The programme is said to combine the digital healthcare with a human touch to complement home-based care

Singapore’s digital healthcare provider, WhiteCoat, announced that it has partnered with Homage, the on-demand home caregiving services platform, to launch a pilot telehealth programme that aimed at home-based care for elderly patients.

This programme seeks to better the management of chronic diseases and conditions on elderly patients, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. The programme presents the patients with a safe and convenient option to see a doctor at their homes.

WhiteCoat’s mobile application will offer Homage customers a range of medical services, including teleconsultations, issuance of medical referrals, as well as prescription, dispensation, and delivery of medication at an affordable cost.

According to Data.gov.sg, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, high total cholesterol among Singapore residents aged 18 to 69 years, is 23.5 per cent, 11.3 per cent, and 17.4 per cent respectively.

In Budget 2019, Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat also emphasised affordable care closer to homes to provide to Singaporeans, to achieve better peace of mind over future healthcare costs, while helping the elderly stay healthy.

Also Read: AIA Singapore partners with WhiteCoat for telemedicine service

“WhiteCoat and Homage share the goal of making quality, on-demand healthcare more accessible and affordable by connecting patients with qualified and experienced doctors and healthcare providers. For many of our elderly loved ones, travelling elsewhere to seek medical attention or just a simple refill of their chronic medication can be a daunting experience.”

“We are glad that our technology can be leveraged for a good cause and provide caregivers with the peace of mind that their family members will be able to receive timely and affordable medical attention,” said Bryan Koh, CEO, and Founder of WhiteCoat.

WhiteCoat’s partnership with Homage comes on the back of WhiteCoat’s recent collaboration with Grab to ensure that medication is delivered within 90 minutes after the teleconsultation.

As part of the pilot programme, WhiteCoat and Homage will assess and evaluate if the medical conditions experienced by an Homage customer can be suitably and safely managed by WhiteCoat via telemedicine.

Homage’s care professionals will also receive training on the appropriate procedures and protocols so that they can assist customers who wish to use WhiteCoat’s app.

Also Read: Home caregiving services platform Homage adds two new senior hires

WhiteCoat is a homegrown digital healthcare provider offering on-demand telemedicine services through innovation and data-driven technology. Through its mobile application known as the WhiteCoat app, patients can consult for a wide range of ailments from anywhere.

Homage is a personalised care solution that combines curated care professionals with smart technology to manage and provide on-demand holistic home and community- based caregiving to seniors and adults.

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DriveApp has more than 100 taxis already on its platform and tens of tuk-tuks being trained and joining it

Cambodia-based Meal Temple Group today announced the launch of its ride-hailing service DriveUp.app in Laos’s capital city Vientiane. 

“Vientiane is the perfect city to test our service. The market is ripe for disruption here, where competition is minimal, prices are elastic depending on cars, drivers and customers, and tourism is growing,” said Angele Fargette, Product Manager, DriveUp.app.

DriveUp claims it offers a “transparent, easy and secure way” to book taxis, tuk-tuks and samlors (a kind of tricycle), and a new way for drivers to find customers. It has more than 100 taxis already on its platform and tens of tuk-tuks being trained and joining it. 

The service is available on the web as well as on mobile (iOS and Android). 

Also Read: Singapore’s B2B marketplace Eezee raises funding from Insignia for Asia expansion

The firm is now looking to add new payment methods in the upcoming weeks, including international credit cards and Alipay.

Laos has more than 5 million tourists visiting yearly. Its growth is expected to double in the next ten years and accounts for more than 15 per cent of the country’s GDP. 

Meal Temple Group is a Cambodia-based food delivery and logistics company with operations in Laos. It recently announced its entry into the Kingdom of Bhutan with an investment in DrukRide, an online bus ticket booking platform.

In June, the group announced a strategic equity investment into Freshgora.com, an on-demand food and grocery delivery startup in Myanmar.

Last October, Meal Temple raised a six-figure round from private Australian and European investors.

