Grab-IMDA partnership aims to help Singaporean startups expand overseas
Ride-hailing giant Grab today announced a partnership with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to pilot an accelerator programme for Singapore-based startups to help them grow overseas, according to a press statement.
“Grab is committed to helping more Singapore startups, and micro SMEs build strong digital capabilities, and capture opportunities in the digital economy through leveraging our expansive reach across the region, assets and capabilities and partnerships… The effort is also aligned to Singapore’s interest to become the global-Asian node for tech, innovation and enterprise,” said Chris Yeo, Head of Grab Ventures.
Grab Ventures Ignite (GVI) will be a 14-week programme, held alongside GVI Vietnam programme, to help each other learn and share ideas.
Two startups will be selected for GVI, and the other three will be joining a 3-day bootcamp hosted by Grab, IMDA PIXEL and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG).
foodpanda launches contactless delivery amid Malaysia border close
As companies continue to be hit by the outbreak of coronavirus, the Malaysian government has recently announced a partial lockdown of the region. On that note, food delivery company foodpanda has decided to continue its services and opted for “contactless delivery” in a company statement.
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Customers can place their order online and inform the rider via the chat function to opt for a contactless delivery. Food will be placed at the designated drop-off spot at the customers’ home or office, maintaining a 1-meter distance at all times.
foodpanda has also urged customers to switch to online payments in a plea to reduce human interactions to a minimum.
“We value the safety of everyone in our community. Our rider hubs provide hand sanitizer and masks free of charge to all our riders, who are instructed to wash their hands every two hours and after each time they handle a delivery,” said Sayantan Das, Managing Director, foodpanda Malaysia.
Indian microlending startup SmartCoin raises US$7M Series A
The Bangalore-based startup announced today that it has raised US$7M in Series A financing from LGT LightstoneAspada and existing investors Unicorn India Ventures and Accion Venture Lab.
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The fresh funds will be used to primarily to grow the company’s loan book, expand its data science team, launch new products and grow the user base.
The company touted its success in re-engineering the complete loan cycle to make it entirely automated, fast, convenient and personalised for the customer.
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