SaaS (Software as a Service) marketing continues to evolve. SEO is at the forefront of strategies for big growth. For SaaS businesses, SEO is crucial. It boosts online visibility, attracts top leads, and raises revenue. SaaS SEO has unique challenges. You must tackle technical topics. You must compete in a crowded market. You need a sophisticated approach. It must use both on-page and off-page optimisations. 

Key elements of SaaS SEO

Good SaaS SEO has many critical parts. They work together to boost a company’s online presence. Keyword research forms the base. It lets businesses target search terms that resonate with their audience. On-page optimisation involves crafting compelling content. It is enriched with keywords to attract both users and search engines.

Technical SEO helps ensure your website is structured and coded well. This lets search engines easily crawl and index your content. Link building is crucial for technical SEO. It establishes authority and credibility with quality backlinks. Each will boost your organic traffic. They will also improve search rankings and drive growth for your SaaS company. 

Key trends

It is crucial to adapt and embrace innovative strategies that cater to the latest trends and technologies to unlock the growth of SaaS companies. Let’s take a brief look at the two key aspects shaping the future of SaaS SEO:

Leveraging AI for enhanced search interactions

AI is changing how search engines interact with users. It’s a paradigm shift for how SaaS companies approach SEO. You can use AI-driven algorithms. They help you optimise your business’s online presence. This lets it align better with user intent. AI-powered tools like Akkio can analyse lots of data. They predict search trends and personalise content. They offer a tailored experience to users.

Using AI in SEO lets you automate tasks. These include keyword research, content optimisation, and user behaviour analysis. This automation saves time. It also makes search interactions more accurate and relevant. By learning user preferences and behaviour, you can tailor your SEO efforts to target specific audiences. This will drive organic traffic and, in the end, lead to conversions.

Also Read: Embracing AI’s promise: Navigating the future of marketing

To boost your SEO with AI, use natural language processing (NLP). Also, do voice search optimisation and predictive analytics. These advanced features will let you stay ahead of the curve. They will help you make engaging content that resonates with users. They will also help you secure a competitive edge. 

Optimising for zero-click searches

Zero-click searches are a big trend for search engines. In them, users find needed information on the search engine results page (SERP) without clicking on a website. To adapt to this search behaviour, you must optimise your content to secure visibility and drive engagement even without direct clicks. A prime example is Wikipedia. It gives short, true facts in search results. This meets user needs without a click. This strengthens their position as a trusted source and keeps users on their website. For example, “Who is the father of SEO?” will display an answer that doesn’t require another click or an additional site visit. 

Optimising for zero-click searches requires concise, informative content. It should address common user queries upfront. They are pivotal in capturing user attention. They also establish brand authority. They include featured snippets, knowledge panels, and other SERP features. Structure your content to match search intent. This can increase your chance of appearing in high-visibility SERP features.

Also, to increase your chance of your content being showcased in rich snippets, you can use schema markup and structured data. This also boosts your visibility and click rates. By putting clear and structured info first, you can attract organic traffic. You can also build credibility with search engines and users.

Crafting an effective SaaS SEO strategy

Crafting effective SEO strategies is vital for sustainable growth and visibility. By fine-tuning your approach and focusing on key areas, you can enhance your online presence and attract qualified leads.

Let’s take a quick look at two effective SaaS SEO strategies:

Auditing existing content and pruning decaying results

Conducting a comprehensive audit of your existing content is the cornerstone of refining your SaaS SEO strategy. By finding bad content, you can declutter your website. Then, you can optimise it for top keywords. Using tools like Google Analytics for recommendations. They and other SEO auditing software can give valuable insights. They show how well your content works.

Pruning decaying results involves removing or updating content. It no longer helps your SEO. Old blog posts, landing pages that are irrelevant, or duplicate content can hurt your search engine rankings. You can do this by removing such content and fixing old URLs. This will simplify your site’s structure and improve user experience.