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Understanding technological advancements on customer experiences in other industries can help to change the way that alternative lenders position customer’s needs

 

Understanding customer experience

Smooth end-to-end customer experience should be at the top of the list for service providers, but it seems that some B2B providers are lagging behind, particularly when it comes to technology.

B2B companies often optimise internal processes rather than focusing on user experience. This happens for a number of reasons, such as legacy systems already in place, or bureaucracy within the company.

This resistance against change in the traditional B2B industries, and the further hoops that the client or customer often will have to jump through are already becoming a thing of the past for many successful consumer industries. Our view is that it’s time to adapt or risk falling behind those who do.

Lending businesses can leverage AI to help to score customer “creditworthiness”, analyse and track customer spending needs, and even manage customer relationships through the use of chatbots.

How is tech and AI being successfully applied in other industries and what can we learn

There is much we can learn from the leading tech-driven companies in the B2C space that have perfected the art of customer satisfaction. Think Amazon, Apple, and Uber and more.

Food delivery companies such as Deliveroo have put the spotlight on customer experience to such an extent; expectations are now higher than ever. Customer expectations have been raised, and those who adapt to technology, and place the customer experience at the forefront of their operations will take the lion’s share of the customers.

Amazon’s investment in AI technology is apparent throughout all of its processes. For example, product recommendations are inspired by recent purchases and data collected about the shopper to create detailed lists based on previous shopping habits, demographics and more.

Also Read: The Brexit dilemma: will London still maintain its standing as a fintech hub?

Shipping options are optimised to ensure speed of delivery. Instead of selecting the closest warehouse, several factors such as inventory stock and shipping costs dictate where the product will come from.

This level of focus upon user experience shines a light on the many and varied uses of customer data; functions that many lending businesses could benefit from employing.

Banks are also now finding ways to leverage technology and use it to improve the customer experience. Through the collection of financial data, AI can be used to help customers plan, and set budgets for their future depending on many demographic factors.

Customer support through the use of AI is another big factor, providing users with accurate information through the collection of data, eliminating traditional pain points of dealing with a poorly connected customer service system.

How is it helping the customer?

As we give more and more responsibility to technology to take over tasks that are often mind-numbing and monotonous, human professionals can tackle tasks that require a more personal touch.

Tasks such as analysing big data and providing detailed analysis of such data was once a colossal task but can now be completed by a computer in a matter of seconds.

Companies can now quickly and easily provide insights to their customers that were once unattainable, as they have realised the value added by investing in the customer experience.

This value placed on the customer experience can often be a quick win, resulting in customer delight at the experience. Those who prioritise the needs of their customers will likely keep them, and those who do not will often fall prey to the fickle spending habits of millennials demands.

Also Read: How these three startups are overcoming their fundraising woes

It is important to recognise that although customer interaction is becoming less frequent through the automation of many processes, this places emphasis on the customer relationships that remain. Those customer interactions that do happen are all the more important, and any persisting interaction points will be key to maintaining the customer-provider relationship.

Are lenders taking full advantage of the technology? 

In lending, appropriate use of AI and technology can work to speed up and simplify the borrowing process through algorithmic credit checks. The streamlining of these processes can translate to lower costs to the lender, which in turn is passed back to the customer.

AI in lending software can also greatly lower the human error in accounting processes, minimising poor bookkeeping and generally providing a more accurate outcome for both customer and provider.

Leveraging data and AI can now offer deeper insights into what customers actually want from the business.

These insights can drive customer relationship management, advertising analytics or simply give us a greater understanding of what the client or customer wants and needs (think Amazon’s suggestion bar).

By acknowledging this, lenders can begin to leverage data in such a way that not only focusses on internal processes but the user experience as a whole.

Conclusions

Rather than focus on the bottom line, or on tech for its own sake, SMEs should put their customers at the centre of everything they do while building their business.

Understanding that technology can play a central role in improving customer service can help B2B business realise their full potential.

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In addition to Clix Capital and Terraview, we also have updates from Revolut and JD Digits

Clix Capital announces US$40M fresh fund – Press Release

India-based Clix Capital today announced its latest round of capital infusion of US$40 million from its existing investors AION Capital Partners Ltd as well as its promoters Pramod Bhasin and Anil Chawla.

