Asia’s tech News: February 2021
News collections, gathering coverage of tech, startup and funding news headlines in startup ecosystems across South and Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, in February 2021.
News listings gathered by Startup News Asia provide country and location indexes for the month, with tech, startup and funding news headlines linked to the articles behind them. Items were first reported online, on a variety of free-to-read technology news platforms.
Bear in mind that December and January tend to be ‘quiet’ months in terms of English-language news coverage of some tech and startup ecosystems in Asia; some locations are light on coverage as a result.
Summaries are gathered at the end of each month, hence the time lag between today’s date and the monthly startup news round-ups.
For technology-focused collections, covering blockchain, fintech, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency news, see Other News.
- For monthly news specific to each country, individually, refer to the index for monthly startup news by country.
- For quarterly news specific to each country, individually, refer to the index for quarterly startup news by country.
Australia: February 2021
- Selz, startup that helps small businesses sell products online, acquired by Amazon with system managing orders, payments processing and customer relations
- Recently-announced Boab AI program to grow 32 AI-focused companies over 4 years, each receiving $300K in funding and up to $5M follow-on funding…
Cambodia: February 2021
- Green Terrace takes first place in SmartSpark Cohort 6 competition with balcony-based gardening services for urban areas
- Cambodia imposes National Internet Gateway, further tightening controls on all internet communications, particularly those of long-time political opponents…
China: February 2021
- TikTok to launch version of its app on Android TVs in France, Germany and the UK in move to diversity its audience
- SWIFT global cross-border payments firm establishes JV with China’s central bank digital currency research institute, seen as move to explore global use of digital yuan…
Hong Kong: February 2021
- Avant cell-based seafood startup adds skincare industry focus with cultivated marine protein, aiming for cruelty-free cosmetic use
- Singapore’s women-focused VC firm, Her Capital, makes inaugural investment in Hong Kong’s Neufast video interviewing HR startup…
India: February 2021
- Koo microblogging app raises $4M with Twitter-like platform operating in 13 Indian languages
- 2021 Budget includes provisions to extend social security benefits to gig workers and platform workers, along with capital gains exemption increase for startups…
Indonesia: February 2021
- RateS social commerce startup gains Series A funding with platform allowing individuals to start an online reselling business
- Traveloka to launch ‘buy now, pay later’ financial services in Thailand and Vietnam…
Japan: February 2021
- A video recap of the recent Japanese Digital Health Market and Business Opportunity Webinar
- Sagawa Express courier service aiming to switch all 7K minicars to electric models by 2030, with new car prototype expected later in 2021…
South Korea: February 2021
- An intro to 5 Korean gaming startups to watch in 2021
- Government to invest $20M in gaming industry this year, via Korea Creative Content Agency…
Malaysia: February 2021
- Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Islamic Bank select 3 startups for pilot projects, working on food security, gig economy and e-waste management
- Inaugural KL Startup Summit 2021 set for March 26-28, running virtually with Microsoft Malaysia as the main sponsor…
Myanmar: February 2021
- Bridgefy offline messaging app downloads surge to over 1M after country’s military seizes power and temporarily disrupts internet…
New Zealand: February 2021
- A look at Kwotimation, providing tradesmen with a website and automated online pricing system for producing work quotes…
The Philippines: February 2021
- An intro to Vector, angel fund aiming to mentor and empower Filipino entrepreneurs by connecting them to thought leaders around the world
- Indonesia’s Xendit partners Philippines’ BillEase for PayLater option allowing merchants to offer card-free instalments to cardless and unbanked shoppers…
The Philippines: February 2021 >
Singapore: February 2021
- Monetary Authority of Singapore reportedly reviewing regulatory approach to ‘buy now, pay later’ firms, in part due to concerns over debt these services encourage
- 500 Startups opens applications for batch 3 of cross-border accelerator programs, Global Launch Singapore and Global Launch San Francisco…
Sri Lanka: February 2021
- Sri Lanka Internet Day 2021 set for April 6-7, themed around ‘digital inclusion’ and focusing on the country’s SME’s…
Taiwan: February 2021
- Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan 2021 seeks product ideas in 5G, cellular-IoT, machine learning, smart cities and multimedia – applications close March 21st
- ITM blockchain firm partnered by Microsoft and MediaTek to develop solution for country’s largest energy provider, recording solar power data from smart meters…
Thailand: February 2021
- Siam Commercial Bank VC arm, SCB 10X, launches $50M fund to invest in blockchain, digital asset and decentralized finance startups…
Vietnam: February 2021
- Loship e-commerce delivery-with-podcasts platform gains Series C funding, in part from Skype co-founder’s MetaPlanet Holdings…
PR Newswire Asia: Startup press releases
- Country and location-focused press releases
- Technology-specific news feeds
PR Newswire Asia and Startup News Asia >
Monthly startup news across Asia: 17 countries and jurisdictions