Prioritising and enhancing high-performing keywords

Finding and ranking top keywords is key. It boosts your SaaS website’s visibility and organic traffic. You can find relevant search terms by doing thorough keyword research. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs. These terms resonate with your target audience. Focus on long-tail keywords with low competition but high search volume to capture niche opportunities.

Also Read: These 5 marketing analytics platforms are taking the field into the future

Optimising your content, meta tags, and headings to match targeted keywords enhances high-performing keywords. Crafting meta descriptions and title tags is key. They should have relevant keywords. Doing this can raise click-through rates and boost your search rankings. Also, adding keywords to existing content can attract more organic traffic. It can also improve your site’s SEO. 

Driving revenue through SaaS SEO growth tactics

SEO tactics can drive revenue growth for Software-as-a-Service organisations. Focus on specific strategies for SaaS businesses. They can increase your online visibility. They can attract targeted audiences and turn visitors into paying customers.

Turning organic traffic into customer acquisition channels

Converting organic traffic into valuable customer acquisition channels is a key aspect of SaaS SEO growth. Here are some effective strategies to maximise the impact of organic visits on revenue generation:

• Optimising user experience: Make sure your website provides smooth browsing. It should have clear navigation, fast loading, and mobile responsiveness. This will cater to a wide range of users. Slack, for example, prioritises user experience with a clean, intuitive, and user-friendly interface. Slack allows customers to customise their experiences. They do this by creating channels for teams and projects. This helps users to tailor Slack to their specific needs.
• Content tailored to user intent: Create content that aligns with the search intent of your target audience. Address their pain points, offer solutions, and guide them toward your SaaS product as a valuable resource. Hubspot knows that businesses search for “how to improve customer service.” They are not necessarily ready to buy software. They’re at the informational stage of the buyer’s journey. So what they do is to create tailored content that helps buyers make informed decisions to buy their software.
• Design landing pages for conversions: They have clear call-to-action buttons, compelling copy, and relevant information. These motivate visitors to take the desired action. For example, Dropbox has a well-designed landing page. The copy on it drives conversion and presents a clear value proposition. These aspects help acquire new users for their free trials.
• A/B testing for continuous improvement: Use A/B tests to refine your website. Test your elements, CTAs, and messaging. Use user behaviour data to guide the tests. This ensures ongoing optimisation for better conversion rates. Amazon is notorious for A/B testing everything from product page layouts to recommendation algorithms. This constant iteration helps them optimise the user experience and maximise sales.
• Personalisation is for customer engagement: Netflix analyses users’ past viewing habits. It uses them to recommend similar shows and movies. They consider the user’s ratings and reviews on specific shows when suggesting new content. Based on the genres the user watches most, Netflix tailors recommendations accordingly. This is using personalisation techniques for customer engagement. This technique tailors the user experience. It does so based on visitor preferences, past interactions, and demographic data. It increases engagement and drives conversions. You can use Google Analytics, Semrush, Google Search Console, and HubSpot to personalise customer engagement.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, implementing robust SaaS SEO strategies is crucial for achieving substantial growth in 2024. Using AI to improve user interactions is key. Adapting to the rise of zero-click searches is also pivotal. These tactics help you stay ahead in the SaaS industry. Also, making link-building a key part of your SEO can greatly boost domain authority. It can also speed up your ranking progress. By following these expert strategies diligently, SaaS businesses can unlock huge potential. 

—

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.

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page.

Image credit: Canva

The post Unlocking SaaS success: A guide to digital transformation with SEO appeared first on e27.

The Sandbox, the user-generated content (UGC) metaverse platform and a subsidiary of open metaverse company Animoca Brands, has secured US$20 million of convertible promissory notes with a US$1 billion valuation cap.

Kingsway Capital and Animoca Brands led the strategic round and LG Tech Ventures and True Global Ventures participated.

