Today’s edition also includes some updates from Youtube, UangTeman, and Tinggal
UK’s Secret Escapes is closing US$111M Series D funding round led by Temasek
UK-based travel tech startup Secret Escapes closed a GBP83 million (US$111 million) in Series D funding round led by Temasek, with participation of existing investor Idinvest Partners, according to several media reports.
Silicon Valley Bank also participated in the round by including a debt facility.
Secret Escapes is a members-only site that offers luxury travel experiences at discounted rate. Already operating in 20 countries in Europe, America, and Asia, the startup will use the funding to drive growth and international expansion, which includes acquisitions.
It has previously raised a GBP37 million (US$60 million) funding round led by GV (then Google Ventures) and Octopus Ventures.
Singapore, Thailand in talks to connect their national digital payment systems
Bank of Thailand Director of Payment Systems Policy Naphongthawat Phothikit told Bloomberg that Singapore and Thailand are currently in early stage talks to connect their digital payments system, PayNow and PromptPay.
While he stated that it is still “too early” to have any detail or timeline revealed, the link will be the first for the Southeast Asian region.
The prospective partnership aims to “modernise payments process” in the cash heavy region.
Also Read: Captain’s Log, Oct 4: FinAccel raises Series A, Khazanah National Entrepreneurship Outreach launches
Youtube launches first pop-up space in India
Video platform Youtube launches its first pop-up space in India on Thursday at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, Economic Times reported.
The pop-up space will serve as a hub for video creators to attend workshops and trainings, network with Youtube community and industry veterans, as well as produce content with professional equipment.
Hosted for three days, through the pop-up space, Youtube aims to give more focus on creators working in local language.
UangTeman appoints former OJK CEO as advisor
Indonesia-based P2P lending platform UangTeman has announced the appointment of Firdaus Djaelani, the former CEO of Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK), as a Strategic Advisor.
Djaelani will be advising the startup on regulatory engagement and government relations matters.
He is currently serving as Vice President of the Syariah Economic Society of Indonesia.
Budget hotel booking platform Tinggal pivoted into SaaS platform
Jakarta-based budget hotel booking platform Tinggal has shut down service and pivoted into building softwares for budget hotels, CEO Arjun Chopra told Tech In Asia Indonesia.
Called PrimeOptimax, the startup expects to launch the new platform “within the next two to three months.”
Chopra cited the company’s small number of revenue as a reason behind the pivot.
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