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.

—

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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In this session at Echelon Singapore 2025, Bhavik Vashi, Managing Director at Carta, shared insights on evolving hiring and ESOP trends across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

With Carta supporting over 45,000 companies, 7,000 funds, and 200,000 LPs globally, Vashi noted that the post-2021 funding correction has significantly reshaped startup dynamics. Following the 2021–2022 boom, fundraising cycles have doubled to over two years, resulting in a 400 per cent rise in employee departures compared to a 130 per cent increase in new hires.

Meanwhile, valuations have readjusted, with an estimated 60 per cent of startups expected to undergo down rounds by 2025. Vashi emphasised that in this new landscape, startups must rethink how they use equity to attract and retain talent, proposing larger equity stakes for early employees as a key strategy to balance tighter cash conditions with long-term team motivation and loyalty.

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Grab’s long-awaited return to profitability–US$17 million in Q3 2025--marks a symbolic milestone for Southeast Asia’s superapp. After 15 consecutive quarters of adjusted EBITDA growth, revenue climbing 22% YoY, and a raised full-year outlook, the company seems to be finally rewarding investors’ patience.

Yet beneath the celebratory tone lies a more complex story. Grab’s operating cash outflow of US$127 million–a sharp YoY deterioration–reveals that its growth engine is still heavily fuelled by incentives and financial leverage. The US$585 million in quarterly incentives, coupled with declining mobility fares, points to continued dependence on subsidised expansion rather than organic profitability.

Its digital banking arm tells a similar tale: deposits grew YoY but fell 15% quarter-over-quarter, hinting at sensitivity to interest rate shifts and the fragile nature of customer retention.

Grab’s leadership calls this a “vital step forward.” It is, but one that underlines the paradox of platform economics: profitability on paper, pressure beneath the surface. The challenge ahead will be transforming this headline profit into durable, cash-generating growth.

REGIONAL

Grab posts rare profit, but cash burn and incentive dependence tell a deeper story: Grab reports US$17M profit and 22% revenue growth, but faces mounting cash burn, heavy incentives, and digital banking volatility.

Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push: Investors include Vertex Growth, Vertex Ventures SEA & India, and Kairous Capital. Coolmate aims to scale its made-in-Vietnam sportswear brand globally through new stores and women-focused lines.

VENTENY raises US$5.5M from Women’s Livelihood Bond 7 to accelerate financial inclusion in Indonesia: VENTENY is a financing platform forSMEs. The startup specifically targets low income, rural communities with limited access to financial services.

Lazada to invest over US$25M for 11.11 Global Brands Festival: The campaign, which takes place across Southeast Asia from November 1 to 14, will feature discounts, partnerships with creators, and AI-powered shopping tools, ending with its largest sale from November 10 to 13.

Kairous Capital leads US$5M funding in Mantayay Global: The Malaysian firm manages digital media and creator-economy operations. It works with 4K+ TikTok creators, producing 1,000+ short-form videos each month, and generating 100M+ monthly views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Doctor Anywhere exits Vietnam to focus on ‘core markets’: Backed by investors such as Square Peg and Asia Partners, Doctor Anywhere offers services including on-demand video consultations and medication deliveries. Besides Vietnam, it is also present in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

REPORTS, FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Inside ASEAN’s blockchain map: Why the Philippines is a crypto powerhouse: The Philippines leads ASEAN in grassroots blockchain adoption, driven by crypto enthusiasm and play-to-earn gaming, distinguishing it from fintech-focused regional peers.

Institutionalising innovation: How Philippines is building the rules for its crypto future: The Philippines advances from crypto enthusiasm to regulatory sophistication, institutionalising digital assets through BSP and SEC frameworks promoting innovation and consumer protection.

INTERNATIONAL

Pine Labs targets US$2.9B valuation in upcoming IPO: The price band is set at US$2.37 to US$2.49 per share, aiming to raise about US$440M at the top end. This is lower than its earlier plan to raise US$1B at a US$6B valuation.

Animoca Brands set for Nasdaq listing via reverse merger deal: Singapore-based Currenc Group will acquire all shares of Animoca Brands through a proposed reverse merger. Nasdaq-listed Currenc said the combined entity would operate under the Animoca Brands name and be publicly traded in the US.