In a press statement, the company stated that strong focus on technology and strategic partnerships has helped Clix scale up and expand its footprint to four million customers in a short span of three years.

Augmenting its original capital base of US$250 million, the latest round of funding will be used to expand the business across its varied segments especially consumer finance and digital platforms. Clix has a presence across 12 cities in India and envisages deeper penetration in these markets.

Terraview raises US$815K in Series A – Livemint

Singapore-based intelligent viticulture startup Terraview raised US$815,000 in its Series A funding round, Livemint reported.

The funding round is led by Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Udaan co-founder Sujeet Kumar, and Tanglin Venture Partner.

The round also saw participation from Cure.Fit co-founder Ankit Nagori and Dineout COO Abhishek Sharma.

Founded in 2019, Terraview uses advanced image processing, machine learning, AI and augmented reality to provide information on vineyards.

It will use the funding to further research to solve problems such as fungal disease, bacterial infection, soil hydration, canopy cover and weather assessment using proprietary technology.

Also Read: Meal Temple Group launches its ride-hailing app DriveUp in Laos capital Vientiane

Revolut expands globally, hiring 3,500 staffs – Reuters

British-based digital banking app Revolut is set to hire around 3,500 staff as it expands into 24 new markets, including Singapore, Reuters wrote.

The expansion was made possible with a partnership with Visa Inc.

From its current markets of Europe and Australia, Revolut will enter the US and Singapore by end of the year, followed by Canada and Japan. It is also looking forward to entering other Latin American and Asian markets.

Former Yirendai CEO joins JD Digits – Kr. ASIA

JD Digits has appointed former Yirendai CEO Fang Yihan as its CEO, Kr. ASIA reported.

The fintech arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD will join Dongrich, its subsidiary that provides wealth management products for affluent Chinese families.

Yirendai announced in its earnings release in July that Fang has resigned due to personal reasons.

CreditEase Founder and CEO Tang Ning filled in his position since then.

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Image Credit: Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash

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Fintech remains a popular sector in terms of early stage funding rounds, though we also see a greater variety in terms of solutions provided

If there is one theme that seems to dominate the early-stage funding rounds in September, it would be fintech.

Throughout the month, e27 covered at least five seed and Series A funding rounds being raised by tech startups in Southeast Asia. The services that they offer varied from digital banking to digital payments.

Foodtech and healthtech also maintain its popularity, though we also noticed the return of the online marketplaces with a funding round by an Indonesian rental marketplace platform.

Check out those most notable funding rounds:

CUMI
Funding: Undisclosed seed funding
Investor(s): East Ventures

An Indonesia-based rental marketplace platform, CUMI wants to use the funding to speed up their user’s growth, acquire more talents, and expand their coverage in Indonesia.

Thuocsi.vn
Funding: US$500,000 in seed funding
Investor(s): Cocoon Capital, VietCapital Ventures

A Vietnam-based pharma distribution marketplace operated by BuyMed, Thuocsi.vn aims to add other healthcare verticals including cosmetics, medical devices, supplements, and medical services to become a one-stop marketplace for healthcare practices in emerging markets.

PrivyID
Funding: Undisclosed Series A+
Investor(s): Telkomsel Mitra Inovasi (TMI)

An Indonesia-based digital identity provider, PrivyID will see its services being integrated into Telkomsel’s platform in the future.

iSTOX
Funding: Undisclosed Series A
Investor(s): Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (lead)

Operating under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)’s FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, iSTOX is established and operated by ICHX Tech.

PayMongo
Funding: US$2.7 million in seed funding
Investor(s): Founders Fund, Peter Thiel, Stripe, Y Combinator, Global Founders Capital, Soma Capital, Tinder Co-founder Justin Mateen, angel investors

Founded by Francis Plaza (CEO), Luis Sia (COO), Jaime Hing (CTO), and Edwin Lacierda, PayMongo offers easy ways for merchants to receive payments online. The startup also offers an API platform that allows businesses to add payments into their websites, services or apps.

