Cinch, a device-as-a-service (DaaS) platform, has announced secured up to US$28.8 million in a funding round to fuel the expansion of its subscription-based technology ecosystem.

Monk’s Hill Ventures spearheaded the round, which saw participation from other notable investors, including Z Venture Capital, 1982 Ventures, Ratio Ventures, DCG, Feedback Ventures, Seedstars, and Faeda Ventures.

The newly secured funding will be strategically deployed to develop an operating system to power circular device distribution at scale. This development aims to enable distributors, telecommunications companies, and retailers to seamlessly integrate device subscriptions into their existing sales and service models.

Cinch offers a subscription model that provides flexible, affordable, and sustainable access to various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This model allows individual consumers to upgrade to the latest technology through low monthly fees, thereby removing the burden of substantial upfront costs and long-term contracts.

Also Read: Why sustainability will be the biggest competitive advantage for startups in 2025

Furthermore, for enterprises, Cinch streamlines the often complex processes of device procurement, financing, and lifecycle management, leading to optimised costs and enhanced efficiency.

At the heart of Cinch’s operations is a circular subscription model meticulously designed to maximise devices’ lifespans while concurrently minimising their environmental footprint. By employing refurbishment and redeployment strategies across multiple lifecycles, Cinch actively contributes to the reduction of electronic waste and makes technology more accessible from a financial standpoint for both consumers and businesses.

The company’s proprietary platform integrates crucial elements such as automated lifecycle management, dynamic pricing intelligence, and embedded financing, ensuring capital efficiency and enabling devices to generate value beyond a single ownership cycle. This approach not only improves financial accessibility but also directly supports global sustainability goals by integrating reuse and responsible disposal into the core of technology consumption.

Mahir Hamid, CEO and co-founder of Cinch, stated: “The way people consume technology is evolving. With rising costs, financing gaps, and increasing regulatory pressure on e-waste, Cinch is leading the shift toward circular access to tech. Beyond a platform, we’re connecting the dots within Asia’s infrastructure for a sustainable tech economy.”

The firm has partnered with Samsung Electronics Singapore to be its official subscription partner for the Galaxy S25 Series on the island. Through this collaboration, consumers can subscribe to Samsung’s flagship smartphone with a monthly fee that includes damage protection and an upgrade option at the end of the subscription term.

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As the global crypto market matures, venture capital (VC) firms are evolving their strategies to stay ahead of shifting regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies and increasingly globalised innovation. Foresight Ventures is among those shaping the next phase of blockchain development, distinguishing itself with a cross-regional investment strategy and an early-stage focus.

In a recent interview, Forest Bai, Co-Founder of Foresight Ventures, shared with e27 how the firm positions itself as the first and only crypto-native VC to operate seamlessly between Eastern and Western markets. With over half of its portfolio made up of US-based projects and the rest largely focused on Asia Pacific (APAC), the firm sits at a strategic junction between two of the world’s most active blockchain ecosystems.

The APAC region, known for its high crypto adoption rates and fast-paced innovation, is central to the firm’s thesis. Foresight Ventures supports US-based projects expanding to APAC by helping them navigate diverse regulatory environments and plug into the region’s dynamic developer and user communities.

In terms of sectors, Bai highlighted payments and real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation as two verticals critical to blockchain’s mainstream adoption.

Foresight Ventures prioritises investments in companies that hold operating licences and demonstrate scalable potential. The firm primarily invests at the seed and Series A stages, backing startups with a clear product-market fit and long-term vision. However, its role extends beyond the capital. Foresight Ventures provides strategic mentorship, incubation resources and access to a broader industry network.

Also Read: Gold soars, stocks teeter, crypto seesaw: The world awaits Trump’s trade hammer

In a recent move aligned with this mission, the firm committed US$25 million to projects building on the BNB Chain throughout 2025 as part of the BNB Incubation Alliance (BIA). The initiative is aimed at supporting live, real-world applications with long-term growth prospects.

To date, Foresight Ventures has backed more than 150 projects and manages over US$400 million in assets.

In this interview, Bai explains in detail their views about market cycles and how Foresight Ventures is seizing opportunities in this dynamic market.

The following is an edited excerpt of the conversation.

Many are calling this period a comeback for Web3. What are the key factors driving renewed investor confidence in crypto and blockchain innovation?

The idea that Web3 lost its allure is a misreading of the cycle. Builders never left. Instead, they have been heads-down, refining infrastructure and scaling solutions in preparation for the next wave of adoption. As such, what we are seeing now is not just a resurgence but the natural acceleration of a maturing ecosystem.

