Singapore-based multi-strategy VC firm TRIVE Ventures has launched Digital Frontier Fund to support the next wave of startups harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies.

The new global fund targets investments in early-stage companies within infrastructure, entertainment, and financial services.

Also Read: Blockchain for good: BGA Web3 Key Fund raises US$5M to empower social impact ventures

Led by its newly established division, TRIVE Digital, the Digital Frontier Fund is spearheaded by blockchain experts and General Partners Daryl Lim and Shawn Tan.

The fund completed a soft close on August 31, 2024, securing 20 per cent of its target capital. It has already deployed capital into portfolio companies, including Klink Finance, RPS Labs, Coinseeker, and Sphinx Exchange. The fund aims to make an additional 40 to 60 investments throughout its lifecycle.

The parent TRIVE Ventures has experience investing in blockchain projects such as MVLLabs, a mass vehicle ledger blockchain platform, and Tokenize Xchange, a cryptocurrency exchange.

Also Read: Startup resilience in economic uncertainty: Stories from Singapore’s fintech, blockchain, and SaaS pioneers

TRIVE is an early-stage licensed alternative investments fund manager and advisory firm based in Singapore. The firm focuses on bringing alternative asset opportunities to high-net-worth business families across Southeast Asia, helping them diversify their portfolios with high-growth ventures.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the workplace by enhancing efficiency, safety, and decision-making. Through advanced technologies such as real-time video analytics, AI helps monitor job sites, identify potential hazards, and optimise resource allocation.

In Southeast Asia (SEA), Ailytics is one company that uses AI to enhance safety and productivity in industrial workplaces. As a video analytics provider, their technology continuously analyses video feeds, delivering real-time insights to optimise operations and reduce the risk of accidents.

By harnessing the power of AI, the company aims to surpass industry standards, creating safer and more efficient work environments. Their solutions enable businesses to improve operational performance while prioritising worker safety.

“Current methods for monitoring of operations, especially safety, are manual, tedious, costly and ineffective,” explains Wei Zhuang (Lenard) Tan, Founder & CEO at Ailytics, to e27 in an email.

“Our solution augments the site team to help them automate monitoring of high-risk works over a much longer duration and area.”

Also Read: VinFast to soon begin construction of US$500M EV factory in India

Ailytics began as a two-year R&D project in collaboration with HDB and AISG during the founders’ time at NUS.

Through extensive research, product feedback, and testing, the team gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the construction and heavy industries. This led to the decision to spin off the project as a startup, recognising the significant impact their solution could have across multiple sectors.

Early support from governmental organisations in Singapore, such as JTC Corporation, the Housing Development Board (HDB), and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), was instrumental. They encouraged contractors working on major projects, such as the Jurong Innovation District, Tengah, and Punggol Digital District, to adopt the technology early, providing invaluable feedback that shaped many of the solution’s critical features.

In addition, Ailytics participated in industry-focused programmes such as BEAMP by BCA, which connects industry challenges with innovative solution providers. This platform enabled them to collaborate with key players and further refine their offerings. A notable example is their recent partnership with Tiong Seng, developing a productivity-tracking solution for the ongoing construction of One Pearl Bank.

The company also recently participated in the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) in Singapore from September 4 to 6.

“This greatly helps to promote sustainable innovation in the industry and opportunities for startups,” says Tan.

Ailytics serves users primarily from project and management teams, including safety officers and project managers, while its customers consist of general contractors, developers, governments, and building owners. The company focuses on heavy industries such as construction, manufacturing, maritime, defence, and oil & gas, with deployments across seven countries.

Also Read: Indonesia’s construction-tech startup Gravel secures US$14M

Deeper into GenAI

Ailytics, co-founded by Tan and CTO Prateek Manocha, is headquartered in Singapore with a second office in Hong Kong. Its team of 15 members runs the company.

With two funding rounds raising a total of US$3.2 million, Ailytics has attracted investors, including Tin Men Capital, Aurum Investments, and AngelCentral, to support its mission of enhancing safety and efficiency in heavy industries.

Looking ahead, Ailytics aims to expand its solutions across more Asian markets, targeting a wider range of heavy industries.

The company also invests in developing Generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to improve real-time video analytics, tackling complex challenges with innovative, cutting-edge technology.

Ailytics envisions creating a comprehensive platform to support industries that rely on video data for monitoring, risk management, and operational efficiency, positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in Asia.

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Image Credit: Ailytics

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Skilledin Green offers an online platform that connects sustainability-focused talent with recruiters and training providers. Launched in 2021, the platform combines technology and gamification to help users build green CVs, access relevant courses, explore job roles, and create personalised career plans.

With a presence in Singapore, the EU, and Indonesia, Skilledin Green’s mission is to make careers in the green economy a shared commitment to sustainability, providing individuals with the tools and resources to thrive in this rapidly growing sector.

