Kuala Lumpur-headquartered earned wage access (EWA) company Paywatch has secured US$20 million in Series A funding. The round saw new investment from South Korea’s Kakao Pay and Malaysia’s Artem Ventures.

This latest influx of capital contributes to Paywatch’s total funding, which now exceeds US$50 million when including additional credit lines from global banks. The Series A funding follows an earlier tranche supported by US investors, including Third Prime (New York-based), the University of Illinois Foundation, and Vanderbilt University.

Also Read: Paywatch scores US$30M in Series A to enhance its embedded finance offerings

The proceeds are geared towards transforming the company’s platform into a comprehensive, multi-product financial wellness solution for enterprises and their staff throughout Southeast Asia. Paywatch intends to enhance its core Earned Wage Access (EWA) offering by integrating micro-insurance, global payments, and rewards.

Furthermore, the company states that the funding will accelerate its development into a next-generation platform, leveraging AI-native infrastructure and advanced payments technology.

As a strategic investor, Kakao Pay will partner with Paywatch to co-develop enterprise financial solutions across both Southeast Asia and South Korea.

Artem Ventures’s investment was made through the TIM Ventures Fund, which is backed by FWD Group.

Paywatch, founded in 2020, specialises in enabling employees to draw down their earned wages in real-time at the lowest equitable prices, thereby supporting financial wellbeing and productivity. The firm also collaborates with the UNCDF and the International Labour Organisation to ensure responsible wage access.

Paywatch currently operates in several key markets across Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Speaking on the investment, Alex Kim, co-founder and President of Paywatch, highlighted the strategic value of the new partners:

“We’re excited to welcome both Kakao Pay and Artem Ventures into the Paywatch family. Together, we’re building bridges between markets, technology, and people – enabling companies to empower their employees with real financial freedom. These strategic investors bring not just capital, but deep ecosystem synergies and experience across insurance, payments, and financial technology that will accelerate Paywatch’s growth as a comprehensive financial wellness solution provider across Southeast Asia.”

The platform has demonstrated substantial traction, having processed over US$200 million in transactions. Its client base includes major regional and global employers such as Lotte Group, Genting Group, DFI Retail Group (Guardian), Wilmar, Shangri-La Hotels, A&W, Lotus’s (CP Group), and Shake Shack.

Also Read: Why earned wage access is the future of pay

Low Zhen Hui, Managing Partner of Artem Ventures, commented on Paywatch’s proven scalability: “Paywatch not only delivers tangible social impact but has also proven its ability to scale rapidly across multiple markets in Asia. This is a rare example of a homegrown Malaysian fintech that combines meaningful financial inclusion with the operational and technological strength to serve top-tier clients.”

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Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how audiences discover and trust information. With generative engines such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity acting as primary discovery tools, traditional SEO is no longer sufficient. The rise of answer engine optimisation (AEO) marks a pivotal shift, where success is no longer about ranking on search pages but being surfaced as the authoritative answer within AI-generated responses.

Rather than prioritising keywords and backlinks alone, AEO focuses on clarity, credibility and context. This ensures your content provides precise, structured insights that AI systems can easily interpret and deliver back to users.

Why AEO matters more than ever

Brands that do not evolve risk invisibility in an environment where AI increasingly mediates information access. In this new landscape, organisations must optimise content not only for human audiences but also for AI systems synthesising knowledge and guiding user decisions.

Forward-thinking companies are also combining AEO with generative engine optimisation (GEO) — a discipline focused on helping AI models learn, recognise and surface brand expertise. Together, AEO and GEO create a powerful foundation for modern digital strategy.

Also read: The mindset shift turning mobile growth into a self-sustaining loop

Preparing leaders for the next era of content strategy

For CEOs, CMOs and martech leaders, this transition presents both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Those who strategically adapt will secure new standards of visibility, trust and thought leadership in an AI-enabled world. Those who hesitate may be left behind as generative platforms become primary gateways to information.

As AI models increasingly act as information gatekeepers, optimising for answers rather than queries becomes crucial for competitive positioning and audience engagement.

