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 training program aims to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with tangible and actionable steps they can take to advance in the digital economy, based on Alibaba’s own entrepreneurship journey. It is part of Alibaba’s wider initiative to promote inclusive development and empower entrepreneurs and businesses both large and small.

The program is designed as a combination of online and offline training modules. The online program will be conducted via a series of virtual seminars from 21 July to 1 September, providing first-hand exposure to e-commerce and digital innovations, access to business leaders across Alibaba and those in China, as well as an opportunity to connect with like-minded, leading entrepreneurs in participants’ own region, through exercises, interactive lectures, and dynamic discussions.

Applications for this program are open from now until 20 June. 

Over the six-week period, the sessions will cover Alibaba’s key learnings from its growth from a fledgling startup into a full digital ecosystem, as well as practical advice to help businesses digitally transform their own operations and confidently embrace global business opportunities. Alibaba Business School will also host optional webinars during the program focusing on industry trends and insights.

“The acceleration of the digital economy as a result of the global pandemic is creating huge opportunities that may not be immediately recognizable. We are keen to demonstrate to SMEs and entrepreneurs how they can make full use of our digital ecosystem learnings and insights to spot and win these opportunities, and to transform their businesses for long-term success in the digital economy,” said Zhang Yu, partner and vice president at Alibaba.

Participants will be graded and quizzed on a weekly basis, culminating in a final capstone assignment at the end of the program. All participants who complete the course will be invited to join the Alibaba Global Initiatives community, where they will be able to receive access to additional content and activities post-program such as webinars and newsletters. 

For Katrina Rausa Chan, executive director of QBO Innovation Hub, the new training program is fitting as the country is witnessing a digital transformation ‘awakening’, which has become even more critical to the country’s economic resilience, recovery, and advancement. 

“Small businesses, and especially innovative startups, play a key role and need our support. We’re thrilled to partner with Alibaba Business School in launching the Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program. This initiative will empower local entrepreneurial talent and build a more dynamic startup scene,” Chan stated.

Ken Ngo, managing partner at Core Capital, meanwhile commented, “Access and exposure to operational best practices is vital for Filipino entrepreneurs to be competitive in a digital future. More importantly, I believe the real value of this program lies in how it highlights the role of leadership and vision in growing companies and communities. Together with our partners, I’d like to invite all Filipino founders and business owners to take this opportunity and apply for this program now.”

The Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program is Alibaba Business School’s latest initiative to drive success in the Philippines digital economy and build talent in digital commerce and business. 

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