Currently collaborating with organisations in Indonesia and Europe, Skilledin Green attracts diverse users, from budding sustainability experts seeking their first role to seasoned professionals looking to switch careers or upskill for advancement.

In an email interview with e27, Natasha Syed, Founder and CEO of Skilledin Green, explains how the company wants to make a difference and its upcoming plan.

The following is an edited excerpt of the interview.

Can you tell us about the problems Skilledin Green aims to solve and how your solution is better than the alternative?

Many people looking to start their sustainability journey often struggle to know what to learn first. Although a wide range of educational tools are available to help close the green skills gap, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Our platform tackles this by offering job-based upskilling programmes focusing on emerging green skills, which also helps employers reap real benefits.

Also Read: The climate change and gender equality connection: How to support underfunded women-owned business

While plenty of job platforms are available for hiring sustainability roles, the real challenge is finding candidates with the right mix of skills, especially for new types of jobs where experience might be scarce. We take a different approach by scoring candidates on green knowledge, soft skills, and other key abilities. This makes it easier to pick candidates who are just right for the job.

How did the Skilledin Green platform come to be? What is the product development like?

We began with a tool to identify skill gaps at the enterprise level but struggled to find the right market fit. After discussions with our team, we decided to specialise in sustainability and shift our approach to B2B2C.

Initially, this was meant to be a branch of our enterprise solution. However, due to significant market interest, we pivoted to make sustainability our primary offering.

As such, over the past 18 months, we have developed four web apps that function as one platform. This includes an LMS for training partners, an ATS for companies hiring in green sectors, and a talent community platform featuring mentors, experts, and job seekers.

Building everything in-house has allowed us to quickly adapt to emerging challenges in the professional sustainability field.

What are the most important milestones you have made recently?

We recently hit two major milestones: forming a partnership with Global Shapers Bali and securing a spot in EduSpaze’s ninth cohort. While it is still too early to discuss specifics about our collaboration with Global Shapers, we will share more information next month.

Also Read: Climate tech startups can play a role in helping SMEs bridge sustainability, digital transformation: Paessler

How does taking part in Eduspaze help your growth as a startup?

EduSpaze stands out for its unique approach to supporting startups in the education sector. The programme’s practical knowledge-sharing is highly valuable, with each session contributing significantly to our strategic improvements, innovation, and impact measurement. Additionally, the market immersion aspect of EduSpaze enables us to quickly penetrate multiple markets across SEA, a feat that would be challenging without their assistance.

Lastly, the program’s funding component is instrumental in preparing us for our first institutional funding round and provides access to an extensive network in SEA. Joining EduSpaze has been one of the best decisions for Skilledin Green this year, and we are deeply thankful for this chance.

Can you tell us more about your team at Skilledin Green?

As a single founder, I sometimes encounter challenges. However, I have been fortunate to gather an amazing team that shares our mission and provides full support by taking on some of my responsibilities when I need to zero in on strategic priorities.

Most of our team members are product-focused, handling various aspects of the product lifecycle—from design and development to deployment—and specialising in architecture, cloud services, and AI. I am proud to say that everyone on the team is a lifelong learner, a quality we value and encourage among ourselves and our users.

Currently, we are a strong team of seven, and we are excited about the prospect of expanding our team into European markets shortly.

Has Skilledin Green raised any external funding?

Up until now, our journey has been supported through bootstrapping and contributions from family and friends.

Also Read: What startups need to know about Claims Code, the new rulebook for making credible climate claims

However, we have entered a new chapter: our first formal fundraising period. We have carefully crafted plans for the subsequent two funding rounds.

Our immediate goal is to secure a strong market fit, ensuring our product effectively meets customer needs. Following that, in the next round, we aim to steer the company towards profitability. These strategic objectives are pivotal for our growth and long-term success.

What is coming up for Skilledin Green in 2024?

As we move into the final months of the year, we are excited to see the fruits of our work from the past months. Our team has been tirelessly laying the groundwork for several significant achievements that we anticipate will come to fruition during this period.

One of the key milestones we are excited about is the launch of our first long-term upskilling programme. This initiative represents a major step forward in our commitment to continuous learning and development. We are also preparing for the launch of the career mentorship and revamped community to facilitate global peer-to-peer sharing.

As I mentioned, we are also preparing to raise our first round of funding. This move is expected to propel our growth and enable us to scale our operations more effectively. The capital raised will be instrumental in supporting our strategic goals, user acquisition, and enhancing our product offerings.

Also Read: Climate tech in the Philippines: Capitalising on emerging opportunities in the ecosystem

Lastly, we are on track to expand our footprint and establish our presence in new markets. This expansion has been a focus throughout the year, and we are now approaching the stage where we can see tangible results from our ongoing efforts. Breaking into the new territories is crucial for our long-term vision and will open up many opportunities for our business.

