The Southeast Asia-based integrated car e-commerce platform said the funding reflects investor confidence in its path toward profitability and long-term regional strategy, following its reported record financial year 2025 (FY25) performance. The company stated that the new capital will be used to support continued profitable growth across the region.

According to CARSOME, the investment also signals a broader collaboration aimed at strengthening ties between Southeast Asia and Greater China. The company noted that Hong Kong’s position as a regional gateway could facilitate advancements in areas such as automotive technology, supply chain sourcing, and talent development. 

It added that the partnership would support the increased application of data and artificial intelligence (AI) within its operations.

“CARSOME has spent the last several years focused on building a resilient, profitable business with strong fundamentals,” said Eric Cheng, CARSOME Group co-founder and CEO. “This strategic collaboration and fundraise is a vote of confidence in our continued momentum and long-term vision.”

He added, “This partnership gives us crucial access to innovation capabilities, cross-border networks, and world-class talent that will support our work in AI, data, and next-generation mobility services across Southeast Asia.”

Clara Chan, chief executive officer of the HKIC, said, “We are pleased to support CARSOME as part of our continued effort to harness technology to drive industry transformation, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and resilience.”

He added, “With Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway connecting global innovation and investment opportunities, CARSOME exemplifies the type of high-conviction, technology-driven enterprise that aligns with the HKIC’s mandate to foster scalable innovation across our strategic sectors. We look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies like CARSOME in creating tangible value for the future of Hong Kong.”

Meanwhile, Chibo Tang, managing partner of Gobi Partners, said, “CARSOME is a leading example of how Southeast Asian startups are well-positioned to create close ties with partners in Greater China, leveraging each region’s unique strengths. We are pleased to be a returning investor in CARSOME, having supported them for almost a decade.”

He added, “Gobi was an early believer in CARSOME’s ability to scale across international borders, and we are happy to see their early potential come to fruition as they reimagine the way consumers across Asia purchase vehicles.”

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The latest investment was led by new investors ChrysCapital and Dragon Funds, with participation from Schroders Capital and continued backing from existing investors TR Capital and B Capital. The company also completed its second employee tender offer, amounting to approximately $15m, which included 259 current and former employees. In addition, the round involved select secondary transactions for early investors Eight Roads Ventures, Helion Venture Partners, Z47, and Ventureast.

The company said the new capital will be used to accelerate innovation across its Merlin AI suite, expand go-to-market teams in North America and EMEA, and pursue strategic acquisitions aimed at extending product capabilities or supporting global expansion.

“At MoEngage, we believe our success is a collective effort, built on a culture of ownership and innovation. It is vital that we recognise the people who brought us to this stage,” said Raviteja Dodda, CEO & co-founder at MoEngage. “This liquidity program reflects that commitment by ensuring that the builders of MoEngage, our employees, and early investors have the opportunity to directly share in the milestones we achieve together. We are grateful for the partnership of ChrysCapital, Dragon Funds, Schroders Capital, TR Capital, and B Capital as we continue to scale globally.”

Alongside its marketing-focused offerings, MoEngage is expanding its platform for product teams with the introduction of MoEngage Analytics and MoEngage Inform. The company said these tools are designed to help marketing, product, and engineering teams operate on shared data to deliver more connected customer experiences.

MoEngage Inform is intended to centralise transactional messaging such as one-time passwords, account notifications, and service updates through a single API across multiple messaging channels and delivery providers. MoEngage Analytics, meanwhile, enhances product analytics by combining behavioural data with engagement capabilities, allowing product managers to trigger actions based on real-time insights.

“Customer engagement has never belonged to just one team. Customers move through many moments, and those moments should feel connected and supportive,” added Dodda. “When product, engineering, and marketing work from the same data and tools, they can show up more naturally for their audiences. That’s the experience we want to help companies deliver so they can grow their brands.”

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Other participants include Kaya Founders, JGDEV of the Gokongwei Group, and other notable Asia-based investors.