The new funding will be used to advance The Sandbox’s vision of a decentralised virtual world where culture meets gaming and where the community can participate in the growth of the whole ecosystem.

Also Read: Turning vision into digital reality: How The Sandbox Co-Founder creates a rich metaverse of creators and gamers

The Sandbox will continue to improve earning opportunities for creators on its platform by updating its Game Maker and VoxEdit 3D editor tools, introducing new social interactions and abilities for avatars, and expanding gameplay possibilities via its new multiplayer rules system, expected to launch in Beta later this year and to the public in 2025.

Additionally, The Sandbox is developing a version of its decentralised metaverse for mobile devices, which is expected to launch in 2025.

Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, said: “McKinsey estimated that by 2030 the metaverse could add US$5 trillion to the global economy; today, games like Minecraft and Roblox are some of the most popular titles in the world, but they do not provide their users with digital property rights. The Sandbox represents the evolution of UGC games for the age of digital ownership.”

The Sandbox is an immersive metaverse platform in which users play, create, and monetise unique experiences alongside their favourite brands, IPs, and celebrities across gaming, entertainment, music, art, and other aspects of culture.

It leverages Web3 technologies to fully enable end-user creation and creator economies by providing players and creators with “true ownership” of their assets, creations, and rewards in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Over 400 partners have joined The Sandbox, including Warner Music Group, Gucci, Ubisoft, Paris Hilton, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Lacoste, Steve Aoki, The Smurfs, and many more.

In the last 12 months, over 330,000 unique creators have downloaded The Sandbox’s no-code Game Maker.

Also Read: True Global Ventures injects US$10M into NFT metaverse game The Sandbox

To date, over 60,000 avatar NFTs have been sold and used to play in the virtual world of The Sandbox, including NFTs from 19 official branded collections such as Hellboy, Magnificent Century, Rabbids, MadBalls, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Paris Hilton, Captain Tsubasa, Maradona, Elvis Presley, Cut The Rope, Habbo Hotel, Agoria, and others.

The post Animoca Brands subsidiary The Sandbox raises US$20M at US$1B valuation appeared first on e27.

Fundraising is a critical yet challenging process for any startup. Having the right resources and guidance can significantly ease this journey. For entrepreneurs eager to scale their ventures and attract investors, e27 has curated knowledgebase articles on the subject matter. These articles cover essential aspects of fundraising, including cap tables, exit strategies, and job titles within a VC firm. Additionally, there’s a bonus article on how KK Fund evaluates early-stage startups for investment.

Also Read: Unlocking the secrets to successful fundraising: 5 essential reads for startup founders

These invaluable resources, carefully selected by e27 editors, are now available through Pro Connect, with a special offer of a 50 per cent discount for new members. Here’s a preview of the expert advice and insights you can gain from this exclusive collection:

Essential insights: Crafting a comprehensive cap table for founders

Creating a cap table is a crucial task for founders, involving pre- and post-money valuations, fully diluted ownership calculations, and understanding preferences. Shirish Nadkarni recommends using tools like Carta or a detailed spreadsheet. Common mistakes include omitting Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and convertible debt. Meticulous record-keeping is essential for accurate equity distribution.

Diverse paths to profits: Exploring exit strategies beyond IPOs and M&A

This article explores various exit strategies beyond IPOs and M&A, particularly in Southeast Asia’s startup landscape. Highlighting successful IPOs like Bukalapak and Society Pass, it outlines ten exit options, including mergers, acquihires, and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). Each strategy’s benefits, challenges, and implications are detailed, aiding investors and founders in their decision-making process.

Decoding roles: A guide to the varied job titles within a VC firm

Understanding the roles within a VC firm is crucial for founders aiming to network strategically. VC firms raise capital from various partners to invest in startups. Roles range from Analysts conducting research to Principals negotiating deals, with Partners making final investment decisions. Clarifying job titles ensures effective communication during the fundraising journey.

