Bringing you the latest updates on funding deals and activities in the Asia Pacific.

Habitto raises USD 11.7 million to empower Japan’s youth

Habitto, a Japanese digital bank, has raised USD 11.7 million in Series A funding from QED Investors, DG Daiwa Ventures, and Scrum Ventures. Returning investor Anthemis Group and other existing shareholders also participated in the round.

Habitto’s mobile app targets younger Japanese users, aiming to alleviate financial anxiety by improving financial literacy and offering tools to plan for the future.

The company plans to use the funding to enhance its platform and broaden its reach.

OpenAI tender offer broadens SoftBank’s AI ambitions

Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI is offering employees the opportunity to sell USD 1.5 billion in shares to SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2, according to CNBC.

The deal, which follows SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son’s USD 500 million investment in October, increases SoftBank’s stake in OpenAI while providing liquidity for employees who have held shares for at least two years. Sources cited by the media outlet suggest Son’s persistent push for a larger shareholding catalyzed the offer.

Deutsche Bank invests in Partior’s Series B round

Partior, a fintech firm enabling real-time clearing and settlement on a unified ledger, has closed an USD 80 million Series B funding round with Deutsche Bank joining as an investor.

Deutsche Bank will also act as an EUR and USD settlement partner, furthering Partior’s mission to streamline cross-border financial transactions.

This funding follows a first close led by Peak XV Partners.

Animoca Brands bets on Pudgy Penguins with Igloo investment

Web3 firm Animoca Brands has invested in Igloo, the parent company of Pudgy Penguins, through a SAFE investment. Its subsidiaries, The Sandbox and Animoca Brands Japan, also participated in the deal. The investment amount was not disclosed.

Pudgy Penguins was first developed in 2021 as a non-fungible token (NFT) collection on the Ethereum blockchain.

WadzPay unlocks SGD 50 million through share subscription facility

WadzPay, a provider of blockchain-based solutions, has announced a SGD 50 million (USD 37.2 million) share subscription facility agreement with GEM Global Yield.

The company said it will use the funds to drive acquisitions, accelerate innovation, and form partnerships that promote financial inclusion.

Pi-xcels, MediSun Energy, Toku, and more made recent headlines:

• Pi-xcels, a Singapore-based retail tech startup, raised USD 2.7 million in its second funding round, led by venture capital firm Headline. Other participants include Wavemaker Partners, Hustle Fund, Shizen Capital, and Seedstars International Ventures.
• MediSun Energy, a pioneer in osmotic energy technology, raised USD 8.75 million in its seed funding round, which includes USD 5 million in venture debt and USD 3.75 million in equity financing. The round was led by Vynn Capital. Other investors include MOAJ Holding, Frank Phuan, TNB Aura’s Scout Initiative, and Ciri Ventures. MOAJ Holding also committed USD 30 million to support MediSun’s Saudi Arabian operations.
• Toku, a Singapore-based enterprise cloud communications provider, raised USD 5 million in a Series A extension led by Betatron Venture Group, bringing its total funding to USD 18 million. Participants include the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) and other investors.

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