Etaily works with a range of consumer brands in Southeast Asia, including Levi’s, Skechers, Abbott, and L’Oreal. The company manages the e-commerce and marketing operations of more than 80 brands and has developed homegrown brands such as Floof Pets and Nutrie supplements. 

Headquartered in the Philippines, Etaily aims to establish a multi-country presence across Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian markets. Its partnership with WPP Media seeks to strengthen retail and media enablement capabilities, combining commerce infrastructure with marketing expertise. 

The partnership is intended to serve social commerce needs in the Philippines-Malaysia-Singapore cluster, with lifestyle brands recently onboarded.

Moreover, Etaily has also expanded its board. Ayala Corporation will be represented by Mark Uy, managing director and head of corporate strategy and business development, while Brian Go, chief financial officer of the Gokongwei Group, joins as a new board member. The board also includes representatives from Temasek’s Pavilion Capital and other investors.

Founded in 2020 by Alexander Friedhoff, Etaily has processed more than 40 million orders across Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and brand.com channels. Its proprietary commerce engine spans brand development, operations, fulfillment, and analytics, including recently launched livestreaming, affiliate programs, and short-form video solutions.

Alexander Friedhoff, founder & CEO of Etaily, said, ”For the last five years, we’ve focused on building etaily into a commerce powerhouse for global brands in Southeast Asia. Now it is time to double down on the latest developments in Social Commerce and Livestreaming. With our massive focus on fully controlled livestream studios we will be able to offer asset-light operations, and now strengthened partnerships and investors, we are positioned to lead the next wave of online-first, offline-to-follow retail in our regional cluster.”

Meanwhile, Katsufumi Uchida, head of Asia-Pacific division and managing executive officer of SMBC, added, “As we celebrate 10 years in the Philippines, SMBC Group remains dedicated to our Asia Multi-Franchise strategy, leveraging our extensive branch network to strengthen our presence in the Philippines and across the region, striving for the continued economic growth in the Philippines. We are excited to contribute to the expansion of local commerce ecosystems and to connect financial services with the evolving digital marketplace through strategic partnerships such as with etaily.”

Etaily’s growth has been supported by a mix of investors, including Ayala Corporation, the Gokongwei Group, Landmark’s Cheng family, and the Po family behind Century Pacific Food Corporation. 

The company’s previous Series A round in 2023 was led by Taiwan’s SKS Capital and Singapore’s Pavilion Capital, with additional participation from the Magsaysay Family, Kaya Founders, Japan’s SBI ICCP Fund, and Foxmont Capital.

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“Japanese automakers have always had a strong presence and historical dominance in Asia-Pacific,” said Aaron Tan, co-founder and chief executive at Carro. “Japanese cars continue to be reliable and trustworthy with their advanced automotive technologies, including fuel cell innovations, and superior safety features. We are confident we can increase the market share of Japanese Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in time to come.”

Carro said the fresh capital will support efforts to meet growing interest in both used cars and new PHEVs, particularly in Southeast Asia, where demand is rising alongside economic expansion, a growing middle class and government incentives for electric vehicles in markets such as Indonesia and Thailand.

“Japanese cars hold a significant share of the used car market across Asia Pacific, and we’re keen to cement our dominance,” said Kenichi Kawasaki, president, CEO and COO at Cool Japan Fund. “Through this investment in Carro, Cool Japan Fund aims to boost demand for Japanese cars in the region and reinforce their value by showcasing Japan’s advanced automotive technologies.”

Cool Japan Fund, founded in 2013 as a government-backed private fund, aims to support the sustainable growth of Japan’s economy by expanding overseas demand and supply of Japanese products and services. Its portfolio s

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The new funding round was led by TA Ventures, with continued backing from long-time investor White Star Capital. The investment follows a strong year for Flash Coffee, marked by solid unit economics and an average store-level EBITDA of 22%.