The upcoming months are shaping up to be a transformative period for Skilledin Green. We look forward to sharing these developments with you and continuing our journey towards greater success.

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Image Credit: Skilledin Green

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Singapore-headquartered digital asset exchange SDAX has closed its US$50 million Series B2 funding round led by Oman-based Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company.

This follows a US$18 million Series B round in 2021 led by PSA International, Straits Trading Company, and New Horizon Global.

The new funds will be used for client acquisition and adding new business lines, such as wealth and fund management.

SDAX also plans to launch a digital asset exchange in Oman. This platform will provide a strategic gateway to the GCC and Africa and connect Oman to global liquidity pools.

Also Read: Blockchain for good: BGA Web3 Key Fund raises US$5M to empower social impact ventures

SDAX is a MAS-regulated investment and trading platform serving institutional, accredited and retail investors. It provides access to fractionalised institutional-grade investment opportunities.

In April this year, SDAX teamed up with MPMR to offer securitised Gold Tokens on its platform. These tokens offer investors fractional gold investments and trading backed by physical gold bullion held at Le Freeport in Singapore.

Following this, the firm has issued a popular series of short-term gold financing notes offering investors double-digit yields.

Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company was incorporated in the Sultanate of Oman, led by CEO H.E. Shihab Abusaidi. MPMR specialises in the smelting, refining, testing, trading and minting of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium. MPMR refines approximately 40 tons of gold annually.

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In today’s digital age, where audiences are bombarded with information the power of storytelling has never been greater more crucial. The current gamers’ game — Black Myth: Wukong — stands out as a masterclass in engaging and enthralling millions around the world.

This game is steeped in Chinese mythology and inspired by the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. It has captivated a global audience with a level of engagement that rivals – and in some ways surpasses – other juggernauts like God of War and Cyberpunk 2077. Its rich, immersive storytelling seems to resonate across cultures. Here are five takeaways that brand owners can learn from this immersive game:

The power of cultural resonance

Black Myth: Wukong has captivated a global audience by tapping into a story deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. Yet, its appeal is not limited to those familiar with the source material. The game’s creators have woven a tale that transcends cultural boundaries by focusing on universal themes like heroism, struggle and transformation.

Takeaway: To resonate with diverse audiences, brands should seek to tell stories that, while grounded in specific cultural or contextual frameworks, also address universal human experiences. This balance allows the narrative to be both authentic and widely relatable.

Visual storytelling as a universal language

One of the standout features of Black Myth: Wukong is its stunning visual design, which communicates the game’s narrative in a way that words alone could never achieve. From the detailed character designs to the atmospheric landscapes, every visual element contributes to the storytelling, drawing players deeper into the world of Wukong.

Takeaway: With attention spans shrinking, visual and animated storytelling is a powerful tool. Brands can use compelling visuals – whether through video, imagery, or interactive content – to effectively convey their message and evoke emotional responses. This is particularly effective when reaching global and diverse audiences, as visuals often transcend language barriers.

Building a mythos: creating a universe, not just a story

Black Myth: Wukong is not just a game; it’s an entire universe built around a well-known myth. The game developers have crafted a world with their own rules, characters and lore, inviting players to lose themselves within it. This approach not only heightens engagement but also builds a community of fans invested in the story and its outcomes.

Also Read: Blockchain gaming trends in Asia: here’s what you need to know

Takeaway: Brand owners should think beyond individual campaigns and focus on building a narrative universe. This means creating a consistent and evolving brand story that consumers can explore and engage with over time. By doing so, brands can cultivate a loyal community that is deeply connected to their narrative as well as share it with their networks.

Balancing authenticity and innovation

While Black Myth: Wukong draws from an ancient tale, it does so with a fresh and innovative approach. The game doesn’t just retell Journey to the West; it reimagines it for a modern audience, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Takeaway: Authenticity is key in storytelling, but it doesn’t mean sticking to the same old narratives. Brands should strive to be both authentic and innovative, finding new ways to tell their stories that respect their heritage while appealing to contemporary audiences.

Engaging the audience

The interactive nature of gaming allows players to become active participants in the story of Black Myth: Wukong. This level of engagement fosters a deeper connection between the audience and the narrative.

Takeaway: brands should explore ways to turn their audiences from passive consumers into active participants. This could be through interactive content, user-generated stories, or immersive experiences that invite the audience to contribute to the brand narrative. Engagement nurtures loyalty, and loyalty drives long-term mutual success.

Final thoughts

Black Myth: Wukong is a great example of how powerful storytelling can capture the imagination of global audiences.

By drawing inspiration from its narrative techniques — cultural resonance, visual storytelling, myth-building, authenticity, innovation and audience engagement — brands can work with their communications partners to craft compelling stories that they own and share.

These stories, in turn, build awareness, foster connections and ultimately drive brand preference, intent and loyalty in an increasingly competitive and diverse global market.

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