MENA startups funding drop 77% in October: report: Startup funding declined to US$785M in October from September’s US$3.5B. The UAE led with US$616M over 15 deals, driven by Property Finder’s US$525M debt round.

France reports Shein for selling ‘childlike sex dolls’ online: The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control said the online categorisation of these dolls “makes it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content,” according to French media.

Taiwan’s CloudMile secures US$20M to expand AI services in SEA: Investors include NEXUS CVC and TFB Capital. CloudMile operates dual headquarters in Singapore and Taiwan and provides AI, cybersecurity, and FinOps services to enterprises in the region.

UK regulator to probe Getty, Shutterstock merge: Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority said it received feedback from businesses, trade associations, and industry groups, including the News Media Association, about potential impacts on pricing and the quality of editorial and stock images.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Trump says Nvidia’s top AI chips only for US companies: The US President said he would not allow the sale of top-tier Blackwell chips to Chinese companies but did not rule out access to less capable versions. Nvidia plans to supply over 260K Blackwell chips to South Korea.

Microsoft to ship 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to UAE: The chips, including Nvidia’s advanced GB300 Grace Blackwell models, will be used in UAE data centres. The transaction is part of Microsoft’s planned US$15.2B tech investment in the UAE.

TSMC to begin building US$49B chip hub in Taiwan: The company plans to set up four new fabs, investing US$49B in the project, with the first fab expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2028. The development is expected to create 8,000-10,000 jobs.

AI

Singapore, Korea boost AI, tech ties in strategic partnership: The leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in AI, advanced technologies, digital innovation, green transition, and free trade. Singapore is South Korea’s fourth-largest investor.

South Korea’s president proposes US$7B AI investment in 2026 budget: The plan includes expanding AI use in sectors such as robotics, automobiles, semiconductors, logistics, biotech, public health, education, and taxation, as well as increasing computing capacity and advanced AI training.

The soul of Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurship: When AI is a tool, not a crutch: AI is reshaping the region’s startup scene, but true innovation lies in solving human problems, not just adding “AI-powered” labels.

Who really controls your AI?: This article explores how AI sovereignty is reshaping global power. It looks at the new techno-political blocs forming around control of digital infrastructure and the growing concentration of power across the AI value chain.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Is crypto entering a self-inflicted crisis? Inside the leverage and solvency spiral: Despite modest US equity gains, crypto markets face renewed pressure from altcoin selloffs, exchange fears, and structural fragility.

AI translation done right: Custom LLMs for full language access local voice: AI translation quality depends less on the model and more on clear rules, local style guides, and human feedback to preserve authentic voice.

The future of cybersecurity in a decentralised world: In a decentralised world, users own their identities, assets, and data. Transactions are transparent, immutable, and verified by consensus, not by a single server or admin. From a cybersecurity standpoint, this marks a fundamental shift in trust.

From runway to revenue: Building investor-grade B2B startups in Southeast Asia: The region’s B2B startups face rising pressure to prove operational discipline as investors favour resilient, execution-driven growth.

Beyond grades and growth: Building education systems that nurture empathy: A Singaporean founder’s journey shows how empathy, conviction, and accountability can redefine leadership and education across Asia.

Building a sustainable future, from Sierra Leone to Southeast Asia: Cross-regional collaboration between Africa and Asia is driving sustainable energy innovation, proving shared vision can power real change.

The silent poetry of space: Why architecture feels before it speaks: Architecture blends art, function, and empathy, shaping how people live, feel, and connect through sustainable and human-centred design.

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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… We are living in a moment full of contradictions.

On one hand, AI tools have unlocked a staggering new era of possibilities. With just a laptop, you can design, write, edit, build, automate, analyse, and scale. Things that once required entire teams and million-dollar budgets are now free (or nearly so).

You can learn anything online. Build a business from your bedroom. Reach clients on the other side of the world.

Remote work connects teams across time zones and borders, creating a new kind of company: borderless, asynchronous, global by default.

And yet…

On the other hand, traditional paths are breaking down.

The job market, once the backbone of stability, is increasingly unstable. Degrees mean less. Experience often isn’t enough. Jobs are outsourced, salaries are under pressure, and more people than ever are juggling multiple roles just to stay afloat.

For every digital nomad posting beach selfies, there’s a graduate delivering food, wondering how their four years of education became irrelevant overnight.