The capital will be used to support Flash Coffee’s expansion strategy, which includes surpassing 70 stores across Indonesia in 2025 and entering two additional cities. With revenue per store having doubled over the past year and all outlets now operating profitably, the company is positioning itself for sustained national growth.

Richard Armstrong, venture partner & SEA lead at TA Ventures, said, “We spent significant time analysing the opportunities of this category in Southeast Asia; as a result, we’re excited to join Flash Coffee’s journey. Today’s Indonesian consumer is cross-generational, seeking experiences that are meaningful and personal. Flash Coffee has perfectly adapted, responding to this shifting consumer behaviour.”

Part of the funding will also go toward enhancing Flash Coffee’s store design. The new concept integrates natural textures, regional materials, and greenery to create spaces that encourage longer visits and deeper brand engagement.

Flash Coffee is also introducing a refreshed brand identity, which includes a redesigned logo and the ‘Kebanggaan Indonesia’ (‘Proudly Indonesian’) watermark. The rebranding effort draws from local craftsmanship and culture, aligning the company more closely with its Indonesian roots.

Developed entirely in-house, the visual overhaul is intended not just as a stylistic update but as a strategic tool to strengthen customer loyalty and support profitability as the company scales across both existing and new markets.

“The past year has been about discipline. We’ve focused on getting the fundamentals right: profitable stores, stronger teams, better menus, and spaces that reflect modern Indonesia. We didn’t chase growth; we earned it,” said Jakob Angele, executive chairman of Flash Coffee. 

“This latest investment will help us scale what works: beautifully designed stores, high-performing teams, and a product that speaks to today’s Indonesian consumer,” he added.

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The investment from Vitruvian Partners, known for backing high-growth, category-defining companies, brings a wealth of expertise and global perspective to Klook’s next phase of growth. 

With a strong track record of supporting travel innovators and scaling global businesses, Vitruvian’s partnership reinforces Klook’s ambition to expand its reach, and solidify its position as a category leader.

Marking its 10th anniversary in 2024, Klook has been instrumental in redefining how travelers discover and book in-destination experiences. The company has facilitated millions of seamless travel moments, empowered local businesses, and contributed US$7.2b in GDP and supported over 219,000 jobs in Asia-Pacific, reaffirming its pivotal role as a key economic engine in the region’s tourism sector.

Ethan Lin, CEO and co-founder of Klook, said, “Over the past decade, Klook has established itself as the go-to platform for travel experiences in Asia Pacific, reimagining how travelers discover and connect with destinations. With the region set to remain the heartbeat of global tourism, Klook’s strong brand, extensive supply network, and deep local expertise position us to deliver even greater value to the next generation of experience-driven travelers across the world. We are excited to welcome Vitruvian on this journey.”

Meanwhile, Sophie Bower-Straziota, partner at Vitruvian Partners, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Klook at this pivotal moment in its journey. Klook’s track record of innovation, commitment to customer experience, and deep market expertise make it uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of travel experiences in Asia Pacific. We believe Vitruvian’s investment and its deep thematic expertise in the global travel experience market will help further drive Klook’s growth by strengthening its operational capabilities and expanding its reach.”

The newly secured capital will drive Klook’s next phase of growth and innovation. Through its expanded AI partnership with Google Cloud, the company plans to enhance customer experience, merchant operations, and internal productivity. Klook is also future-proofing the tourism sector through digital transformation and fostering community impact in collaboration with tourism boards across Asia-Pacific.

Moreover, a recent agreement with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) exemplifies this approach, accelerating the digital transformation of the country’s tourism sector and improving access to authentic local experiences.

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The funding round is spearheaded by Granite Asia, one of Asia’s top venture capital firms, and features participation from Hearst Ventures, along with returning investors Qualgro and AC Ventures.

This latest funding round follows Supermom’s Series A raise of S$8m in December 2022, which was also led by Qualgro, reinforcing the belief that Supermom is a standout innovator harnessing AI and data to deliver value for families and consumer brands.

