Singapore-based wastewater treatment startup Hydroleap has secured US$4.4 million in a Series A funding round.

Japanese VC firm Real Tech Holdings led the round with participation from Mitsubishi Electric, Seeds Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and New Keynes Investments.

The State Government of Victoria in Australia also joined.

Hydroleap will use the funds to enter new geographies, such as Australia, Japan and Indonesia, over the next two years. The company aims to help companies across data centres, F&B, manufacturing, and mining industries lower their water and carbon footprints by treating wastewater efficiently and environmentally friendly.

Founded in 2016 by Mohammad Sherafatmand (a PhD from the National University of Singapore in Environmental Engineering), Hydroleap is a next-generation green wastewater treatment company. It offers an automated modular system that does not need any chemicals to perform. The technology works based on electrochemical principles where low-powered electricity is applied to activate the aqueous solution and form coagulant reagents to attract contaminants.

The startup claims its electrochemical techniques enable a reduction of up to 95 per cent of pollutants present in industrial wastewater.

Hydroleap’s customers include Public Utilities Board, Singapore’s Water Agency, Universal Robina Corporation, CapitaLand, and a renowned blue-chip data centre.

Bringing more advanced electro-oxidation technologies from lab to land, Hydroleap will set foot in a new vertical for palm oil effluent treatment. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) poses one of the most challenging problems to the wastewater treatment industry due to its adverse effect on the environment and high degree of oil and organic content.

“The demand for efficient, and sustainable industrial wastewater treatment is growing as countries become more water stressed. Our intention is to develop global best practices for the most eco-friendly, efficient and cost effective water treatment technologies and infrastructure, that helps companies meet their ESG goals and benefits the planet,” said CEO Sherafatmand.

With the support of Victoria State’s investment attraction agency, Hydroleap aims to help resource-intensive data centres and mining industries in the country manage and recycle wastewater. Apart from plans to support data centres whose water consumption is considerably high in Japan and Indonesia, they would look to equip manufacturing industries such as paper in the former and palm oil industries in the latter with their arsenal of wastewater technologies.

In 2019, Hydroleap raised US$1.9 million in funding led by Wavemaker Partners, with participation from Seeds Capital, 500 Durians, and a few unnamed investors.

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Limiting global warming to 1.5°C implies reaching net zero by 2050. This requires a significant amount of investment, estimated at around US$9.2 trillion annually for the next three decades. While current investment falls short by approximately 38 per cent, there is an urgent need to increase sustainable finance initiatives. They help direct investments towards environmentally friendly and low-carbon projects, fostering the transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Sustainable finance is defined as investment decisions that consider the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors of an economic activity or project. As someone who is an environmentalist and has always been interested in capital market flows, I decided to conduct extensive research on this topic and came to the realisation that becoming more energy efficient can lead to a more profitable business. That was when it clicked – access to capital is a key driver for sustainability.

The reality is, however, that sustainable finance is a broad topic that can be confusing to many people, particularly those who are not familiar with the field or the intricacies of financial terminology. This made me want to make the topic relatable to everyone.

#WeGotThis by WWF-Singapore and Temasek Foundation

The complexity of this topic arises from the multiple dimensions involved, including environmental factors like climate change, resource management, biodiversity conservation, and more. Additionally, sustainable finance operates within a rapidly evolving landscape, and I was eager to find effective ways of communicating the complexity of science.

Around the time when I discovered an interest in this topic, I stumbled upon the #WeGotThis global youth sustainability incubator programme organised by WWF-Singapore and presented by Temasek Foundation. I was drawn to the programme’s agenda of equipping youths with the right skills and know-how to successfully utilise social media to advocate for positive, sustainable change.

Also Read: How to tackle climate change by choosing a career in cleantech

As part of the #WeGotThis programme, participants will have access to three master classes covering topics like conscious living or digital advocacy. After the master classes, selected participants will be invited to attend an incubator programme comprising a five-day boot camp and access to a mentorship programme helmed by industry experts.

Once I learned that I would be guided by a mentor, be part of a bigger community with youths who share the same environmental vision and be equipped with the knowledge to successfully launch a social media campaign, I knew I had to sign up.