COVE
Funding: US$2+ million in Seed Funding
Investor(s): Venturra Capital, Yuj Ventures, Investigate, Picus Capital, Aetius Capital, Found Ventures, angel investors

The Singapore-based co-living space provider plans to use the capital to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and build out its technology.

Also Read: 5 valuable things I learned about the angel investment and early stage funding scene in Southeast Asia

FunNow
Funding: Undisclosed Series A+
Investor(s): CSV Venture Fund II

An instant booking app for entertainment and leisure activities in Taiwan, FunNow aims to expand its team and merchant supplies and continue “efforts into connecting life circles in different East Asian cities.” It also aims to serve travellers to Tokyo for 2020 Tokyo Olympic.

Crowde
Funding: US$1 million Pre-Series A
Investor(s): Mandiri Capital Indonesia

Along with the funding, Mandiri also participates as an institutional lender for credit loans through Crowde for US$7.1 million.

Julo
Funding: US$10 million in Series A+
Investor(s): Quona Capital, Accion, Skystar, East Ventures, Provident, Gobi Partners, Convergence Ventures

The new funding will provide growth capital to help Julo expand its business and build enhancements to its proprietary credit scoring technology.

myTukar
Funding: US$30 million in Series A
Investor(s): Carro

Malaysia-based car bidding platform myTukar will use Carro’s technology to “digitally enable the traditional used car dealerships across Malaysia and boost inter-city car sales”.

SEPPURE
Funding: US$2.55 million in Seed Funding
Investor(s): SOSV, Entrepreneur First (EF), 500 Startups, SGInnovate, Koh Boon Hwee (Chairman of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Board of Trustees, Credence Partners, Yeo Hiap Seng, and Far East Orchard), Rekanext, Belmond Capital, et cetera

SEPPURE creates sustainable nanofiltration solutions to separate chemical mixtures at a molecular level with minimal energy use.

Pluang
Funding: US$3 million in Series A
Investor(s): Go-Ventures

Previously known as EmasDigi, Pluang is an Indonesia-based fintech startup providing digital micro-savings.

Also Read: More details emerge on early stage funding round for Indonesian agritech startup Sayurbox

SuperAtom
Funding: US$24 million
Investor(s): Gobi Partners, Cheetah Mobile

In addition to the funding, Cheetah Mobile will contribute to the use of its user traffic and big data platform to enable SuperAtom to develop a risk management system for the company’s businesses.

Jala Tech
Funding: Undisclosed Seed Funding
Investor(s): 500 Startups, Conservation International Ventures, Hatch Accelerator Holding

The current investment round will enable them to enter the Indonesian market as an early adopter and fund the development process of the products.

Hoow Foods
Funding: US$1.2 million in Seed Funding
Investor(s): Killiney Group, Innovate360, TRIVE Ventures, angel investors

With the injection of the seed funding investment, Hoow Foods said that it plans to develop and focus on its Research and Development and human resources.

Oneberry
Funding: US$22 million in Series A
Investor(s): CMIA Capital Partners, Bintang Capital Partners Berhad

An end-to-end security and surveillance solution provider, Oneberry plans to expand its offerings while taking its products and services to a larger regional scale.

Rever
Funding: US$2.3 million
Investor(s): GEC-KIP Technology and Innovation Fund

The investment will help the Ho Chi Minh City-based startup to deepen its presence in the home country, where over 200,000 real estate transactions take place each year.

Aspire
Funding: US$32.5 million in Series A
Investor(s): Beacon VC, Y Combinator, Mass-Mutual Ventures (MMV) Southeast Asia, Insignia Ventures Partners, Hummingbird Ventures, Silicon Valley’s Arc Labs, Picus Capital

Through this partnership, KBank and Aspire aim to work together to digitise banking to small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and online merchants in Thailand.

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The e27 Startup Database connects the community to the hottest internet companies in Asia. We encourage startups to visit their profile and regularly update their information.

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