Join industry leaders shaping the future of content

To equip industry leaders with the tools and frameworks needed in this new landscape, Manus AI and HubSpot are hosting a community event on 11 November. This exclusive session will explore the mechanics, strategic value and enterprise applications of both AEO and GEO, offering insight into the next frontier of marketing and AI-driven discovery.

Attendees will gain the ability to:

• Understand when and how to deploy AEO and GEO
• Structure content for AI engines and generative platforms
• Future-proof brand visibility in a post-SEO world
• Leverage AI to build trust, authority and conversion at scale

Also read: How data and collaboration are powering Vietnam’s urban mobility revolution

Secure your place in the evolution of marketing

Marketing is entering a new era where clarity, authority and machine-readability define success. Leaders who adapt will drive visibility, influence and growth across AI-led channels.

Prepare your organisation for the future of digital discovery. Register for the Manus AI x HubSpot community event on 11 November and be part of the conversation that will shape the next chapter of content and brand strategy.

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Every invention begins with a “what if.” What if humans could fly? Led to aeroplanes. What if we could carry a computer in our pockets? Gave us smartphones.

Today, a new “what if” defines our time: What if AI replaces humans?

It’s a question loaded with fear. AI writes essays, diagnoses diseases, creates art, and even manages business workflows. But perhaps this is the wrong question. The real one may be: What if AI doesn’t replace us, but works with us?

The wrong “what if”

When we ask whether AI will replace humans, we frame the issue as a competition: humans versus machines. It assumes our current roles and systems stay fixed, and AI simply outperforms us.

That’s the equivalent of asking how to build a faster horse instead of imagining an aeroplane. It’s still about efficiency, not reinvention.

A better “what if”

Instead, we can reframe the conversation:

• What if AI freed us from repetitive tasks so we could focus on creativity, empathy, and leadership?
• What if AI became a thinking partner — accelerating ideas rather than eliminating people?
• What if education shifted from teaching answers to teaching questions, since answers are what AI does best, but asking the right questions remains uniquely human?

This “what if” is not about replacement, but about reinvention.

Also Read: A brief history of AI: Is winter coming?

Case examples across sectors

• Healthcare: AI can scan thousands of images to detect anomalies with higher accuracy. But the real value is in doctors using that insight to diagnose earlier, personalise treatments, and spend more time with patients.
• Education: AI tutors can personalise lessons at scale. Yet teachers remain critical as mentors, guides, and role models who spark curiosity and creativity.
• Business: AI can automate routine reports and analysis. The reinvention lies in humans using that freed time to innovate, deepen relationships, and make bold strategic choices.

How humans and AI reinvent together

The shift requires a mindset change. Instead of asking, “Will AI replace us?”, we must ask, “How can AI and humans co-create value?”

Three approaches stand out:

• Shift from answers to questions: AI is powerful at generating answers. Humans must lead by asking better questions — framing problems, exploring ethics, and defining purpose.
• Redefine value: Competing with AI on speed or data is futile. Our unique strengths — empathy, creativity, intuition, and ethics — must define our value.
• Co-create possibilities: The boldest innovations will come when humans imagine “what if” scenarios and AI tests them at scale. Together, we can move beyond efficiency to invention.

Also Read: Singapore outsmarts the world in AI–ranked No.1 global hub

Conclusion

AI is here. But the critical question is not, “What if AI replaces us?” It is, “What if AI helps us reinvent ourselves?”

Because the future won’t be shaped by how efficiently AI replicates what we already do — but by how courageously we imagine what humans and AI can create together.

So the challenge for future thinkers is this: Don’t just ask what AI can answer. Ask instead: What if AI could help us ask better questions?

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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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SMEs form the backbone of every economy. In Singapore, according to the Department of Statistics’ 2024 data, they account for 99 per cent of all enterprises and more than two-thirds of employment. Yet for many SMEs, while they understand the need and importance of innovation, the practicalities of balancing cash flow and meeting customer deliveries often take up most of their attention, leaving innovation as something done “on the side”. Even as they embark on this journey, they are often faced with uncertainties and wish they could have someone experienced to exchange ideas with and to guide them through the process.

