Mar 5, 2025

Wavemaker Impact launches Zentide with USD 525,000 investment Wavemaker Impact, the climate tech venture builder under Wavemaker Partners, has launched Zentide, a startup developing seaweed-based biostimulants and biofertilizers. The venture has secured an initial USD 525,000 investment to scale its sustainable agricultural solutions. Led by CEO Zachary Nice, Zentide harnesses tropical seaweed to improve soil health, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and lower agricultural emissions. The company aims to support smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia while addressing global climate challenges. With Wavemaker Impact’s backing, Zentide plans to expand operations in Indonesia, establish strategic partnerships, and develop scalable climate-friendly agricultural solutions. Arus Oil secures funding from 1337 Ventures to drive sustainable energy solutions Arus Oil, a Malaysian startup focused on waste-to-energy solutions, has secured investment from 1337 Ventures through the 1337 Accelerator Fund I. The financial details were not disclosed. The funding will support Arus Oil’s initiatives to convert used cooking oil into biodiesel, reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainability. Additionally, the company is launching a dropoff center in Subang and partnering with TNG eWallet to enable users to receive direct digital payments for recycling. The investment will also accelerate technology improvements, mobile collection expansion, and R&D efforts, strengthening Arus Oil’s position in Malaysia’s circular economy and renewable energy sector. Photo of Arus Oil’s team, courtesy of the company. Bumame raises pre-Series A funding to scale healthcare services in Indonesia Bumame, an Indonesian healthcare startup, has raised an undisclosed pre-Series A funding round led by Alpha JWC Ventures, with participation from 500 Global and Kopital Ventures. The investment will help Bumame transition into a comprehensive healthcare provider, focusing on preventive care, diagnostics, and digital health services. Initially known for its widespread Covid-19 testing during the pandemic, Bumame now offers a range of healthcare solutions, including early detection services, advanced diagnostics, and personalized health plans. The company aims to leverage technology and proactive care models to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Indonesians. Photo courtesy of Bumame. Kredivo acquires GajiGesa to enter EWA market Kredivo Group, a digital financial services provider in Southeast Asia, has fully acquired GajiGesa, an Indonesian earned wage access (EWA) platform. The acquisition marks Kredivo’s entry into the EWA market, complementing its existing digital credit and neobank services. Founded in 2020, GajiGesa allows employees to access their earned wages instantly, reducing reliance on predatory lending. Following the acquisition, the platform will continue operating as a separate business unit under Kredivo, leveraging its risk management and lending infrastructure to expand EWA services. SmartSolar raises USD 1.85 million in seed funding to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in Southeast Asia SmartSolar, a Vietnam-based startup, has emerged from stealth with USD 1.85 million in seed funding, co-led by Picus Capital and 2degrees, with support from Iterative. The company aims to decarbonize Southeast Asia’s electricity grid by providing rooftop solar solutions for small and medium enterprises. Its model reportedly enables SMEs to install solar systems with zero upfront costs, addressing financing barriers to solar adoption in the region. The fresh capital will support SmartSolar’s regional expansion, enhance its solar financing infrastructure, and drive the deployment of clean energy solutions for businesses across Southeast Asia. Photo of Kevin Junker, founder of SmartSolar. Photo courtesy of the company. Zendesk to acquire Local Measure, strengthening AI-powered voice capabilities Zendesk, a global provider of artificial intelligence-powered customer service solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Local Measure. Local Measure specializes in “contact center as a service” and AI-driven voice solutions designed for high-volume, complex service environments. Its technology offers automation, call routing, and real-time insights to enhance service quality. The acquisition is expected to bolster Zendesk’s capabilities, allowing businesses to implement more sophisticated customer engagement strategies. The transaction, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in May 2025. Kyobo Life invests in AIFT to advance AI security in South Korea Kyobo Life Insurance, through its technology subsidiary Kyobo Digital Technology Services (Kyobo DTS), has invested in AIFT, an AI security solutions provider. The partnership aims to introduce generative AI vulnerability assessment and protection solutions to South Korean enterprises. AIFT’s technology enables organizations to identify, evaluate, and mitigate AI-related security risks—a crucial capability ahead of South Korea’s planned AI risk management mandates starting in 2026. Kyobo DTS will lead local sales and marketing efforts while integrating AIFT’s AI security solutions into its broader enterprise digital transformation strategy. Photo courtesy of AIFT.