This is the paradox of our time: Prosperity at your fingertips. Precarity under your feet.

In such a world, the question isn’t just “how do I survive?”
It’s: how do I adapt, thrive, and build something that lasts?

Because the rules have changed. The economy has changed. And the idea of security: of one job, one company, one retirement plan, no longer applies.

What matters now is your ability to create value, communicate it clearly, and deliver it globally.

This is the new skill set. You don’t need permission. You need a plan and act on it.

Borderless builders

The new global working class — connected, skilled, and mobile.

They are not defined by their geography but by their capability. These are freelancers, remote employees, digital specialists, and solopreneurs who have built careers across platforms, clients, and borders.

They learn fast, deliver value online, and shape their lives around autonomy and access — not traditional employment. They don’t wait for opportunities to appear locally. They plug into the global economy.

Also Read: Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders

From virtual assistants in the Philippines, to developers in Eastern Europe, to designers in Latin America — they are the backbone of the new digital economy.

They are not gig workers. They are career builders without borders.

Frontier founders

Entrepreneurs who launch across markets, build teams remotely, and create value in uncharted territory.

They are the startup builders, market expanders, and regional growth hackers. They launch without legacy baggage. They solve local problems with global tools. And they’re not afraid to test ideas in emerging markets.

These are the founders who see beyond saturated markets and overpriced hires. They build lean, test fast, and scale with purpose.

Borderless builders + frontier founders

They are building the infrastructure of the future economy.

This is your invitation. Whether you’re a skilled professional or a founder with a vision — you don’t need permission to build.

Join the ranks of Borderless Builders and Frontier Founders: Start small, think global, move fast.

The tools are here. The markets are open. The future is for those that grasp this opportunity.

—

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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Across Southeast Asia and beyond, startups, SMEs, and investors continue to move the ecosystem forward with bold ideas, partnerships, and innovation. At e27, we believe in spotlighting these milestones — not just as success stories, but as proof of the region’s collective progress. Every achievement, whether it’s a global collaboration, product launch, or industry recognition, represents the resilience and creativity that define our ecosystem.

Want to shine a spotlight on your own company’s progress? It’s simple:

• Create your company profile: https://e27.co/startupprofile
• Post your milestone: https://e27.co/milestone/post/

Sharing your milestone on e27 is an easy way to get noticed by other founders, potential investors, and the wider community — and maybe even get featured in our next listicle, just like the companies below.

Good Bards completed Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore)

Good Bards successfully completed the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore) program — a transformative three-month journey that culminated in Demo Day on October 17, 2025. The experience refined the company’s AI-driven marketing vision and connected the team with a network of industry leaders, mentors, and investors driving innovation in artificial intelligence across the region.

AccessReal by i-Sprint Technologies listed on Microsoft Marketplace

AccessReal, an advanced product authentication and anti-counterfeit platform from i-Sprint Technologies, was officially listed on the Microsoft Marketplace. This milestone expanded its reach to a wider audience and enabled more businesses to leverage its technology for enhanced brand protection and supply chain transparency. The listing underscored i-Sprint’s growing influence in identity and security innovation.

NCSpeech open-sourced a production-oriented ASR model for Tagalog

In a boost for the Filipino tech community, NCSpeech open-sourced its production-oriented Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model for Tagalog/Filipino. The lightweight, fast, and highly accurate model outperformed Whisper in Tagalog benchmarks and approached the quality of leading commercial APIs. This milestone reflected NCSpeech’s commitment to advancing regional language technologies and supporting open innovation in AI.

PriyoShop connected with investors in Singapore

PriyoShop’s CEO, Asikul Alam Khan, and CMO, Dipty Mandal, attended the Investor Networking Night hosted by Accelerating Asia Ventures in Singapore. The event brought together visionary entrepreneurs and global investors for meaningful discussions about growth, funding, and innovation across the region. The PriyoShop team strengthened relationships and shared their vision for empowering retail and distribution networks across South Asia.