Bonus: How KK Fund evaluates an early-stage startup for investment

KK Fund prioritises the management team when evaluating early-stage startups, recognising that team dynamics are critical and cannot be changed post-investment. They also assess the target market size, exit opportunities, business model flexibility, and growth trends over current traction. Founders should highlight their strong team dynamics and sensible cost management to attract investment.

Special offer: Access exclusive Pro Content

Become a community champion and support these amazing startups. Access this exclusive Pro Content for just US$4.90 this month when you subscribe—less than the price of your morning cup of coffee.

Embrace this opportunity to enhance your fundraising knowledge and network strategically within the venture capital landscape.

—

Image Credit: Canva Pro

The post Understanding fundraising and VCs: Essential reads about cap tables, exit strategies, and job titles at a VC firm appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

The dramatic devaluation of Byju’s, once valued at US$22 billion and now deemed worthless by HSBC, marks a significant turning point in the edutech sector.

This spectacular decline highlights the challenges the Indian startup has faced, from financial misreporting and governance issues to abrupt resignations and failed fundraising efforts.

Prosus, a major investor, has publicly criticised Byju’s for disregarding advice, further straining relations and complicating financial recovery. The US$200 million raised recently, under contentious legal circumstances, underscores the tumultuous state of the company.

This situation isn’t isolated; HSBC’s analysis reveals a broader trend of declining valuations among various startups, reflecting a market correction in tech investments. Byju’s collapse serves as a cautionary tale of how swiftly fortunes can change in the volatile startup ecosystem, emphasising the critical importance of robust governance and transparent financial practices.

As the dust settles, stakeholders in the tech industry must reassess valuations and strategies in light of these sobering developments.

Sainul,
Editor.

———-

NEWS

HSBC believes that US$22 billion Byju’s is now worth zero
It follows a very rough year for the Bengaluru-based edutech startup, which was India’s most valuable not long ago; It struggled to meet its financial reporting deadlines last year, ultimately falling short of its target by over 50% as it faced various governance issues.

Byju’s creditors petition to put more units in US bankruptcy
The lenders accused the firm’s founder, Byju Raveendran, of violating their debt contracts by refusing to give them financial details about the three units — Neuron Fuel, Epic! Creations, and Tangible Play.

Animoca Brands subsidiary The Sandbox raises US$20M at US$1B valuation
The investors are Kingsway Capital, Animoca, LG Tech Ventures and True Global Ventures; The Sandbox is an immersive metaverse platform in which users play, create, and monetise unique experiences alongside their favourite brands and celebrities.

98% startups in India, SEA agree AI is pivotal in future strategy: HubSpot study
About 32% of the startups see AI as a faster way to bring products to market, while 30% believe it can help deliver products more quickly; As many as 30% view AI as a tool to level the playing field against bigger competitors and incumbents.

Mober secures US$6M to add new EVs to its fleet, develop new charging yard
Singapore’s Clime Capital is the lead investor; The green logistics firm will develop a new 3,000 sqm charging yard in Pasay City and establish charging points across southern and northern Luzon.

iPiD bags US$5.3M for its payee verification, identification solutions
The investors are Monk’s Hill Ventures, Quona Capital, Jungle Ventures, 1982 Ventures, Saison Capital, and Resolution Ventures; iPiD will use the capital to develop new products that prevent payments-related fraud and expand in Asia, including SEA.

Botsync closes US$5.2M Series A to further develop autonomous mobile robots
The investors include Capital 2B, Betatron Venture Group, IvyCap Ventures, and AppWorks; Botsync plans to aggressively expand deeper into Southeast Asia and India and enter Australia and the Middle East.

Indonesian logistics SaaS firm McEasy adds US$4.5M to Series A round
Granite Asia led the round; The Series A round now stands at US$11M; McEasy said that its client and partner base has grown 6x over the past 18 months to 1,500 companies;

Consumer fintech firm Elevate nets US$5M in debt for Asia, SEA expansion
Negma Ventures is the investor; YC-backed Elevate enables remote workers to receive their wages directly into their US bank accounts, utilise their debit cards for purchases, and transfer funds to their domestic bank accounts at competitive rates.

