyback program does not have a set expiration date.<\/p>\n

Taiwanese chipmaker sees cautious revenue outlook due to tariff<\/a>
\nChipMOS said customers are adopting a conservative approach because of the upcoming end of the 90-day pause on US tariffs, leading to an unclear industry outlook.<\/p>\n

ASM to pass on tariff costs to buyers, says no disadvantage against peers<\/a>
\nASM makes wafer fab processing equipment which is a key to chipmakers like Intel as they adopt a leading-edge transistor design called Gate-All-Around.<\/p>\n

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE<\/h2>\n

Asia\u2019s multi-billion dollar opportunity in AI efficiency<\/a>
\nAI’s rising energy use is a growing crisis and a billion-dollar opportunity for Asia to lead in efficiency innovation.<\/p>\n

The critical role of AI in CX: How it can meet the ever-increasing customer service expectations<\/a>
\nRapid advances have brought humans and conversational AI closer together than before. However, harmony requires time, attention and nurturing.<\/p>\n

Succeeding in e-commerce in China: Building AI-powered chatbots that know how to close a sale<\/a>
\nCustomer service chatbots, often powered by AI, have emerged as a game-changer in the world of customer experience at all stages of a sales funnel.<\/p>\n

AI in baseball: How Sportradar aims to improve players development with tech<\/a>
\nBaseball, long known for its reliance on statistics, has historically evolved in tandem with advances in data analysis.<\/p>\n

Why the terminal could become the AI workbench product<\/a>
\nWarp reimagines the terminal with AI, letting developers use natural language instead of commands to build, test, and deploy code.<\/p>\n

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP<\/h2>\n

Startups’ next risk isn\u2019t a competitor \u2013 it\u2019s the supply chain<\/a>
\nIn 2025, Southeast Asian startups must navigate geopolitics, climate change, and AI disruptions to unlock supply chain growth.<\/p>\n

Wall street soars, crypto surges: 2025 market trends explained<\/a>
\nMarkets in May 2025 balance optimism and risk, driven by trade deals, tech rallies, and caution across commodities and crypto.<\/p>\n

Future of fintech, healthtech, edutech in the context of the new economy<\/a>
\nHealthtech is reshaping global healthcare by driving access, efficiency, and growth, with AI and digital tools leading a US$665B market surge.<\/p>\n

How payments businesses can conquer 2025\u2019s growing risks<\/a>
\nPayments firms must balance speed, fraud control, and compliance in 2025 to grow amid rising risks and operational complexity.<\/p>\n

Navigating the impact of Trump\u2019s new tariffs on SEA: A VC perspective<\/a>
\nTrump\u2019s steep tariffs disrupt Southeast Asia\u2019s export-led growth, forcing startups to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics.<\/p>\n

6 green employee benefits that boost business success<\/a>
\nStartups can drive sustainability by offering green employee benefits that align environmental goals with workplace culture.<\/p>\n

Tai Pham\u2019s mission to put Thai-Vietnamese digital innovation on the global map<\/a>
\nVietnamese-American tech veteran Tai Pham leads Bangkok Silicon to bridge Thai ambition with Vietnamese tech talent.<\/p>\n

How blockchain is transforming supply chains and trade in SEA amid global tariffs<\/a>
\nAs trade shifts under tariff pressure, Southeast Asia is turning to blockchain to build smarter, more transparent supply chains.<\/p>\n

Tessera: Because ticketing shouldn\u2019t be this hard<\/a>
\nTessera reimagines ticketing with AI, blockchain, and simplicity, boosting sales, speeding payments, and cutting fraud for event organisers.<\/p>\n

How startups can thrive at the crossroads of geopolitics and supply chains<\/a>
\nFrom MVP testing to cross-border automation, this story shows how systems and feedback loops drive resilient startup growth.<\/p>\n

NaaS is here to create resilient networks, are you game?<\/a>
\nAs companies continue to transition out of lockdowns, NaaS is offering flexibility to scale networks based on business needs.<\/p>\n

How M&A can supercharge your startup\u2019s success<\/a>
\nM&A is a good exit strategy for deep-tech or tech-based ICT service companies and trend-sensitive B2C consumer goods companies.<\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bThe hidden secrets of building a successful e-commerce brand in Singapore<\/a>
\nBy crafting a strong brand identity and prioritising customer satisfaction, founders can navigate e-commerce effectively.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Enjoyed this read? Don\u2019t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp<\/a> channel for real-time drops.<\/p>\n

The post Ecosystem Roundup: APAC embraces long-haul & AI | VFlow Tech raises US$20.5M | Gnosis acquires Headquarters<\/a> appeared first on e27<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we step into Spring 2025, the latest Criteo Travel Pulse report reveals a travel sector brimming with resilience and reinvention. Despite economic headwinds and global uncertainties, travellers remain undeterred\u2014opting for adventure, flexibility, and smart planning over inertia. In fact, travel bookings have outpaced retail sales across most regions, with Asia Pacific delivering a particularly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2093"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2096,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2093\/revisions\/2096"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fresnoforeclosure.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}