Riding the momentum of 2024’s crypto spring, Web3’s resurgence has been further fueled by shifting regulatory tailwinds. The Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance saw Bitcoin reach its all-time high earlier this year, and the most recent executive order to establish a strategic crypto reserve ahead of the industry’s White House gathering signals growing institutional recognition of digital assets. More than just a policy shift, this move is one of the strongest endorsements of Web3 to date, aligning the administration with the future of decentralised innovation.

Institutional adoption remains a critical driver. The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has reshaped perceptions of digital assets, unlocking mainstream capital inflows and setting the stage for deeper financial integration. Heavyweights such as BlackRock and Goldman Sachs are not just dipping their toes but embedding digital assets into traditional finance, reinforcing the sector’s long-term viability.

Beyond the headlines, foundational innovation is accelerating. AI, real-world asset tokenisation, and on-chain payments are evolving at breakneck speed, pushing crypto beyond speculation and into real-world applications.

Also Read: The future of finance: ESG integration in tokenised funding

For Foresight Ventures, this renewed confidence isn’t just another cycle but a transformative step toward mainstream adoption. Our investment strategy is aligned with this shift, focusing on projects that don’t just capture momentum but build sustainable business models that drive lasting impact in the digital economy.

Which specific sectors within Web3 are attracting the most VC interest, and why?

The convergence of AI with Web3 has rapidly emerged as one of the defining themes in the VC landscape today. As an early investor in AI, we at Foresight Ventures have witnessed the evolution of the technology — from its nascent stages to its swift integration into the Web3 ecosystem. This intersection is driving not only greater operational efficiency but enhancing the resilience of decentralised networks — driving adoption for the long run.

With the AI market projected to reach US$243.72 billion this year, opportunities in the sector are abundant. The fusion of AI and crypto is already capturing significant VC interest, including ours, as it paves the way for innovative business models with immense, untapped market potential. This convergence is not only redefining industries but also creating new avenues for growth, from decentralised AI networks to smarter, more secure blockchain applications.

Another vertical that has captured VC interest is on-chain payments. Over the past 12 months, stablecoin transaction volumes amounted to US$6.3 trillion, surpassing annual fiat transaction volumes and cementing blockchain’s role in the future of financial infrastructure. Traditional financial institutions are increasingly adopting blockchain technology to enable more seamless, efficient global payments, making this sector a strategic priority for us. Our recent investment in August – an on-chain DeFi brokerage and execution platform that processes US$7 billion in monthly volume, reflects our commitment to supporting innovations that drive the integration of blockchain in global digital payments.

As disruptive technologies gain recognition from institutional players and policymakers alike, we are entering a new era of decentralised intelligence and deeper economic integration. The sectors capturing VC attention today are not just shaping the next phase of Web3; they are laying the foundation for a more efficient, secure, and interconnected global economy.

How are institutional investors viewing Web3 in 2025 compared to previous cycles? Is there a shift in how capital is being deployed between institutional and retail-driven projects?

Compared to previous cycles, institutional investors are approaching Web3 with a more strategic and long-term perspective in 2025. With the growing clarity around regulatory frameworks in major markets, which has built stronger confidence amongst institutional players, institutions are now more focused on projects with strong product-market fit, scalability, and real-world use case, such as Bitcoin ETFs, stablecoins, and real-world asset tokenisation. This represents a marked departure from retail-driven projects, which are typically short-term and speculative in nature.

Another notable shift is the more efficient deployment of capital.

In 2021 and 2022, crypto VC funding peaked at US$30 billion annually, driven largely by speculative enthusiasm, but by 2024, this figure dropped to US$10.2 billion, signalling a shift towards more measured, long-term investments. While retail speculation remains prevalent, the growing presence of institutional investors is shaping the market. These institutional players are focusing on real utility and sustainable growth, prioritising projects that offer long-term value creation over short-lived hype cycles.

Also Read: Trump tariffs shake markets: Why gold soars as Bitcoin stumbles in 2025

This shift marks a maturation of the space, with capital now flowing into Web3 ventures that can deliver tangible, scalable solutions and integrate with existing industries rather than speculative plays driven by short-term price movements.

With changing global regulatory stances on crypto, how are VCs adjusting their investment strategies to navigate compliance while fostering innovation?

Venture capital firms are adapting their investment strategies in the crypto space to balance regulatory compliance with the pursuit of innovation. As global regulatory frameworks evolve, VCs are placing greater emphasis on enhanced due diligence and risk assessment to ensure long-term viability and compliance of their portfolio companies.