Having worked alongside SMEs for over a decade at IPI Singapore, we have seen this challenge firsthand. Our focus is on making innovation practical and on being the partner that SMEs can rely on as they navigate their journey. We call this bite-sized innovation: breaking transformation into smaller, achievable steps so that SMEs can see quick wins, build confidence, and maintain the momentum to move forward sustainably.

Innovation is a bite-sized journey

A Singapore-based SME in the packaging sector sought to strengthen its product development capabilities and prepare for regional expansion. To achieve these goals, the company joined IPI Singapore’s Innovation Advisory programme, which supports innovation-driven enterprises in addressing key business challenges.

Working with experienced advisors, the company began by establishing a clear product roadmap and enhancing its standard operating procedures. With these foundations in place, it scaled up production, improved quality assurance, strengthened R&D capabilities, and refined customer engagement strategies.

Having strengthened its core processes and organic capabilities, the company then focused on sharpening its go-to-market and supply chain management strategies. These progressive enhancements enabled it to conduct proof-of-concept trials in Indonesia and Thailand, while positioning itself for future expansion into other markets, including Vietnam, Malaysia, India, China, and Europe. With projected revenue growth expected to double, the company was well placed to embark on its next phase of growth. Through TechInnovation, we further connected the company with a technical expert to develop a new product, creating an additional revenue stream.

This example shows how practical, incremental steps can help SMEs build momentum, enhance capabilities, and achieve sustainable growth.

The power of partnerships

No SME scales alone. The Singapore market is small, and international growth is necessary, even though it comes with risk, especially if not managed well. This is where open innovation can make a difference. It allows companies to collaborate beyond their boundaries, drawing on the strengths and expertise of partners in other markets.

Over the years, we have seen how platforms and partnerships can facilitate meaningful collaboration. Through initiatives such as TechInnovation, KILSA Global, and the Japanese Corporate Technology Innovation (JCTI) Launchpad, local companies have co-created with Korean startups, explored Japanese patent libraries, and connected with European partners seeking entry into ASEAN markets.

Also Read: Celebrating innovation and growth from startups, SMEs, and investors in Asia

One key lesson we have learnt is that innovation is always relative. What feels cutting-edge for one company might already be standard for another. The key is relevance. Does the technology solve a real business problem, or open a tangible new opportunity?

Careful preparation and clear understanding are essential before partners meet. We first look at the problem statements and assess whether suitable technologies exist. Both sides are then guided so that, when they meet, discussions are relevant, focused, and productive, rapidly progressing to pilots or co-developed solutions. The goal is to identify common ground for actionable collaboration, whether testing a single solution or developing a pilot together.

Collaboration requires the right chemistry

Collaboration is often spoken of as a principle, but we see it more like chemistry. When the right people meet, sparks fly. And when it is done right, the outcome is transformative, creating new compounds for growth. Just as in chemistry, a compound combines the strengths of its constituent elements to achieve better performance. Similarly, in innovation through collaboration, both parties benefit by leveraging each other’s strengths.

A case in point: a multinational company with an AI anomaly detection software was matched with a Singapore SME serving data centres. Together, they trialled a robotic inspection solution that reduced energy costs. For the SME, it was a quick and low-risk way to test advanced technology without heavy R&D. When fully commercialised, the SME anticipated that this could generate a 30 per cent increase in revenue. For the MNC, it was a chance to see their solution in action within a real-world setting. A small step, but one that unlocked immediate improvements.

We also see legacy brands reinvent themselves through collaboration. Eu Yan Sang is reimagining tradition with modern innovation. Family-run companies like Kwong Cheong Thye and Scanteak are modernising to stay relevant across generations. Their stories show that no company is too old to collaborate for impact.

Also Read: How AI-ready devices are reshaping the way SMEs work with Lenovo Pro and AMD

Why bite-sized innovation matters

Bite-sized innovation is a reminder that growth does not always come from dramatic leaps. Often, it is about taking small wins in sequence, strengthening the business core, building trust within the team, then with partners and customers, and finally letting those steps compound over time.

Since 2011, we have partnered with more than 450 SMEs on their innovation journeys. From edtech trials for children with special learning needs to companies shifting from distribution to product ownership, the principle is the same: practical, actionable steps that lead to real impact.

