Dear reader,
The latest food delivery numbers from Southeast Asia tell a fascinating story of market evolution. Beyond the headline-grabbing US$19.3B figure lies a tale of mature players finding their second wind through shrewd market segmentation and operational finesse.
What’s particularly intriguing is how the competitive landscape has shifted.
ShopeeFood’s rise to become the region’s third-largest player, overtaking the veteran Gojek, signals that the market remains dynamic despite its maturity. The platforms’ pivot towards mass-market customers through value meals and reduced delivery fees shows a deep understanding that the next phase of growth lies in accessibility rather than premium positioning.
But the real story might be yet to unfold. TikTok’s entry into local services could be the wildcard that reshapes the entire ecosystem. With its massive user base and social commerce prowess, TikTok could potentially disrupt the current duopoly-dominated market structure. Add to this the swirling speculation about a Grab-Gojek merger, and 2025 could herald the most significant transformation in Southeast Asia’s food delivery landscape since its inception.
For investors and industry watchers, the message is clear: this market may be maturing, but it’s far from settled.
Sainul,
Editor.
—
NEWS & VIEWS
SEA’s food delivery wars heat up: Market hits US$19.3B as TikTok enters arena
The Vietnamese food delivery market has evolved into an effective duopoly between Grab and ShopeeFood, highlighting the increasing market consolidation in the region.
PropertyGuru axes 174 employees, shuts 3 business units
This decision follows its acquisition by EQT Capital and aims to streamline operations | The layoffs will affect employees across the company, with three business units – Sendhelper, data and software solutions, and PropertyGuru Finance – being shut down.
Gushcloud, Azure Capital launch fund to support digital creators
Azure-Gushcloud Entertainment Finance Fund will support high-potential creators, helping them transition from influencers to sustainable businesses | Analyst projections indicate the creator industry is expected to reach US$500B by 2030.
Grab’s on-demand services in Malaysia add almost US$2.23B to local economy
Malaysian economic consultancy EconWorks said that for every MYR 1 (US$0.23) in value-added directly generated by Grab and its partners, an additional MYR 1.50 (US$0.34) was generated for the broader economy via multiplier effects.
South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores
Following DeepSeek’s release in South Korea in late January, the government reached out to the firm to inquire how it collects and processes personal data and, in its evaluation, found issues with DeepSeek’s third-party service and privacy policies.
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, said to be in talks to raise US$10B
xAI is canvassing existing investors, including Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Valor Equity Partners for the round, which would bring xAI’s total raised to US$22.4B.
Phishing attempt strikes FTX creditors on the brink of repayments
On Feb. 16, FTX creditor Sunil Kavuri sounded the alarm on X about a potential data leak, warning that scammers are now sending phishing emails to creditors | Earlier this month, FTX confirmed that distributions for small creditors will commence on Feb 18.
Nexmedis raises funding to advance AI-powered medical diagnostics in Indonesia
East Ventures and Forge Ventures are the lead investors | Nexmedis’s Clinical Decision Support solution aids healthcare professionals by offering diagnostic recommendations using ICD-10 codes.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Serving the unbanked: How Hometown is changing the narrative for migrant workers
Hometown is a platform dedicated to empowering this underserved community by providing them with accessible travel and financial services.
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There are some incredible use cases where generative AI can increase efficiency and help you focus on the stuff that matters.
Keeping up with advertising: How brands can make the most out of change
By combining new technology with industry expertise, brands can stay ahead of the curve, reaping the benefits of their advancements.
Rising above the noise: Why startups shouldn’t chase every news cycle
In such a dynamic environment, how can startups avoid being swayed by every headline? Should founders participate in these discussions?
Effective marketing strategies to win over Gen Z for your startup
Some consider Gen Z a challenging demographic to market to, yet they’ll be your most crucial buyer age bracket for a successful business.
Look outside, grow upside: The advantage of cross-industry hiring
Hiring based on transferable skills rather than work history creates a level playing field and helps companies build diverse talent pools.
Soft skills: The secret weapon for entrepreneurial success, a roadmap to turn dreamers into doers
The next time you’re captivated by a brilliant idea, remember this: your soft skills will determine whether that idea takes flight or remains grounded.
B2B growth strategies every startup should know: Your checklist
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The economy of love: Are dating apps doomed?
The ease of choice offered by dating apps reduces the chances of meeting someone with whom you really click in real life.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Second-order effects in AI from DeepSeek AI
DeepSeek doesn’t just maintain the pace of AI development; it accelerates it | By making AI more accessible, it helps reach a broader audience faster | This increased accessibility means more problems can be solved using AI.
The hardest industries to disrupt and start in Asia: A focus on healthcare
Exploring why healthcare is tough to crack, the hidden opportunities, and why startups should still see it as a game-changing frontier.
Decentralised, intelligent, unstoppable: The future of the internet with Web3 and AI
Web3 and AI together create a dynamic, evolving internet that learns and operates independently, beyond just decentralisation or automation.
Generative AI in the workplace: 6 trends every organisation should take note of in 2025
Strong governance, transparency, and compliance will ensure generative AI drives responsible and transformative impact in 2025.
Crypto and global finance: A dance of optimism, politics, and market volatility
The global financial market is shaped by economic data, political events, and the volatile yet intriguing world of cryptocurrencies.
The post Ecosystem Roundup: ShopeeFood surpasses Gojek in SEA food delivery | PropertyGuru lays off 174, closes 3 units appeared first on e27.