Hong Kong’s coupons-as-a-service startup Mezzofy secures US$2M funding
The investors are Isola Capital, Ooosh Tech Lab and Hong Kong government-backed ITVF;
Mezzofy has built a ready-made digital coupon infra that helps businesses issue, distribute and process their digital coupons efficiently.

Myanmar HR tech startup Better HR raises bridge round to fuel SEA expansion
The investors are Blibros and Satori Giants; Better HR offers a cloud-based enterprise solution to streamline HR processes for SMEs, including tracking attendance, leave, and overtime, as well as managing payroll.

Meet the 7 startups selected for batch 9 of TINC accelerator programme
The six-month TINC programme will showcase startups creating innovative solutions for healthcare, fintech, climate, marketing, and smart homes.

Anext Bank doubles customer base, grows cross-border transactions by 6x
This growth was driven by MSMEs in sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, professional services, and IT; Anext is the digital wholesale bank in Singapore and the subsidiary of Ant Group.

Malaysia’s Boost Bank officially opens for business
This makes it the country’s third digital bank, following Grab-backed GXBank and Islamic digibank Aeon Bank; The new digibank is a 60:40 joint venture between Boost Holdings and RHB Bank.

Billionaire Richard Li’s FWD Group revives Hong Kong IPO plan, sources say
Hong Kong-headquartered FWD could target a valuation of up to US$9B in IPO depending on financial market conditions when launching the deal; The deal timeline and offering size are yet to be decided.

FEATURES

Top-funded Southeast Asian startups in May 2024
In May 2024, Southeast Asian tech startups secured US$143M in investments across 30 rounds; This is a decline of almost 43.5% from April 2024 and a plunge of 94.3% from May 2023.

‘We want to prevent payment-related fraud in the banking industry’: iPiD CEO
iPiD’s flagship offering, Validate, tackles the escalating issue of fraud and failed payments within the payment industry by confirming payee names and bank account details.

An overview of all the times the Malaysian startup ecosystem catches our eyes in 2024
In this overview, written exclusively for e27 Pro members, we examine what happened in the Malaysian startup ecosystem in the first five months of 2024.

Understanding the role of fintech, blockchain in transitioning to net zero
This includes the technological know-how that is believed to be “pivotal” in developing and funding innovations to support net-zero transition.

Navigating the gender divide in Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape
Women hold just 13 per cent of management, board, and investor roles across early-stage to public companies within the fintech ecosystem.

How Mylo Speech enhances speech therapy accessibility for autistic children in PH
Mylo Speech is an app designed to support individuals with speech delays and ASD in their speech therapy journey; It has recently earned a spot at the TOP100 Program 2024, held in conjunction with Echelon X in Singapore.

Using AI to enhance maritime safety, Nautisense is looking to expand into the UK, Scandinavia
Nautisense wants to ensure that seafarers and maritime operators have access to the best tools for navigating modern sea travel.

CONTRIBUTORY ARTICLES

From grid to code: Why good cybersecurity will help deliver net zero
As Asia becomes a key player in the renewable energy transition, stakeholders must remain vigilant about cybersecurity threats and practices.

The vital role of regulatory frameworks in the crypto industry
The crypto market is a dynamic and often turbulent space; The recent debacle involving FTX is a stark reminder of the importance of proper checks and balances.

Navigating the future of work: How upskilling shapes tomorrow’s leaders
By prioritising upskilling, organisations can cultivate a future-ready workforce and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving market.

The ever-present threat: Why businesses need robust cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is about safeguarding your entire business ecosystem, including data, networks, endpoints, and brand reputation.

Kickstarting a sustainable ‘change’ reaction with material innovation
Forward-thinking companies are using material innovation to transform the traditional linear product lifecycle into a circular one.

