TLDR:
- IFC invests USD 3 million in i2i Ventures, a Pakistani female-led venture capital fund under its Startup Catalyst Program
- Seeds Finance receives further funding from Seven Capital Valor to expand across Southeast Asia
In a recent development in the Asia Pacific region, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested USD 3 million in i2i Ventures, a Pakistani female-led venture capital fund under its Startup Catalyst Program. This funding aims to support early-stage startups in underserved markets and help i2i Ventures back founders solving Pakistan’s major problems.
Seeds Finance, a gamified investment platform, has also received additional funding from Seven Capital Valor to enhance its educational content variants, gamification features, and expand its presence in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Moreover, Grab, the ride-hailing and food delivery giant in Singapore, has acquired restaurant reservation platform Chope’s Southeast Asian businesses, excluding Hong Kong and China. This acquisition will see Chope’s operations in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand continuing independently within Grab’s ecosystem.
Additionally, Hive Health, a Philippine health insurance company, has closed a pre-Series A funding round with the support of various investors, including Gentree Fund and Beenext. These funding deals reflect the ongoing investments and acquisitions in the Asia Pacific startup ecosystem.