Looking ahead, to SMEs and business founders alike, you are already taking meaningful steps forward. The real difference comes when you are supported with the right advisory, credible partners, and manageable pathways. Together, we can turn today’s small wins into tomorrow’s growth.

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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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Southeast Asia’s startup funding scene continued its recovery trajectory in October 2025, with total investments reaching US$287 million across 14 rounds, according to data from Tracxn. The figure marks a 24.46 per cent increase from September’s US$231 million, signalling sustained investor confidence and renewed optimism in the region’s tech ecosystem.

Although the funding volume remains 17.53 per cent lower than the same period last year, the back-to-back monthly gains underscore a strengthening sentiment after a challenging mid-year slowdown.

From August’s slump to October’s momentum

The current momentum follows a dramatic turnaround that began in September 2025, when Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem staged a robust rebound after a dismal August.

Also Read: SEA funding wiped out: Back to 2016 levels after historic slump

In August, startups in the region collectively raised just US$84 million across 22 rounds, a  65.1 per cent decline year-over-year and 76.4 per cent lower than July. That slump reflected investor caution amid macroeconomic uncertainty and slower deal cycles.

By contrast, September saw fewer but larger bets, with US$231 million secured across 10 rounds, representing a 125.6 per cent month-on-month surge and a 58.7 per cent year-on-year increase. The resurgence hinted at investors’ growing conviction in Southeast Asia’s long-term growth potential, particularly in resilient and scalable sectors such as fintech, mobility, and consumer tech.

October: Sustained recovery and steady investor activity

October built on this upward trajectory, with funding volumes climbing higher and investor participation remaining steady. Despite the region still operating below its 2024 highs, the US$287 million raised demonstrates a stabilising market environment.

Prominent venture capital (VC) firms continued to drive deal flow, led by Illuminate Financial, Alpha JWC Ventures, Mercia Ventures, and Peak XV Partners.

• Alpha JWC Ventures participated in a funding round for Endowus,
• Mercia Ventures backed Hangry, and
• Peak XV Partners supported Supabase.

These high-profile rounds indicate continued appetite for quality startups with robust fundamentals and scalable business models.

Shifting market sentiment: From caution to conviction

The sequential gains in September and October highlight a strategic recalibration in investor behaviour. Rather than a retreat, the earlier caution appears to have evolved into selective, conviction-driven funding, with capital flowing toward startups demonstrating sustainable growth and clear profitability pathways.

Also Read: Fintech funding in SEA falls 39 per cent as early-stage capital dries up

Analysts view the Q4 rebound as an encouraging sign that Southeast Asia’s innovation economy is emerging from a period of correction. The resurgence in investor activity–combined with larger ticket sizes and improved sentiment –suggests that the region may be on track to end 2025 on a note of measured recovery and renewed confidence.

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BLOCK71, the innovation arm of NUS Enterprise, has officially launched UniVentures, a new regional accelerator programme aimed at nurturing Vietnam’s next generation of university startup founders.

Developed in collaboration with Temasek Foundation and supported by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), the initiative has already drawn close to 1,500 applications, surpassing its initial target and signalling strong demand from the country’s early-stage ecosystem.

Designed as a “University to Unicorn” platform, UniVentures connects Vietnamese students, alumni, and researchers with regional networks in Singapore and beyond, offering mentorship, investment opportunities, and access to cross-border markets.

“We don’t just want to run a programme, we want to change the trajectory of these 1,500 young Vietnamese founders,” said Edward Lim, Vietnam Country Manager at BLOCK71 – NUS Enterprise, in a statement. “By linking them with the Singapore innovation ecosystem, we’re building more than startups. We’re building talent and lasting partnerships.”

The programme received a significant financial boost from Golden Gate Ventures, which has committed a US$250,000 fund under the newly established ‘GGV UniVentures Prize’. The funding will support up to 10 standout startups from the programme, providing crucial runway for follow-on growth.

Also Read: SEA startup investments rise for second month, totalling US$287M in Oct

“The next unicorn doesn’t come from capital alone. It comes from community, mentorship, and belief,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures. “This prize is our way of accelerating Vietnam’s next wave of founders.”

