HEADLINES
Gobi Partners Sustainability Report 2023
Gobi presents its 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, in alignment with the United Nations Global Compact’s sustainability principles. As a leading Asia-focused venture capital firm, Gobi emphasises the critical integration of sustainability into investment strategies. The report highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen the ESG framework and generate long-term value within Asia's vibrant startup ecosystem. Click below to access the full report and explore the key findings.
Paywatch Secures Record US$30 Million in Funding, Leading Southeast Asia's Earned Wage Access Solutions
Paywatch, Asia's leading Earned Wage Access (EWA) service provider, has rapidly expanded to Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea since 2020. With US$30 million in new funding from Third Prime and US university endowments, Paywatch plans to broaden its market presence and develop more inclusive financial tools. The company has processed over US$58 million in salaries, aiming to exceed US$120 million by year-end, demonstrating its commitment to fostering financial wellness and empowering employees across Asia.
TOP STORIES
Immuno Cure’s Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Project Awarded HKSAR Government’s RAISe+ Scheme Funding
Immuno Cure's Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Project has secured significant funding from the HKSAR Government's Research, Academic and Industry Sector One-plus Scheme (RAISe+) to develop and commercialise groundbreaking antibody drugs for cancer and infection treatment over the next five years. This funding validates Immuno Cure's innovative technology and establishes the company as a pioneer in the biotech industry, marking a major milestone for medical innovation in Hong Kong.
WeLab Reveals Strategic Plans for Southeast Asia Markets to Achieve 500 Million Users by 2032
WeLab is focusing on Indonesia and Hong Kong as primary markets for expansion. In Indonesia, WeLab's neobank, Bank Saqu, attracted over one million customers in its first six months and aims to reach 200 million underbanked and unbanked individuals. WeLab is also exporting its Hong Kong-developed FinTech solutions to Southeast Asia, with its online lending platform, WeLend, seeing a nearly 300% increase in its loan portfolio in Hong Kong. Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Loong emphasises leveraging technology to push the boundaries of digital financial services and anticipates significant growth in digital banking across Asia.
COUNTRY AND INUSTRY FOCUS
Tatler Asia Lists iMotorbike’s Sharmeen Looi Among 2024 Gen. T Leaders of Tomorrow
The Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow recognises Asia’s most promising young leaders, including Sharmeen Looi, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of iMotorbike, who is transforming the used motorbike market. By prioritising reliability, transparency, and efficiency, iMotorbike offers a 170-point inspection, a six-day return policy, and a six-month warranty, along with insurance and nationwide delivery. Sharmeen’s innovative approach sets new industry standards, empowering riders to buy and sell motorbikes confidently and effortlessly.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Following the launch of its third Sustainability Report, Gobi continues to spotlight its ESG initiatives by highlighting three main verticals in the second #ESGobi Month. Click on the photos to read the accompanying articles.
UPCOMING EVENT
July 2024: Tech In Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur
Happening from 24 - 25 July 2024 at the Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - gain insights from Gobi Managing Partner Jamaludin Bujang's 29 years of experience funding startups across Asia. Save over 30% on ticket prices while they last and enjoy an automatic 25% discount at self-checkout when purchasing five or more tickets.
EVENT RECAP
Gobi Partners Empowers HK Entrepreneurs at HKUST Unicorn Day
During the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Unicorn Day's "Charting the Global Growth Trajectory" panel, Gobi GBA's Managing Partner, Chibo Tang, shared valuable insights on global expansion for Hong Kong companies. He presented case studies from portfolio companies, highlighting successful strategies and challenges by startups expanding into global markets. The event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, and Gobi extended its gratitude to HKUST for the opportunity.