I took away so many valuable learnings from the #WeGotThis programme. The boot camp was a particularly exciting period for me because it revealed an aspect of the content creation side that I never knew about.

As the days went on, I could sense everyone’s passion for various sustainability topics, especially when it came to sharing sessions by the speakers. They taught me that truly believing in your work is important because content creation is a lifelong journey. To my surprise, the whole journey from researching to editing content was such an enjoyable learning experience.

Let’s finance a future together

As the programme went on, I initiated the ‘Finance a Future Together’ campaign as part of the #WeGotThis programme. This campaign was aimed at educating and inspiring action, as well as promoting the importance of sustainable finance in driving positive change.

Eventually, I gained a deeper understanding of sustainable finance and its broader societal benefits. It was very evident that capital plays a pivotal role in mobilising resources for sustainable initiatives, and that was when I combined my passion for sustainability with finance to launch Sustainable Finance Simplified – a LinkedIn platform that acts as a bridge between finance and sustainability, providing accessible information and resources to individuals and businesses seeking to incorporate sustainable practices into their financial decisions.

Also Read: ‘We hope to see more material science, heavy industry firms coming out of SEA to address climate change’

SMEs collectively account for over 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the business sector. Recognising their significant contribution to carbon emissions, I wanted to support startups and SMEs in integrating sustainability principles into their financial strategies to maximise the potential for positive change.

Sustainable Finance Simplified offers educational materials that empower individuals and businesses to keep up with the latest trends and developments. These resources address the unique challenges faced by startups and SMEs in adopting sustainable finance practices and enable them to align their financial decisions with their sustainability goals.

By emphasizing sustainable finance at the grassroots level, we empower startups and SMEs to integrate sustainability principles into their financial strategies and significantly contribute to global sustainability goals.

The future of sustainable finance simplified

During the campaign, Sustainable Finance Simplified achieved over 300 followers, 2,100 search appearances and over 3,000 impressions. By the end of the programme, I was humbled to receive the Best Content Winner award. This achievement amplified my campaign’s reach and impact, enabling it to resonate with a wider audience.

By leveraging social media platforms, webinars, and collaborations with sustainability influencers, the campaign effectively conveyed its message and engaged individuals and organisations in sustainable finance discussions.

With increased education, accessible information, and industry-wide efforts, the topic of sustainable finance became more understandable and manageable for startups and SMEs looking to engage in sustainable finance initiatives, thanks to Sustainable Finance Simplified.

Looking ahead, Sustainable Finance Simplified has ambitious plans to expand its reach and influence. These include providing tailored consulting services and workshops and working with fellow partners in the sustainability space to accelerate impact. Strategic collaborations with financial institutions and regulatory bodies will further drive systemic change and promote sustainable finance practices on a larger scale.

The future of our planet

I’ve always believed that our future is a summation of our actions today. An advice that I would give my younger self is to find what is value-aligned to you to find true fulfilment. As Peter Drucker would put it: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Since #WeGotThis was launched in 2021, the programme has inspired over 1,600 youths through master classes and boot camps to launch more than 60 successful social media campaigns. This year, as #WeGotThis reaches its third and final year, I strongly encourage passionate youths who are eager to advocate for change to sign up for their upcoming campaign clinic and incubator programme. Let’s proactively take steps to change the trajectory of our planet.

Take a leap of faith as I did, and join the #WeGotThis journey here.

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In a rapidly evolving world, the challenges faced by families and children have become increasingly complex. As technology advances and societies change, the role of parents as educators and mentors has taken on new dimensions.

To address these pressing issues and build a thriving community, Fammi, an Indonesia-based startup, was born. Fammi strives to create a strong and interconnected community that values lifelong learning and personal growth.

For this article, I sat down with one of the startup’s Co-Founders to delve into the inspiration behind its inception, its innovative approach to addressing parent-child issues, and its vision for transforming parenting and education in Indonesia.

Addressing impacts of mental health on academic success and overall well-being

Fammi’s roots lie in the shared struggles of its Co-Founders — Muhamad Nur Awaludin, Robi Tanzil Ganefi, and Henny Irniawan. From long-distance relationships to bullying and mental health challenges, they experienced firsthand the obstacles faced by families in modern society. Their realisation that these issues were not isolated to them but affected countless others inspired the birth of Fammi.