Supermom plans to utilise the funds to enhance its AI capabilities and expand internationally, allowing for improved product offerings and increased innovation to deliver greater value to both brands and consumers. Additionally, team expansion will be prioritised to accelerate development initiatives.

“We are thrilled to partner with Supermom as they build the largest AI driven data platform in SEA connecting brands and consumers. At Granite Asia, we believe in supporting companies that positively impact communities, and Supermom’s vision of empowering parents across SEA to live better and smarter aligns with our values. We look forward to helping accelerate their growth and expand their reach across the region,” shared Jenny Lee, managing partner at Granite Asia. 

Katie Hu, managing director of Hearst Ventures, added, “We were impressed by the way in which the Supermom platform has delivered significant business growth for brands while enhancing parenthood experiences for mothers and families. Its expanding footprint in the Southeast Asia region makes it an attractive company to watch out for. We are looking forward to working with the Supermom leadership to unleash their ambitions for the region.” 

Commenting on the continuous commitment by Qualgro, Weisheng Neo, partner at Qualgro, shared, “As an AI and data investor, our confidence in Supermom’s team stems from our strong working relationship that has led to accelerated growth and outstanding products. We have been impressed by the speed and dedication for building an advanced data platform.” 

“We have seen the Supermom business in Indonesia grow significantly in the last one year, with the launch of Project 1MPACT and onboarding of new agencies and brands. We are excited to be a part of their growth journey in SEA’s largest and fastest-growing market,” added Adrian Li, managing partner at AC Ventures. 

Supermom has established a robust ecosystem that connects over 10 million parents across Southeast Asia, supported by more than 6,000 online communities and over 250 consumer brands, including multinational companies such as AIA, Kimberly Clark, Abbott Laboratories, and Unilever, as well as local giants like Mandiri, Indofood, and Wings Group.

The platform has proven its value in offering families valuable insights into lifestyle and consumption choices. Additionally, Supermom creates income-earning opportunities for mothers by rewarding them for their insights and user-generated content, while also fostering connections among like-minded parents. 

Commenting on the funding, Luke Lim, CEO of Supermom, said, “We are grateful to our investors—both new and returning—for believing in our vision and extending their support. As a company, we remain committed to building the largest AI-driven data platform in SEA, connecting brands and consumers. Our track record in the last four years of scaling the business by focusing on our core solutions and core clients has helped us to build a solid foundation for growth. We are thrilled to have Granite lead this investment round. With their extensive global experience in transforming tech startups into industry leaders, we are confident in the future growth and impact of our business.” 

Supermom was established by Joan Ong, a former managing director of global MICE organiser Terrapinn, along with Luke Lim and Rebecca Koh, chief of staff of Supermom. 

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The new investment will help Scope3 continue to promote sustainability in the media and advertising industries while addressing the environmental impact the booming AI industry brings.

As the climate crisis intensifies, the rapid adoption of AI is generating substantial environmental impact, with training a single AI model consuming vast energy and emitting significant carbon. Companies are under pressure to deploy AI while meeting climate goals, often without clear solutions to control emissions. 

Amid rising concerns over AI’s long-term environmental impact, Scope3 is stepping in to help businesses balance sustainability with AI-driven innovation. The platform is now extending its proven methods for decarbonising the media and advertising supply chain to address the carbon footprint of AI.

“The most innovative companies in the world are considering sustainable AI practices that address environmental concerns while delivering real business value. Scope3 has the talent, technology, and expertise needed to decarbonise the media and advertising industry,” said Erik Nordlander, general partner at GV. 

“We’ve seen the impact Brian O’Kelley and the Scope3 team have had on the advertising and marketing supply chain, and we’re excited to double down on our investment based on the traction we’ve seen. We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Brian and support Scope3’s mission as we move toward a more sustainable future,” he added. 

Scope3’s funding round saw participation from existing investors Venrock, Room40 Ventures, and Craft Ventures, alongside new backers Aperiam Ventures and Virgo Strategic Investments.