Also Read: 7 milestones from ecosystem players: Celebrating wins from startups, SMEs, and an accelerator

TechTitans Creative Technology Hub expanded through partnerships and recognition

TechTitans Creative Technology Hub marked a season of growth and innovation through new partnerships with schools and innovation hubs across Europe and Asia. The company launched its gamified EdTech platform and gained recognition from Product Hunt, G2, and HundrED.org for excellence in creative technology education. These achievements reinforced TechTitans’ mission to make digital learning more engaging and accessible globally.

i-Sprint innovations strengthened SME cyber resilience in Singapore

i-Sprint Innovations partnered with Singapore’s SME Cyber Resilience Centre to help small and medium enterprises enhance their digital security. Through identity and credential management solutions, i-Sprint supported businesses in assessing, preparing for, and responding to cyber threats — a crucial step toward a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem for SMEs.

Wookco partnered with FasterCapital to transform global travel booking

Travel tech company Wookco announced a partnership with FasterCapital EquityPilot to accelerate the growth of its innovative travel booking platform. The collaboration aimed to strengthen Wookco’s presence in Asia and Latin America, positioning the company to capture new opportunities in the fast-evolving online travel agency (OTA) market.

Bear Capital Ventures offered SBLC and Bank Guarantee finance solutions

Bear Capital Ventures Limited introduced its Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) and Bank Guarantee (BG) finance solutions designed to give businesses greater financial flexibility. Through its BG and SBLC monetisation services, the firm helped clients turn financial instruments into actionable business opportunities, unlocking new pathways for funding and growth.

Electe won Le Fonti Awards 2025 for AI innovation and leadership

Electe Srl, an AI-powered data analytics platform for SMEs, was recognised with the Excellence of the Year – Innovation & Leadership in AI Solutions award at the XV edition of the Le Fonti Awards 2025. The recognition celebrated Electe’s contributions to democratising data-driven decision-making for smaller enterprises through its accessible and intelligent AI solutions.

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From AI and cybersecurity to travel tech, edutech, and open-source innovation, these milestones demonstrate how Asia’s entrepreneurs and investors continue to build momentum across industries. Every step forward — no matter the size — shapes the future of the region’s digital economy.

Have a milestone to share? Let the community celebrate your progress.

• Create your company profile: https://e27.co/startupprofile
• Post your milestone: https://e27.co/milestone/post/

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Coolmate, Vietnam’s leading online direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand, has completed its Series C funding round led by Vertex Growth Fund, the growth investment vehicle under Vertex Holdings (a subsidiary of global investment group Temasek).

The financial details are not known.

The round also saw strategic participation from Japanese government-backed Cool Japan Fund and YoungOne CVC, the corporate venture capital arm of the Youngone Group, a leading global manufacturer of sports apparel and outdoor gear. Existing investors, including Vertex Ventures SEA & India and Kairous Capital, also participated.

Also Read: Coolmate gets Vertex backing to scale its eco-friendly D2C apparel brand beyond Vietnam

Launched in 2019, Coolmate offers a range of apparel and accessories for men and women, focusing heavily on sportswear, including items for running, swimming, cycling, yoga & pilates, and pickleball. It has focused on building an internal supply chain and applying technology to offer “high-quality”, accessible products. The company claims to have delivered over 5 million orders in more than six years.

The capital raised in the Series C round will fuel three strategic acceleration pillars between 2026 and 2030:

Expansion into the female customer segment: Coolmate launched its female sportswear line in March 2025, betting on this segment, which is projected to be one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing markets. The goal is for the female sportswear line to drive growth, expanding the brand from a “men’s brand” to a “sports brand for all,” with 40 per cent of total revenue expected to come from this segment by 2030.

Moving into physical distribution channels: Coolmate plans to open its first physical store by late December 2025. These stores are intended to be destinations where customers can experience the “value of Vietnamese quality” through superior functionality and meticulous detail. Offline retail is targeted to contribute 40 per cent of total revenue by 2030.

International expansion, with a specific focus on Southeast Asian countries. This strategy aims for international revenue to constitute 50 per cent of total sales by 2030. Coolmate has already established a strong foundation globally; in 2025, its athletic socks achieved “Best Seller” status on Amazon (US) within months, recording over 25,000 orders per month.

Commenting on the funding, Pham Chi Nhu, CEO and founder of Coolmate, stated: “Coolmate was founded with the simple belief that Vietnam can absolutely create global standard products, designed and produced with national pride. This investment helps us realise that belief, expand into new markets and continue to build a brand that represents the innovative spirit of Vietnam.”