At Foresight Ventures, we prioritise investments in projects that take proactive regulatory measures, ensuring that their products are built with compliance in mind. Our due diligence processes have grown more robust, focusing not just on a project’s technical merit and market potential but also on its approach to navigating evolving regulations.

Beyond compliance, Web3 VCs are diversifying their portfolios to capture opportunities across payments, AI, and blockchain infrastructure, all of which are sectors that are driving accelerated innovation. Having recognised AI’s disruptive potential early, we made strategic investments in AI projects during their earlier funding rounds in 2023, positioning ourselves at the forefront of this convergence.

VCs play a critical role as the backbone of the Web3 ecosystem, providing more than just capital. Strategic partnerships with legal and regulatory experts enable VCs to guide projects through compliance complexities while ensuring they continue to innovate responsibly.

Additionally, VCs offer expansive industry networks, cross-vertical expertise, and strategic counsel, helping founders navigate complex challenges and position their projects for long-term success and industry legitimacy. As regulations take shape, the most forward-thinking VCs will not just react but instead help shape the next phase of crypto innovation, ensuring that Web3 continues to grow in a way that is both compliant and transformative.

Beyond market cycles, what do you see as the defining characteristics of a sustainable and successful Web3 ecosystem? How can investors play a role in shaping its future?

A sustainable and thriving Web3 ecosystem is defined by its ability to deliver long-term value through innovation, user adoption, and resilience across market cycles. At its core, such an ecosystem must prioritise utility and real-world applications that address industry and user needs. Projects that succeed in the long run combine disruptive technologies with familiar user experiences, lowering the barriers to adoption for broader audiences.

By prioritising investments in teams that address meaningful problems and fostering collaboration within the broader Web3 space, investors can help build innovative and resilient ecosystems that ultimately drive mainstream adoption over time.

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Image Credit: Foresight Ventures

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Singapore has unequivocally cemented its position as the on-chain powerhouse of Asia, a comprehensive new report has found, showcasing an unwavering commitment to Web3 innovation bolstered by a proactive, albeit stringent, regulatory stance and a thriving ecosystem.

The Singapore THE ONCHAIN STATE 2025 REPORT lays bare the city-state’s ambition to participate in and lead the global decentralised revolution, even as challenges related to regulatory navigation and access to traditional financial arteries persist.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) emerges as the central orchestrator, adopting a “strict, but fair” collaborative methodology towards the Web3 domain. This partnership is evidenced by a significant surge in digital payment token (DPT) licenses, with a combined 28 licenses granted in 2023 and 2024, a substantial leap from the mere 10 issued in 2022.

This forward-thinking regulatory environment has cultivated increasing trust among Singaporean enterprises, which is highlighted by DBS Bank’s foray into cryptocurrency options trading and structured notes for institutional investors.

Also Read: ‘The future is on-chain’: Nansen CEO on AI, staking, and new growth plans

Furthermore, data from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis reveals a record-shattering near-US$1 billion in stablecoin payments processed within a single quarter, underscoring Singapore’s burgeoning on-chain economic activity and greater trust from institutional investors.

The pulse of crypto ownership beats stronger within Singapore, with 26 per cent of residents holding digital assets in 2024, a rise from 24.4 per cent in 2023. Notably, 73 per cent of these owners have maintained their crypto assets for over a year, signifying a maturing market geared towards long-term investment.

While Bitcoin (62 per cent) and Ethereum (43 per cent) remain dominant portfolio staples, the emergence of xSGD (6 per cent ownership) signals a growing inclination towards stablecoins pegged to the local currency. Crypto’s utility is also expanding, with 52 per cent of holders now employing it for transactions, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z for retail and bill settlements.

As Eric Barbier, CEO of Triple-A, aptly puts it, “crypto is moving beyond adoption to real-world use, shaping the future of digital payments”.

Despite the global crypto rollercoaster, Singapore’s Web3 ecosystem remains steadfastly focused on “Buidl,” with a robust 40.3 per cent of projects dedicated to infrastructure development. This strong foundational layer underpins the growth of Decentralised Finance (DeFi at 18.4 per cent) and the rapidly expanding Non-Fungible Tokens and Gaming sectors (NFTs and Gaming at 13.8 per cent).

The venture capital landscape remains a critical enabler, constituting 13.8 per cent of the ecosystem. While overall Web3 funding in Singapore trailed behind the broader fintech sector in 2023, the ratio of deals in Crypto to Fintech maintained a strong 68.12 per cent, surpassing the 2021 figure of 60 per cent. In the first half of 2024, Singapore-based Web3 companies attracted a substantial US$742 million in investments, representing 64 per cent of the capital invested in the FinTech sector during the same period.