NIC, a key national agency driving Vietnam’s innovation agenda, has been involved in the programme since inception. Director Vu Quoc Huy described UniVentures as “a platform for transformation—bringing together the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation for the next generation.”

The launch also reflects deeper strategic alignment between Singapore and Vietnam. In March 2025, both governments elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars. The initiative follows a 2023 MoU between NUS Enterprise and NIC aimed at expanding cross-border startup opportunities.

UniVentures has already engaged leading Vietnamese universities including VinUniversity, HCMC University of Technology, and Hanoi University of Industry, underscoring its intent to build grassroots innovation from academic institutions across the country.

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Image Credit: UniVentures

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Jojo Malolos, CEO of PayMongo, shared his deep background in fintech and venture capital through roles at Go Time, JG Dev Ventures, and Smart Money in this fireside chat at Echelon Singapore 2025. He discussed leading PayMongo’s turnaround after a leadership crisis, cutting the team from 245 to 120 while improving financial performance.

Strategic partnerships, notably with Stripe, have fueled innovation and new service launches. Malolos highlighted the Philippines’ growing FinTech landscape, supported by progressive regulation and pandemic-driven digital adoption.

With a stronger foundation and a focus on collaboration, PayMongo is positioning itself to expand regionally and become a leading player in Southeast Asia’s fintech ecosystem.

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In today’s rush toward automation, we talk a lot about efficiency — faster workflows, smarter systems, less friction.

But what if AI’s greatest lesson isn’t about efficiency at all, but adaptability?

Every week, I see founders and creators celebrated for moving faster, scaling bigger, and automating smarter. Platforms like e27 highlight the incredible innovation across AI and edutech, and rightfully so. Yet, beneath the headlines, something deeper is happening. AI isn’t just changing how we work; it’s changing how we learn.

The real shift: From execution to intention

AI gives us efficiency, but what it truly offers is time. Time to think, to create with intention, and to connect with others.

I remember when producing a short video used to take hours — scripting, filming, editing, and rendering. No matter how skilled you were, there was always a hard limit on what could be done in a day. Now, with AI tools, that same video might take minutes.

That shift doesn’t replace creativity; it frees it. You can spend less time executing and more time asking, “What message am I truly trying to deliver?”

But the principle remains timeless: Rubbish in, rubbish out. AI can speed up your process, but it can’t think for you. If you can’t guide it to success, it will simply amplify your confusion.

Quick tip: Treat AI like a co-worker you’re mentoring. Give it clear direction, context, and examples of what “great” looks like. The sharper your instructions, the stronger your results.

Continuous learning — From challenge to clarity

When I joined the 100 Customers Challenge, an initiative sparked within the Nas community, I wasn’t chasing numbers. I was chasing perspective.

Being part of the Nas ecosystem, from the Academy to Nas Summit, taught me the value of community as a classroom. It’s not just about networking; it’s about osmosis through shared ambition. You learn from others’ momentum. You absorb their mindset.

The challenge just began for me, but already it’s reshaping how I view learning. The goal isn’t just to “hit” 100 customers; it’s to learn from every interaction on the way there.

Also Read: Bite-sized innovation: A practical path for SMEs to sustain growth

I’ve always believed in open-source knowledge, sharing freely, and charging only for execution. And in that spirit, I’ve realised something: The joy is in the imperfection. Growth happens when you build in public, when your community sees your process, your pivots, your progress.

Challenges push people to act because deadlines create accountability. Without that pressure, we drift. It’s the same reason AI models improve: They iterate against constraints. Human learning is no different — just with more emotion, story, and nuance layered in.

Quick tip: Design small challenges for yourself or your team. A 30-day build, 10 new customers, five daily outreach attempts — anything that injects urgency and visibility into the process.

The power of self-learning systems

When people hear “e-learning”, they often picture long modules and static slides. But the future of education, the one I’m building across platforms like People’s Inc. 360 Unify and the Speakers Society, isn’t about rigidity; it’s about responsiveness.

My latest programme combines drip learning, AI prompts, and community reflection. It’s not an experiment — I’ve done this with Royal Launch School before. What’s different now is the audience behaviour. Each community learns differently, interacts differently, and therefore demands different systems.

