Dive Brief: Apple acquired the virtual reality (VR) startup Spaces for an undisclosed sum, a company spokesperson confirmed to Protocol, which broke the news. Initially part of DreamWorks Animation, Los Angeles-based Spaces became a separate business in 2016, creating location-based VR experiences like “Terminator Salvation: Fight for the Future.” With […]
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At Talkspace, Start-Up Culture Collides With Mental Health Concerns
Signing up with Talkspace is quick. Users create an account, fill out a questionnaire, and get a choice of therapists, who work for the platform as independent contractors. Those who sign up for the “Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus” plan, at $260 a month, can send a therapist messages at any […]
Indonesia e-commerce enabler SIRCLO merges with solutions startup
JAKARTA — Indonesia-based e-commerce enabler company SIRCLO has agreed to merge with e-commerce solutions startup ICUBE, according to a statement. Following the merger, which will bring together more than 450 employees, ICUBE will continue to operate as an independent entity integrated with the services offered by SIRCLO. No financial details were […]
China robotics startup Fourier buys rehab provider to spur growth
SHANGHAI — Fourier Intelligence, a startup known for its robotic exoskeletons, has acquired a rehabilitation services provider in a move aimed at tapping the needs of China’s massive — and rapidly aging — population. Shanghai-based Fourier, whose wearable robotics are used in hospitals and research institutes in 20 countries, announced […]
Singapore boosts startup funding amid pandemic slowdown
SINGAPORE — The Singapore government committed an extra 285 million Singapore dollars ($200 million) on Tuesday to top up an existing scheme to boost tech startups. As capital flowing into the city-state dries up amid the uncertainties triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, the Singapore government will match the money venture […]
Startup takes on foreign groups in China’s polishing robot market
BEIJING — KAANH, a Chinese startup which develops robots that perform polishing tasks, is steadily expanding its presence in the domestic market. Founded in July 2018, KAANH has already started supplying solutions combining software and hardware to major Chinese companies, including home appliances maker Midea Group. Polishing work has largely been […]
Indian digital ledger startup raises $60m to expand offerings
BENGALURU, INDIA — Bengaluru-based digital ledger startup Khatabook has raised around $60 million in a Series B fundraising round, money that the company said it would use to ramp up product and service offerings. The latest fundraising was led by American investment firm B Capital Group and brought in new […]
Tokyo university startup develops coronavirus-catching fabric
MATSUYAMA, Japan — Zetta, a spinout from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, also known as Tokyo Tech, has developed a nonwoven nanofiber material that can be washed repeatedly without losing its ability to protect the wearer from viruses. The startup, based in the western Japanese city of Matsuyama, plans to get […]
Australian fintech startup Verteva raises $21.4m from NZ’s Bolton
HANOI — Australian fintech startup Verteva announced that it has raised A$33 million ($21.4 million) in a Series A round from New Zealand-based investment firm Bolton Equities. Co-founded by chief executive Andrew Walker and Chris Lumby, both former Westpac execs, Verteva says it is building a transformative digital alternative for customers […]
Singapore quantum computing startup Entropica Labs raises $1.8m
SINGAPORE — Entropica Labs, a Singapore-based quantum computing startup, has raised $2.6 million Singapore dollars ($1.8 million) in seed funding led by deep-tech venture capital Elev8. According to a statement, Entropica will use the fresh funding to expand its technical team and develop proprietary software architecture based on quantum technology. […]