Mental health disorders have emerged as a pressing global crisis, with a significant impact on academic success and overall well-being. In Indonesia, these challenges are particularly pronounced among school children. According to a recent study, about a third to a half (37–53 per cent) of undergraduate students in Indonesia reported high-stress symptoms, 25 per cent experience depression and 51 per cent experience anxiety.

Fammi’s cutting-edge solutions cater to diverse parenting and education needs. Seamless integration of education and mental health services facilitated communication with schools and teachers, and affordable pricing options further set Fammi apart from other edutech startups in Indonesia.

Personalised consultations and support from qualified professionals and peers address specific concerns, ensuring parents feel supported and confident in their role. From AI-driven knowledge-based consulting to gamified learning resources, the platform maximizes the effectiveness of its resources.

Also read: East Ventures backs immersive game-based learning platform SoLeLands

Supporting parents’ mental well-being and fostering a community for lifelong learning

Fammi’s CARE Approach, centred around Consult, Assess, Re-Learn, and Empower, addresses mental health issues as an ongoing process. By raising awareness, understanding support needs, and providing personalised resources, Fammi helps parents manage their mental well-being effectively. Digital counselling and additional self-care resources contribute to a positive and nurturing family environment.

Fammi’s vision revolves around fostering an interconnected community that values lifelong learning and personal growth. By providing dedicated community forums, expert-led webinars, and interactive tools, Fammi encourages parents to connect, learn from each other, and share experiences. The platform emphasizes continuous learning, empowering parents on their journey of personal growth.

Fammi recognises the crucial role parents play in a child’s development and offers a holistic solution that integrates education and mental health support. By providing accessible mental health services, expert guidance, and resources, Fammi bridges the gap between parents and children, fostering understanding and empathy within families. This comprehensive Edu-Health CARE platform equips parents with the tools they need to support their children’s success and well-being.

The startup’s comprehensive and tailored social learning platform empowers parents through education, personalised guidance, and community support. Educational content, expert-led workshops, and webinars enable parents to learn new strategies to improve their relationships with their children.

To support parents in their role as educators, Fammi collaborates closely with schools and teachers. Resource sharing, professional development workshops, facilitated communication channels, and feedback integration strengthen the partnership between home and school environments.

Also read: KarirLab secures pre-seed funding round to help fresh graduates navigate the job market

Fammi’s vision for the future

As the Co-Founder and CMO of Fammi, Irniawan envisions a transformative future where every child has equal access to quality education and nurturing guidance. “Fammi aims to build a vibrant community that empowers parents, educators, and experts to collaborate, share insights, and create innovative approaches to parenting and education. Leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and a sense of belonging, we seek to shape a brighter future where every child thrives, and every family is supported,” she shared.

Fammi’s journey as an Indonesia-based startup is rooted in a shared passion for overcoming family life challenges. By providing a comprehensive and tailored social learning platform, Fammi empowers parents with effective strategies and mental health support.

Through collaboration with schools and teachers, Fammi strengthens the partnership between home and school environments. Driven by a vision of transforming parenting and education, Fammi is poised to make an indelible impact on families, children, and communities across Indonesia, shaping a future where every child thrives, and every parent feels empowered.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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Image credit: Fammi

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(This is a news series for Southeast Asia’s “soonicorns” or potential unicorns to share their startup journeys with the region’s startup community).

The electric scooter market in Indonesia is not picking up like in India, mainly because there are few appealing offerings, said ION Mobility Co-Founder and CEO James Chan.

Moreover, the much-mooted subsidies are not fully implemented in the country or the region.

“There are no performance- and design-equivalent offerings that can strongly compel riders in Indonesia or Southeast Asia to make a switch,” he said in an interview with e27. “Besides this, the archipelago doesn’t have a subsidy scheme similar to India’s FAME, which is way more mature and established.”

ION Mobility, established in 2019,  is a smart electric motorcycle company currently focused on the Indonesian market. It soft-launched its first model, M1-S, in Jakarta last November and has been receiving pre-orders.

