VCs Bet Big in SEA — While OpenAI Fights Back 🧨
- Shivirta C.
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
21 June 2025
👋 Welcome to the A2D Weekly Wrap!
Big moves in Southeast Asia. Bigger shifts in global tech.
From AI agents and robotaxis to Southeast Asia’s fintech surge and virtual bank approvals, this week’s headlines capture a world in transition. The region is riding high on capital inflows, rising founder ambition, and policy tailwinds. But zoom out, and a deeper story is unfolding: one where AI, power, and unexpected players are reshaping the future.
In this issue, we spotlight where opportunity is accelerating — and why it’s no longer business as usual.
Fresh insights, emerging trends, new opportunities, and tips to help founders thrive.
HOT NEWS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
🇹🇭 Thailand Greenlights Virtual Banks – MoF approved TrueMoney, Krungthai x AIS x OR, and SCB X x KakaoBank x WeBank to launch the country's first virtual banks
🇲🇾 Obiguard – Antler-backed AI risk detection startup secured USD 110K pre-seed to tackle early-stage AI threats
10Ants Enterprise – Urban renewal venture raised USD 500K from Wavemaker Impact to convert underused SEA spaces into SME-friendly hubs
🇵🇭 Salmon Group – Fintech firm secured USD 88M to expand credit access and innovative financial solutions across Southeast Asia
🇲🇾 Instapay – Fintech startup raised USD 3M in Series A2 from U.S. family offices and ACA Investments to scale its payments and remittance offerings
🇸🇬 Shiok Burger – Alt-burger chain raised undisclosed pre-Series A led by AC Ventures, joined by CFF Fund, SPIRAL RISE Capital, and a major Chinese food conglomerate
🇸🇬 Multiplier Holdings – AI-native pro services startup launched with USD 27.5M across seed and Series A rounds led by Ribbit and Lightspeed
🇮🇩 Amartha – Fintech firm empowering rural entrepreneurs secured USD 55M from Swedfund, Finnfund, and BIO to scale inclusive finance in Indonesia
THINGS TO WATCH: AI, POWER, AND THE UNEXPECTED
This week in AI and tech, the drama is real — and the implications even bigger.
OpenAI vs Microsoft? OpenAI is reportedly weighing an antitrust case against Microsoft, its long-time partner, over exclusivity and control.
Anthropic clashes with Apple on AI reasoning benchmarks — who defines intelligence in the AI race?
Meta x Prada team up to develop luxury AI smart glasses, pushing AI further into consumer fashion.
Pentagon awards OpenAI $200M to build national security AI — defense-tech is gaining serious traction.
Tila, Pulze, Superdash, and others launch new AI agent platforms, driving no-code and automation forward.
Anduril Industries beats OpenAI to the top spot on CNBC’s 2025 Disruptor 50 — a signal that defense AI is going mainstream.
UBC scientists use AI + 3D bioprinting to grow lab-made sperm — yes, you read that right. Deeptech meets reproductive health.
Your move, Tesla: As Tesla prepares for its long-awaited robotaxi debut in Austin this week, rivals are already racing ahead. Waymo is now the second-most popular ride-hailing service in San Francisco, surpassing Lyft. In China, Baidu’s Apollo Go, Pony.ai, and WeRide collectively operate thousands of robotaxis and are gearing up for global expansion into Europe and the Middle East.
Is AI entering its era of disruption, drama, and decentralization? The race is no longer just about capability — it’s about power, policy, and positioning.
FOUNDER'S CORNER
Here are 3 Free Tools that every founder should know about to help you save time, streamline processes, and grow your business without burning your budget.
Notion – Organizes ideas, tasks, and documents in one place. Great for planning and team collaboration.
Canva – Makes it easy to design pitch decks, social posts, and marketing materials without a designer.
Trello – Helps manage tasks with boards and cards. Useful for tracking progress and staying on schedule.
Quick hits of knowledge—because learning should never stop.
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💬 That’s a wrap for this week!
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