Why measuring digital carbon emissions is key to a greener future
Digital carbon emissions from online activities, including the use of AI tools, contribute to 3.7 per cent of GHG emissions.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Why I hope that we will no longer need a Pride Month to celebrate intersectionality
Intersectionality, as a central theme in Pride Month, should be socially accepted so that we don’t even need a month to celebrate it.

‘Diversity and inclusion aren’t getting enough airtime in SEA’s workplaces’
An interview with Andee Chua, a culture builder at HubSpot and co-founder of Kampung Collective, a community for community builders across Asia.

How to retain local talent as global demand for remote tech workers surges
Technology jobs like data engineering or software engineering have entered the fastest-growing remote jobs by application volume globally.

Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.

—

The post Ecosystem Roundup: HSBC believes Byju’s is now worth zero | The Sandbox turns unicorn after US$20M raise appeared first on e27.

This week’s Southeast Asian tech startup scene is buzzing with innovation!

From revolutionising industries like aquaculture and logistics to building the future of finance and entertainment in the metaverse, startups are tackling a wide range of challenges.

Dive into this roundup to discover funding news for companies like eFishery, Mober, iPiD, and Botsync, among others.

eFishery (Indonesia)

Founded in 2013, eFishery is an aquatech company providing digital co-operatives for fish and shrimp farmers. It offers an integrated aquaculture ecosystem that provides access to technology, supporting over 70,000 fish and shrimp farmers in 280 cities across Indonesia.

Its solutions also include access to financial institutions worth more than US$40 million and a platform to sell fish and shrimp crops.

The company has three main objectives: to address food security through aquaculture, to overcome fundamental challenges in the aquaculture industry by providing affordable technology, and to reduce social and economic inequality through an inclusive digital economy.

Funding raised: US$30 million
Round: Loan
Investor: HSBC Indonesia.

Gogoro (Taiwan)

Founded in 2011, Gogoro is a smart mobility and sustainable urban transportation company. It seeks to change how urban energy is distributed and consumed. Its battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart and sustainable long-term ecosystem for urban mobility.

Gogoro’s mission is to put smart, portable electric power within reach of every urban rider globally. Its ecosystem is AI-powered and cloud-connected to deliver accessible energy solutions on an open, turn-key platform.

Funding raised: US$50 million
Round: Not specified
Investors: Gold Sino Assets.

iPiD (Singapore)

iPiD (International Payment Identity) offers payee verification and identification solutions. Founded in 2021 by a team of former Swift executives, iPiD is a fintech company aiming to enhance the security and convenience of global payments. Its flagship offering, Validate, tackles the escalating issue of fraud and failed payments within the payment industry by confirming payee names and bank account details. This solution enhances customer experience and combats authorised push payment (APP) fraud.

Funding raised: US$5.3 million
Round: Pre-Series A
Investors: Monk’s Hill Ventures, Quona Capital, QED Investors, Jungle Ventures, 1982 Ventures, Saison Capital, and Resolution Ventures.

Botsync (Singapore)

Botsync is a robotics startup that develops integrated automation solutions. Founded in 2019, the startup streamlines manufacturing operations through system-agnostic no-code integration solutions (syncOS) and a suite of autonomous MAG Mobile Robots, integrating cross-platform operations from different automation systems all on one platform.

Through its flagship syncOS Integrator platform, Botsync also integrates different automation systems. It features pre-built integration with major robotic and automation products, allowing users to easily connect different robotic systems without having to write any integration code.

MAG Mobile Robots replace forklifts, trolleys, pallet trucks, and other equipment to eliminate manual operations between machines and automate intralogistics operations.

Funding raised: US$5.2 million
Round: Series A
Investors: Capital 2B, Betatron Venture Group, IvyCap Ventures, AppWorks, Iterative, Wong Fong, ZB Capital, Nalin Advani, and Ascend Angels.

