Also, JD.com’s new accelerator, Qwikwire’s funding, and cryptocurrency woes in Thailand.

Go-Jek raises over US$1.5B – [Dealstreet Asia]

Indonesia’s Go-Jek has raised US$1.5 billion in a fundraising round from a dozen investors including BlackRock and Google, according to a report from Dealstreet Asia.

Last year, Go-Jek planned to raise US$1.2 billion to help them compete with well-funded rivals in Southeast Asia. The recent funding, which is higher than targetted, puts the ride-hailing firm at US$5 billion valuation.

 

JD.com launched a new accelerator programme – [TechCrunch]

One of China’s largest e-commerce companies, JD.com, has announced the launch of its Beijing-based accelerator program focussed on artificial intelligence and blockchain startups. Called AI Catapult, the programme’s first batch includes 6 startups from China, Singapore, Australia, and London.

In a report from TechCrunch, JD.com said that the programme would give startups access to their operational teams to “test real-world applications of their technologies at scale.”

 

Qwikwire raises funding from First Asia Venture Capital, Cerebro Labs – [e27]

Qwikwire is a Philippine-based cross-border billing and invoicing startup for enterprises. The undisclosed funding from a group led by First Asia Venture Capital and Cerebro Labs will be used for overseas expansion.

Qwikwire also talks about their plans for an ICO going on pre-sale March 12, 2018.

 

Thailand banks begin shutting down cryptocurrency transactions – [Bangkok Post]

Krungthai Bank has become the second financial institution to terminate transactions involving cryptocurrencies after Bangkok Bank, according to this report from Bangkok Post.

This comes in the wake of Thailand Finance Ministry order for state-owned financial institutions to stop any transaction related to cryptocurrencies with Thai Digital Asset Exchange (TDAX). The country is still currently in the process of issuing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. These latest development on cryptocurrency restrictions is considered a hindrance to foreign startups hoping to offer ICOs in Thailand.

The post Today’s top tech news, February 27: Go-Jek raises over US$1.5B appeared first on e27.