Also Read: How young D2C brands are using AI to transform customer growth and retention

James Lee, CEO of Vertex Growth Fund, emphasised the company’s potential for scale: “Coolmate is a prime example of Vietnam’s new generation of consumer brands — built on a digital foundation, possessing a vertically integrated model and aspiring to global reach. Their disciplined operational mindset and product innovation capability have laid a solid foundation for scaled growth. We are proud to partner with Coolmate in realising their vision of becoming a leading performance lifestyle brand, from Vietnam to the world.”

Coolmate had in 2022 raised US$2.3 million in its Series A round from GSR Ventures and Do Ventures.

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Indonesia-based VENTENY announced that it raised US$5.5 million from Women’s Livelihood Bond 7, a cross-sectoral global initiative by Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) that aims to empower women and girls in building economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

As a financing platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that is also behind the employee welfare platform VENTENY Empoyee Super App, VENTENY intended to use the new funding to accelerate its business in Indonesia by channeling funds to women-owned SMEs. They will specifically target low income, rural communities with limited access to financial services.

“Our collaboration with WLB7 is meant not only to support the growth of our company, but also to strengthen our commitment to financial inclusion and social impact in Indonesia. This funding is an acknowledgment for our business model which combines technological innovation with economic empowerment for both business owners and employees,” said Jun Waide, Founder and Group CEO of VENTENY, in a press statement.

Also Read: Vietnam’s D2C fashion leader Coolmate secures Series C to power global push

“Through the Women’s Livelihood Bond 7, IIX continues to channel private funds to support inclusive growth and gender equality in priority market such as Indonesia. We are happy to support VENTENY in widening access to financial inclusion and improve economic resilience for women and SMEs in Indonesia,” said Robert Kraybill, CIO at IIX.

VENTENY has also recently received the Orange Seal Certification from IIX as an acknowldgment of the company’s operational standard.

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Image credit: VENTENY

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Over the past decade, wearables have become one of the world’s largest and most dynamic health data ecosystems. Smartwatches, rings, and fitness bands now track everything from heart rate variability to sleep cycles and stress signals, generating trillions of data points every day.

While new smartphones enable faster, real-time processing, most users and even health professionals face the same challenge: the data remain fragmented, technical, and hard to interpret in ways that lead to meaningful action.

This gap has become increasingly urgent as AI, biosensors, and longevity science rapidly evolve. Around the world, healthcare is shifting from treatment toward prevention. Individuals are seeking reliable ways to translate data into daily action. 

The ability to interpret wearable data in real time is now a key advantage for both personal wellbeing and organizational health programs. Platforms like Signsbeat aim to make that transition easier by connecting everyday tracking with meaningful insight.

Most wearables can tell you what is happening, such as a dip in recovery or a spike in stress, but they rarely explain why or how to respond. This gap between raw data and real health outcomes is where next-generation platforms like Signsbeat come in.

Also read: The most-funded healthtech startups in Southeast Asia: A decade in review

Translating signals into science: The Signsbeat Scores

Signsbeat turns wearable data such as heart rate, sleep, and stress into personalised health intelligence. Its algorithm, validated across diverse user groups, converts raw biomarkers into real-time lifestyle and recovery insights.

It is built on three pillars, namely data-driven decision-making, cellular pathway insights, and professional coaching guidance. Altogether, Signsbeat trains its ecosystem to identify the optimal “stressor dose” based on the hormetic effect. This principle describes how moderate stress can strengthen resilience, while excessive stress accelerates aging and disease risk. It is a key biological mechanism behind the body’s ability to adapt to environmental challenges.

Signsbeat’s research shows that the optimal stressor dose is highly individual, shaped by lifestyle, genetics, socioeconomic conditions, and other factors. Managing this balance is crucial for effective health outcomes.

For Signsbeat founder Lew Hon Kean, solving this challenge was deeply personal. After witnessing how his patients could have prevented diseases with early diagnosis and advice, Lew set out to create a platform that could decode what the body was signaling before burnout or illness struck. 

Now, the founder, in his 3rd startup aims to pursue a solution between genes to wearables. Lew envisions a tool that could turn new technologies into something more meaningful, such as a daily feedback loop that helps people understand the balance on when to push harder and when to recover.