Mezzofy (Hong Kong)

Mezzofy is a coupons-as-a-service (CaaS) startup. Launched in 2016, Mezzofy has built a ready-made digital coupon infrastructure that helps businesses issue, distribute and process their digital coupons efficiently. Its CaaS model allows corporations to use the product immediately without investing an upfront cost in developing their own platform from scratch.

Corporations can also integrate with their existing mobile apps, CRM, POS, or ERP systems via Mezzofy API.

Funding raised: US$2 million
Round: Not specified
Investors: Isola Capital, Ooosh Tech Lab, and ITVF.

Elevate (Dubai and London)

Elevate is a consumer fintech startup. Originally started in 2021 by Keenan and Youcef Oudjidan, Elevate (formerly known as Bloom) provides people in Bangladesh, Egypt, the Philippines, and Pakistan with FDIC-insured US bank accounts. This enables remote workers to receive their wages directly into their US bank accounts, utilise their debit cards for purchases, and transfer funds to their domestic bank accounts at highly competitive rates.

Initially trying to provide local USD accounts, Elevate realised that insured accounts based in the US were superior because no money is required to receive payments. In addition, consumers receive the security historically reserved for US customers. This also simplifies receiving payments from US employers and platforms like Deel, Upwork, Toptal and Fiverr.

Funding raised: US$5 million
Round: Debt
Investors: Negma Ventures.

The Sandbox (Hong Kong)

The Sandbox is a user-generated content (UGC) metaverse platform and subsidiary of open metaverse company Animoca Brands. An immersive metaverse platform, it allows users to play, create, and monetise unique experiences alongside their favourite brands, IPs, and celebrities across gaming, entertainment, music, art, and other aspects of culture.

The startup leverages Web3 technologies to fully enable end-user creation and creator economies by providing players and creators with “true ownership” of their assets, creations, and rewards in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Funding raised: US$20 million
Round: Strategic
Investors: Kingsway Capital, Animoca Brands, LG Tech Ventures, and True Global Ventures.

Mober (Philippines)

Mober is a green logistics company. Established in July 2015, Mober aims to drive the transition to green deliveries in the Philippines. It helps businesses decarbonise their delivery processes with solutions that avoid upfront costs, promoting a future where business meets sustainability.

To support its long-haul operations, Mober plans to place pocket charging points across Luzon’s northern and southern regions. The company sources its EVs directly from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), customising each vehicle to meet specific operational needs for optimal efficiency and reliability.

The company’s clients for its EV-powered delivery services include multinational corporations like IKEA, Kuehne+Nagel, Nespresso, Monde Nissin, Nestle, Maersk, and SM Appliance Center.

Funding raised: US$6M
Round: Not specified
Investors: Clime Capital.

Better HR (Myanmar)

Better HR is a human resources tech startup that offers a cloud-based enterprise solution to streamline HR processes for small and medium-sized companies. This includes tracking attendance, leave, and overtime and managing payroll.

Currently, Better HR’s tailored payroll services are available in Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. To expand its reach and impact throughout the region, the company plans to use the new funds to open additional offices in other key Southeast Asian markets.

Funding raised: Undisclosed
Round: Not specified
Investors: Blibros and Satori Giants

McEasy (Indonesia)

Founded by Hendrik Ekowaluyo and Raymond Sutjiono in 2017, McEasy aims to change the Indonesian logistics sector’s reliance on paper and pen. The company noted that around 85% of operators still use this old-fashioned method, resulting in disjointed services, unprofessional driver conduct, and low customer satisfaction.

Its logistics management system comprises real-time vehicle tracking software, a transportation management system, and a fleet management app, among other features.

Funding raised: US$11 million
Round: Series A
Investor: Granite Asia and East Ventures.

—

Image Credit: 123RF.

The post Southeast Asia startup boom: From fish farming tech to metaverse worlds appeared first on e27.