That’s where no-code tools like Unify shine. They allow you to customise learning paths without writing a single line of code. When the audience shifts, I can adjust in real time — not through months of redevelopment, but through a few strategic tweaks.

Every audience base is unique. At scale, that adaptability becomes an advantage.

Quick tip: If you’re building educational content or funnels, pick tools that let you adapt easily — drag-and-drop editors, conditional logic, flexible automations. Control should live with the creator, not the coder.

Community as your dataset

In AI, data is everything. For humans, our “data” comes from the community — the people who test, challenge, and refine our ideas.

I treat community feedback the same way an AI model treats new data: Filter, analyse, and integrate what’s useful. Not every suggestion needs implementation, but every voice deserves acknowledgement. The key is finding what serves most, not just one.

Also Read: Exploring the game-changing role of AI in online courses

As a founder, I’ve learned that being reactive isn’t the same as being adaptive. We serve our communities, but we also guide them. Feedback isn’t a command; it’s collaboration.

That’s why I like to say: Being real helps me help you better, being collaborative helps us grow together, being performative helps us soar to greater heights — transactional pays the bills.

It’s all part of a holistic ecosystem where every interaction feeds improvement — human or machine alike.

Quick tip: Build lightweight feedback loops. Use polls, short surveys, or community check-ins. Don’t wait for quarterly reviews — micro-feedback drives macro-growth.

Traction over perfection

Someone once told me: The only constant is change. We chase perfection, but it’s an illusion — the forever holy grail.

So, why not just do your best and improve along the way? It makes for better stories and more authentic growth.

I often say, “I wouldn’t film a TikTok video without dressing up first.” Presentation matters, but what “dressing up” means to you may differ from what it means to me. Technology has made optimisation easy; individuality keeps it interesting.

The goal isn’t to be messy for the sake of authenticity, nor polished for the sake of perception. It’s to find the balance between done and distinct.

In AI terms, perfection is a static model; traction is continuous learning.

Quick tip: Ship early, iterate often. The first version’s job is to teach you what version two should be.

The paradox of tools

There’s always a shinier object — a newer model, a faster app, a “better” integration. But as I often remind my students and team: There’s no best tool — only the one that works for you.

Chasing every new feature drains focus. Stability, not novelty, sustains progress. And if something’s working, don’t fix it for the sake of keeping up with trends.

Learning a new API takes time; rebuilding a system costs energy. Awareness is what matters most.

Human intelligence: The final edge

AI learns logic; we learn logic and emotion. That’s what keeps us irreplaceable.

Emotion turns data into a story. Awareness turns information into wisdom. AI may simulate both, but it doesn’t feel them. Being more aware of yourself, your community, and your tools is the real intelligence of this era.

The founders who will thrive aren’t the ones who automate everything; they’re the ones who use automation to deepen humanity.

So, if there’s one takeaway from this age of rapid evolution, it’s this:

AI is not the destination — it’s the reflection. It learns as we do: Through feedback, imperfection, and community. The more adaptable we become, the more intelligent our systems and ourselves will be.

In summary:

• Treat AI as your mirror — guide it with clarity.
• Learn through challenges — urgency builds growth.
• Build systems that can flex — no-code if you can.
• Let community shape you — but filter with intention.
• Prioritise traction, not perfection — evolution beats illusion.

Because in the end, technology doesn’t make us smarter — learning does. And the smartest thing we can do right now, as founders, creators, and dreamers, is to keep learning how to learn.

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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.

Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

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Living Lab Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Sinar Mas Land, has announced a strategic investment in INCREASE Laboratorium Indonesia, a clinical research and laboratory company headquartered in BSD City.

The move is poised to strengthen Indonesia’s capacity for globally standardised clinical trials and bolster the country’s emerging role in the biomedical innovation space.

The funding will support INCREASE’s operational expansion, global partnership development, and pursuit of international certifications, as the company aims to capitalise on growing regional demand for high-quality research services.