Along with the funding, Scope3 also unveiled its open-source AI methodology, which tracks the environmental impact of the entire AI lifecycle. This tool helps companies develop data-driven strategies to reduce carbon footprints and optimise their AI investments.

Brian O’Kelley, co-founder and CEO of Scope3, explained, “AI and the media industry are soon going to be indistinguishable. The biggest AI players are monetising through advertising, just like the search giants before them, and every marketer is using AI to create the content that fuels their campaigns. That’s why extending our methodology to capture the climate impact of AI is imperative, both for our business and the industry as a whole.”

Since its 2021 launch, Scope3 has pioneered sustainable digital media, providing tools to help the media and advertising industries reduce carbon emissions without compromising ROI or business success. In fact, thousands of brands, including Coca-Cola, GM, Mastercard, and Sanofi, use Scope3 to decarbonise their media, avoiding nearly 3,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions in 18 months. 

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The new funding round is expected to fast-track SleekFlow’s global expansion, targeting key markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The investment will also fuel advancements in AI technology, including enhanced analytics and the development of sophisticated marketing workflows, while expanding communication channels such as calls and emails to better serve its growing international customer base.

The investment round also saw participation from existing backers, including AEF Greater Bay Area Fund, managed by Gobi Partners GBA, and Transcend Capital Partners. Additionally, it attracted a new investor, Moses Tsang, a former general partner of Goldman Sachs Group and chairman of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC.

Peter Na, regional head of the Singapore Office and director of Atinum Investment, said, “Being at the front of the rapidly expanding global customer engagement market, SleekFlow meets the evolving needs of enterprise customers. SleekFlow’s localised approaches have expanded it beyond Asia, entering new markets in the Middle East and South America. We are fully committed to supporting its ongoing global expansion and are excited for the opportunities ahead.”

Looking ahead, SleekFlow plans to secure its Series B funding within the next 12 months as it continues to solidify its position. SleekFlow’s solutions have already made significant inroads across various industries, serving prominent clients such as Delonghi, Hilton Dubai, L’Occitane, Shangri-La, Hong Kong Broadband Network, Cellini, Khind, TOTO, 7-Eleven, Kimberly-Clark, Awfully Chocolate, and Audi.

Henson Tsai, founder and CEO of SleekFlow, shared, “Since the appointment of our Chief Technology Officer, Gao Lei, a Silicon Valley veteran, we have significantly increased our engineering efforts to be at the forefront of innovative tech and advanced AI. We are more ambitious than ever, with offerings underway for fully automated sales and support journeys in voice, calls, and emails, to deliver unparalleled value to our customers across industries like insurance, healthcare, telecom, service, and retail.”

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The funding round was led by Burda Principal Investments alongside Sfermion, Gold House, CMT Digital, and Superscrypt.

Kasagi Labo’s multifaceted approach unites fans and creators to develop and shape global anime IPs, uniquely positioning them to change the anime landscape worldwide. Moreover, through this funding, the company aims to leverage this industry momentum, investing strategically in anime productions and partnerships and leveraging their IP value chain in licensing, distribution, and merchandising.

Kendrick Wong, founder and CEO at Kasagi Labo, said, “With a strong coalition of strategic investors, industry advisors, and an experienced management team, the company is well-positioned to spearhead innovation and set new benchmarks in the global anime landscape.”

Meanwhile, Edwin Mak, principal at Burda Principal Investments, commented, “Partnering with Kasagi Labo reflects our commitment to supporting innovative and transformative businesses. Anime is a fast-growing market globally that is ripe for change. Kendrick and his team have demonstrated an ability to execute effectively against a business model which we believe has the potential to transform the industry. We are incredibly excited to lead the company’s Pre-Series A round and support their long-term growth across Asia and beyond.”

Kasagi Labo recently debuted its own VTuber project called Project: Verses, comprising of three talents. The anime venture studio also recently teamed up with Netflix and anime studio Genco to release mobile accessories based on the Pluto anime series.

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