Singapore’s allure as a global Web3 nucleus is further amplified by its dedication to nurturing talent and offering globally competitive compensation packages. An estimated 2,433 individuals are currently employed within the sector, and over 75 per cent of local Web3 enterprises have declared their intent to expand their Singapore-based teams in 2025, with 60 per cent projecting an expansion of 50 per cent or more of their existing workforce. Web3 compensation routinely surpasses national benchmarks across various roles, attracting a skilled and adaptable workforce. The strategic acquisitions of Singaporean Web3 startups – such as Jupiter’s acquisition of Solana.FM and Coinhall, and Nansen’s acquisition of StakeWithUs – serve as irrefutable validation of the local ecosystem’s maturity and global recognition.

However, the report unflinchingly highlights persistent pain points voiced by Web3 builders. These include the pressing need for greater regulatory clarity, particularly concerning the definition of digital assets, to facilitate innovation within legal boundaries.

The high cost of compliance, especially concerning the demanding and expensive process of obtaining DPT licenses, is identified as a significant barrier, particularly for smaller and newer entities. The limited access to traditional banking services remains a critical impediment, affecting 59 per cent of respondents and hindering operational stability.

Also Read: APAC’s public sector sees crypto as a vehicle for cybercrimes: Chainalysis

Furthermore, a perceived lack of tailored government support compared to other global hubs, a strong desire for more inclusive regulatory collaboration, and a call for more accessible and clearly defined sandboxing opportunities are underscored as areas requiring urgent attention.

Despite these significant headwinds, Singapore’s unwavering commitment to fostering a symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors, coupled with its robust talent pipeline, strategic geographical advantage, and vibrant community, firmly positions it for sustained dominance in the global Web3 arena. The city-state’s proven ability to attract major international Web3 events like TOKEN2049 and Solana Breakpoint further solidifies its reputation as a crucial global hub for innovation, investment, and talent.

As the Web3 industry continues its transformative trajectory, Singapore’s proactive, adaptive, and collaborative approach will be paramount in maintaining its competitive edge and firmly establishing its legacy as the undisputed on-chain state of Asia.

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Singapore’s deep tech startup SOMIN has earned international recognition after Google Deepmind cited its research in generative AI (GenAI) in a recent publication. The paper acknowledged SOMIN’s work as foundational to ACAI (AI Co-Creation for Advertising and Inspiration), a new system designed by DeepMind to automate ad creation and strategy development.

This milestone marks a significant moment for SOMIN, positioning the company as a key innovator in the evolving field of AI-powered marketing. While many generative AI tools focus on simplifying content production for users with limited creative experience, SOMIN has taken a more data-driven and strategic approach through its proprietary system, SOMONITOR.

At the heart of SOMIN’s contribution is SOMONITOR, an explainable AI framework designed for marketers to predict ad performance and refine strategies with clarity. Unlike many tools that act as black boxes, SOMONITOR provides transparent insights, allowing users to understand why particular decisions are made by the AI. This empowers marketing professionals to make more informed choices, tailoring content and delivery channels with precision.

One of SOMONITOR’s distinctive strengths lies in its predictive capabilities. It evaluates ads before they are launched, forecasting metrics such as click-through rates (CTR) using machine learning models trained on industry-specific data. This reduces the reliance on trial-and-error approaches, allowing teams to optimise campaigns with greater confidence.

In contrast to more template-driven AI tools such as ACAI or Mavic, which are typically aimed at non-specialist users, SOMONITOR serves as a robust platform for marketers seeking to enhance their strategic decision-making. By clustering content based on customer personas and aligning with real-time audience behaviours, the system facilitates more targeted and effective campaigns.

Also Read: Women in data: Busting myths, breaking barriers and building an inclusive future for tech

A growing concern in generative AI is the phenomenon of “hallucination”, where outputs appear convincing but are ultimately inaccurate. SOMIN addresses this challenge by anchoring its predictions in industry-verified data, ensuring recommendations remain reliable. Its integration with Global Web Index (GWI) also gives it access to rich consumer datasets, enabling deeper audience segmentation and more relevant content suggestions.

This data-backed approach is especially valuable as businesses navigate rapidly changing market conditions. Rather than relying solely on historical performance, SOMONITOR adapts to current consumer trends, an advantage that proves essential in dynamic sectors such as retail, automotive, and fast-moving consumer goods.

Collaborating with Google and the enterprise ecosystem

SOMIN’s recent recognition by Google DeepMind builds on its established relationship with Google. As an alumnus of the Google for Startups Accelerator and a certified Google Independent Software Vendor (ISV), SOMIN has benefitted from strategic partnerships, technical resources, and go-to-market support.