Decoding resilience through data-driven health intelligence

Signsbeat’s proprietary Scores — Pro_Recovery, Pro_Mild Stress, Pro_Stress, and Pro_Positive — translate biometric data into clear insights on recovery and resilience. Early adopters have used the platform to track inflammation, sleep quality, and adaptive capacity, gaining a non-invasive view of their healthspan.

Case in point: one businessman in his 40s signed up for four months of coaching experiencing symptoms from unavoidable business dinners and long hours at work. As a result, the user’s Pro_Stress score dropped from the red zone at 0.214 to a healthier state at 0.036, reflecting a clear improvement in physiological resilience. They reported steadier energy and focus at work, fewer physical discomforts, better-quality sleep, and a more relaxed, balanced state even after potential stressors like social drinking. Such results underscore how small, consistent behavioral adjustments guided by personalised data can compound into measurable physiological improvement.

Unlike typical wearables that stop at metrics, Signsbeat bridges the gap between devices and human insight. Compatible with Oura, Ringconn, Ultrahuman, Amazfit, and Apple Health, it acts as an interpreter layer turning passive tracking into proactive wellbeing. For organisations, it provides a scalable tool for workforce health optimization; for individuals, it offers a simple way to translate stress and sleep data into actionable habits.

Developed in Southeast Asia, Signsbeat emphasises clear communication, responsible data use, and professional boundaries. By ensuring ethical collaboration between technology, users, and clinicians, it promotes both empowerment and trust in the growing field of health intelligence.

Also read: Decoding digital preferences: A glimpse into the future of health tech ecosystem in SEA

Blending human expertise with AI intelligence

Leading the development of Signsbeat’s technology is a simple philosophy: the future of health is both human and intelligent. The platform combines AI-powered analytics with the guidance of the personalised Longevity Science Health (PLSH) Coach network, a multidisciplinary group of doctors, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, to translate wearable data into guided, measurable wellbeing outcomes.

By interpreting biometric signals alongside daily habits, Signsbeat maps patterns of stress, inflammation, and resilience. These insights are distilled into a Signsbeat Score and Longevity Color, giving users an easy snapshot of their overall wellbeing. From there, the platform provides practical recommendations for rest, nutrition, and balance. For deeper support, users can work directly with PLSH Coaches for tailored coaching and feedback.

Responsible, compliant, and built for trust

Signsbeat defines itself as a wellness and intelligence platform, not a medical device. Its insights are designed to complement, not replace, professional healthcare advice. Accuracy depends on data consistency and proper sensor use, such as wearing a compatible device during sleep to ensure reliable scoring.

The platform’s digital-biomarker framework delivers interpretable health patterns while maintaining strict data standards. Its architecture supports GDPR and HIPAA readiness, flexible data residency options, and clear boundaries on emergency monitoring. This ensures that all data processing aligns with enterprise-grade compliance and ethical use.

As Signsbeat empowers users and organizations to move toward preventive, data-driven wellbeing, it aims to simplify complexity by reducing cognitive overload and easing anxiety around technical health data. The result is a trusted, humane approach to longevity intelligence where AI interpretation and human insight work seamlessly together.

Looking ahead: Extending healthspan through data and science

The need for actionable, personalised health data has never been more urgent. Across Asia, chronic stress, burnout, and lifestyle-related diseases are rising even among young professionals. Meanwhile, companies spend billions on wellness initiatives with limited proof of impact. By translating everyday data into measurable insight, Signsbeat helps close that accountability gap. This gives users and employers alike a concrete way to track recovery, resilience, and progress in real time.

Signsbeat positions longevity intelligence as the next frontier of wellness. Its hybrid model of algorithmic insight and human coaching offers a measurable, trustworthy path to improving performance and extending healthspan. Further, its device-agnostic approach lowers barriers to adoption across organizations and individuals alike. 

Beyond wellness tracking, Signsbeat represents a broader shift in healthtech. It is where data, science, and human insight converge to create measurable, assisted and preventive health intelligence. Their commitment to continuous research and patient-focused approach present a glimpse into how platforms built in Southeast Asia could help people and organisations live smarter, perform better, and stay healthier for longer.

To learn more about the platform, visit their website: www.signsbeat.com

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The e27 team produced this article sponsored by Signsbeat

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Featured Image Credit: Canva Images, Signsbeat

The post The hidden science inside your wearable that could extend your life appeared first on e27.