According to him, M1-S offers a “completely digital experience” with advanced features, such as reverse gear, high-quality digital display, connected bike, and an integrated bike-rider-ride-app experience. Plus, the model has the power of a 250-cc equivalent motorcycle (benchmarked to be neck-to-neck against the Xmax 250 from 0-60kph) in the body of a 155-cc equivalent maxi-scooter but is priced lower than the 155cc and 250cc petrol equivalents, while achieving equal- to superior-total-cost-of-ownership to 155cc equivalents in two to three years.

Also Read: Indian two-wheeler maker TVS joins US$18.7M Series A round of ION Mobility

In Jakarta, ION is setting up a factory and experience centres and is completing the tooling and production preparation, including the ongoing commissioning of the factory. “The Jakarta plant has the capacity to produce up to 50,000 M1-S per year in the first phase. It will contain a full battery pack line alongside the M1-S assembly line, ensuring that the M1-S will be the highest local content EV motorcycle in Indonesia by end-2023,” Chan boasted.

In his opinion, the Indonesian market is flooded with players that white-label or completely outsource design and development to China or other European players, with minimal in-house design and engineering value-add beyond assembly, sales, and marketing. “We, on the other hand, have adopted a full-stack end-to-end approach approach. This is the only way to manage cost well, even at a low scale, while maximising outcomes and ensuring maximum margins.”

Early this year, ION Mobility secured US$18.7 million in a Series A financing round led by India’s two-wheeler major TVS Motors. “TVS has been more-than-helpful in ways that no VC can be. Its 40-plus years of experience — first by learning from partnering with Suzuki and later on their split-up and with its India-specific realities and innovation driving its capabilities and processes in motorcycle design, engineering and manufacturing — has allowed us to reduce 11kg weight from M1-S quickly,” he shared.

“This helped us save cost and improve range and performance. We have also aligned on some common parts by tapping into TVS’s Indonesian supply chain networks. Its support relates directly to our goal of delivering an automotive-grade M1-S towards the end of this year,” he added further.

Drawing a parallel between the Indian and Indonesian markets, he remarked the former has a conducive funding ecosystem. “SEA doesn’t have the same funding ecosystem for hardware-first companies like ours. There’s not even enough talent for more than one such company.”

Chan also said ION Mobility is receiving inbound interest (for US$5 million more investment) to close its Series A round, but the company is not in a rush. “We, however, will appreciate the extra capital going into 2024. To date, we’ve remained extremely capital-efficient.”

“We need to raise more, especially next year, after starting the delivery of our units and supporting their use on the roads of Indonesia. We also have early plans for a proper Series B round in 2024 while keeping an eye on the unstable macroeconomic climate,” he stated.

Early this year, the company said it had an ambitious plan to convert the 200-plus million motorcycle users from petrol to electric to drive a sustainable future in Southeast Asia. How do you plan to achieve this goal? “One motorcycle at a time, starting with Indonesia. The 200 million conversion is a long-term goal. We have a long way to go towards that lofty goal,” he signed off.

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Image Credit: ION Mobility

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Singapore-headquartered global impact investor Earth Venture Capital has joined the funding round of US-based lithium-silicon battery company Group14.

Other prominent backers of this round are Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Lightrock Climate Impact Fund, Moore Strategic Ventures, Oman Investment Authority, and Molicel.

This capital raise will enable Group14 to scale up production capacity, expedite research and development efforts, and bring their lithium-silicon battery solutions to market at an accelerated pace.

Group14 develops lithium-silicon batteries by leveraging the unique properties of silicon to offer “unparalleled advantages” in terms of energy density, charging speed, and overall performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The firm claims its technology has the potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, enable efficient renewable energy integration and transform grid storage.

Also Read: Building energy management startup Ampotech raises US$1.3M led by Earth VC

Linh Nguyen, Founding Partner at Earth VC, said: “Group14’s lithium-silicon battery technology is a game-changer with a simple but powerful vision where aeroplanes make less noise, cars emit less carbon, and nature gets more authentic.”

In addition to the financing round, Group14 has also unveiled plans for an additional BAM (battery active material) factory as part of a joint venture factory in South Korea with SK Inc. These factories are engineered for modular manufacturing, with each module producing 2,000 tons of SCC55 (silicon-carbon composite) annually.

In April this year, Earth VC joined the US$5 million Series A investment round of Israeli intelligent traffic management startup ITC.

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