This includes receiving US$350,000 in Google Cloud credits and early access to the Gemini language model, bolstering SOMIN’s infrastructure and capabilities. Additionally, the company’s visibility within the Google ecosystem has led to industry connections with agencies such as Dentsu Asia Pacific, facilitating partnerships with brands including Toyota, Heineken, and Vienamil.

Through the Google Marketplace, enterprise customers can now directly access SOMIN’s solutions—an efficiency that streamlines procurement and expands reach.

Locally, SOMIN’s inclusion under Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and the IMDA GenAI Sandbox programme has lowered adoption barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises. By subsidising costs and promoting technological innovation, these initiatives have helped businesses implement AI without heavy upfront investments.

Several companies have reported substantial efficiency gains. Marketing agency NEO360, for example, reduced its proposal preparation time from three hours to 45 minutes, while BLAK Labs cut content planning hours by 70 per cent. Mothercare Singapore also improved its competitor research and customer segmentation workflows by as much as 80 per cent.

Also Read: Building an AI-ready Asia by bridging talent, technology, and cyber threats

These real-world outcomes demonstrate the utility of SOMIN’s solutions not just in theory but in daily operations across different industries.

Looking ahead: Human-AI collaboration in marketing

While large tech companies such as Meta and Google continue to dominate generative content production for SMEs, SOMIN is carving a niche in the enterprise segment where AI is increasingly seen as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.

By focusing on the four pillars of content strategy—social listening, competitor analysis, audience research, and business analytics—SOMIN is working to unify these domains under a single platform. Its long-term vision is to democratise strategic marketing insights, enabling businesses of all sizes to compete with data-backed decision-making.

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Image Credit: SOMIN

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The Agritech ClimAccelerator Singapore has officially launched its inaugural agritech programme focused on the Asia-Pacific region, marking a significant boost for climate-smart innovation in the sector.

Powered by Better Earth Ventures, this initiative aims to support startups in innovating, catalysing, and scaling their climate solutions.

The ClimAccelerator, a global programme backed by Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, Climate KIC, brings its extensive experience to the region. Over the past 15 years, Climate KIC has supported over 2,100 startups globally, facilitating more than €2 billion (approximately US$2.16 billion) in funding through its ClimAccelerator.

Also Read: SEA’s US$48B agritech revolution: Startups cultivating a smarter future

Better Earth Ventures has also supported over 370 startups that have collectively raised more than US$500 million in funding.

The programme is actively seeking applications from startups based in Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Anchored in Singapore, the ClimAccelerator will offer crucial resources, access to networks and capital, climate impact measurement tools, and connections to leading investors and industry experts.

Startups with solutions in areas such as novel farming practices, biotech and biomaterials, supply chain, water and energy management, and digital agriculture are encouraged to apply.

Eligible entities must be registered in one of the aforementioned countries, have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or above with validated prototypes ready for real-world testing, and be at the pre-seed stage or beyond, demonstrating traction, early commercial validation, or a clear scaling pathway.

Selected participants will benefit from strategic resources, industry connections, funding opportunities, and expert guidance to measure and enhance their climate impact. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with leading investors, corporate partners, and agrifood innovation networks to accelerate their growth.

The launch comes at a critical time, as Asia-Pacific is home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and many of the most climate-vulnerable agricultural regions. The region faces intensifying climate risks, including extreme weather, declining arable land, and water scarcity, potentially leading to a 15 per cent to 20 per cent reduction in agricultural productivity by 2050, with some crops facing up to a 50 per cent decrease.

Simultaneously, the demand for agrifood innovation is increasing, with investment in agritech startups in Asia-Pacific surpassing $8 billion in 2023.

Also Read: Agnition Ventures, Agrifood Futures launch Land x Launch to attract agritech startups to NZ

Rebecca Sharpe, Director of Better Earth Ventures, said: “We face urgent climate and food security challenges that require bold innovation and regional cooperation. This programme will foster an ecosystem to support agritech startups scale, driving climate resilience and sustainable food production. Better Earth Ventures is proud to be the partner to launch the AgriTech ClimAccelerator in Asia-Pacific.”

Applications for the programme close on Friday, 30th May at midnight Singapore time. Ten founders will be selected to participate, with the programme culminating in a demo day on Thursday, 6th November in Singapore. The AgriTech ClimAccelerator Singapore is supported by AgFunder, Enterprise Singapore, MarTech Collective, Rebbeck Consulting and Tomorrow Studio Ventures.

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