INCREASE delivers comprehensive, end-to-end clinical research solutions, spanning study design and regulatory affairs, through to clinical and bioanalytical testing. According to a press statement by Living Lab Ventures, its infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and experienced talent pool position it as a strong candidate to serve global pharmaceutical and biotech firms looking for a Southeast Asian research base.

“Indonesia has the potential to become a regional powerhouse in health and biomedicine,” said Bayu Seto, Partner at Living Lab Ventures. “We see INCREASE as a strategic platform that can catalyse the national clinical research ecosystem, attract global partners, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s healthcare sector.”

Also Read: Antler backs Malaysian AI startups M3TRIQ, NCSpeech driving innovation in biotech and fintech

As Southeast Asia’s healthcare landscape evolves, Indonesia’s clinical research sector is becoming increasingly vital. According to a report by 6Wresearch, the country’s Contract Research Organisation (CRO) market is projected to reach US$1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.6 per cent from 2024.

This surge is driven by the growing demand for efficient, scalable, and internationally compliant research infrastructure to support biopharmaceutical, medtech, and academic innovation.

The company’s current projects span clients from Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and China.

INCREASE has already formed research partnerships with China’s Tsinghua University and Japan’s University of Osaka. These collaborations aim to facilitate technology transfer, joint R&D, and local talent training.

In pursuit of international validation, INCREASE is working toward certifications including those from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 15189:2022.

For LLV and its parent, Sinar Mas Land, the investment aligns with a broader vision to transform BSD City into a global innovation district. “This investment reflects our belief that the convergence of science, technology, and infrastructure will be key to placing Indonesia on the global medical innovation map,” said Mulyawan Gani, CEO of Digital Business at Sinar Mas Land.

BSD City’s Biomedical Campus and D-HUB SEZ are central to this plan, offering a testbed for companies integrating IoT, AI, and other emerging technologies into healthcare solutions.

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Image Credit: Living Lab Ventures

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Rolo Robotics, a robotics startup headquartered in Bangkok and founded in Singapore, has announced the close of a US$3.45 million oversubscribed seed round led by A2D Ventures, with participation from BEENEXT, Seedstars, TIS Japan, Antler, Lotus One Investment, and Blueprint Ventures.

The capital will accelerate the rollout of Rolo Robotics’ fully autonomous hot food kiosks, a novel infrastructure-grade solution poised to disrupt the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space across Asia Pacific.

The company’s emergence comes at a critical juncture for the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Faced with rising labour costs and shifting consumer expectations, global QSR brands are increasingly experimenting with automation. Rolo Robotics’ modular micro-kitchens address these challenges head-on: offering hot, customisable meals via unmanned kiosks that operate round-the-clock with zero on-site staff.

These compact, plug-and-play systems are tailored for high-footfall environments such as university campuses, office lobbies, hospitals, and transport hubs, locations where traditional F&B formats often struggle due to space and labour constraints.

At the core of Rolo Robotics’ value proposition is its proprietary MAYA 3.0 system, an autonomous kitchen platform equipped with precision multi-nozzle dispensers, real-time heat control, crispiness sensors, and a four-stage air filtration system. These components are orchestrated remotely through a unified software platform, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene at scale.

Also Read: Secai Marche cultivates US$6M to build a fresher, smarter food ecosystem in SEA

“Food robotics is one of the hardest sectors to crack—there’s hardware reliability, food safety, operational complexity, and customer experience all rolled into one,” said Ankit Upadhyay, General Partner at A2D Ventures. “Rolo has solved the hard engineering problems most [stops at] prototypes. They are not just building kiosks; they are building food infrastructure.”

Following pilot deployments with universities, hospitals, and transit hubs, Rolo Robotics plans to launch 20–30 micro-kitchens in Singapore by 2026 and initiate rollouts in Australia starting Q1 2026.

The kiosks are already integrated with food delivery platforms, offering consumers seamless access to hot, made-to-order meals with minimal friction.

“The future of food service is human-robot collaboration. Food that is affordable, customisable and always fresh,” said Rolo Robotics CEO Ravi Nahappan. “This funding allows us to accelerate deployments in Singapore and Australia while strengthening the connective tissue between robotics, AI, and future humanoid collaboration.”

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Image Credits: Rolo Robotics

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