Week 43: Asia Startup Funding Led by DeepSeek

Asia’s startup funding saw a major surge this week, with $16.07 billion announced across artificial intelligence, autonomous delivery, fintech, robotics, healthcare and consumer brands. China dominated the biggest deals, led by DeepSeek’s reported $15 billion funding round, while companies in Singapore, India, Vietnam and the Philippines also secured fresh capital.

The Week’s Biggest Startup Funding Rounds

Here are the most notable startup funding announcements across Asia this week, ranked from highest to lowest.

/1. DeepSeek, $15 Billion, Artificial Intelligence, China

Hangzhou-based AI startup DeepSeek has reportedly raised around $15 billion in a funding round backed by Tencent Holdings and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.

The funding is expected to support investment in AI data centres and the development of open-source AI models as the company prepares for a potential initial public offering. The reported raise would represent a major capital injection for the Chinese AI company as competition intensifies in the global AI market.

/2. Neolix, $400 Million, Autonomous Delivery, China

Chinese autonomous delivery vehicle company Neolix secured nearly $400 million in a Series E funding round to expand internationally and scale its commercial operations.

The company will use the capital to strengthen its global presence, establish regional service hubs and improve the AI models powering its driverless delivery vehicles.

/3. FundPark, $250 Million, Fintech, Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based fintech company FundPark secured a financing commitment of up to $250 million from Bain Capital to expand lending to small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses.

The financing package includes an initial $100 million commitment and a further $150 million subject to certain conditions. The capital will support FundPark's efforts to provide working capital to online businesses that need financing to manage inventory, fulfil orders and grow.

/4. Eureka Robotics, $150 Million, Industrial Robotics, Singapore

Singapore-based robotics technology company Eureka Robotics raised $150 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz and F-Prime Capital Partners, with participation from Samsung Next.

The company develops robotics software and systems for industrial tasks that require high precision and flexible movement. The funding will support its efforts to scale its technology for industrial applications.

/5. Salmon Group, $140 Million, Fintech, Philippines

Philippines-focused fintech company Salmon Group secured $140 million in financing to expand its lending operations and introduce new financial products.

Announced on 19 October 2026, the funding will support growth across consumer lending, motorcycle loans and financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

/6. Even Healthcare, $50 Million, HealthTech, India

Bengaluru-based Even Healthcare raised $50 million in a Series B funding round led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from Alpha Wave.

The company plans to open five hospitals in Bengaluru within the next six months, expanding its managed healthcare model and providing more coordinated medical services. The latest round brings its total capital raised to more than $120 million.

/7. Dat Bike, $26 Million, Electric Mobility, Vietnam

Vietnamese electric motorbike manufacturer Dat Bike secured $26 million in Series B funding co-led by Japan's F.C.C. and Rebright Partners.

The investment comes as early investor PIDG exits the company after supporting its manufacturing and business growth. The new capital will help Dat Bike continue developing its electric motorbike business in Vietnam and beyond.

/8. Kaminashi, $14 Million, Enterprise SaaS, Japan

Tokyo-based field management software provider Kaminashi raised approximately 2.21 billion yen ($14 million) in a Series C funding round led by Incubate Fund.

Alongside the funding, the company introduced its Field Operations Hub strategy, which uses field data, including photos, videos and audio, to help businesses address operational challenges in factories, warehouses and retail stores. The latest round brings its cumulative equity funding to approximately 6.1 billion yen.

/9. The Pant Project, $11.5 Million, Fashion, India

Indian digital-first menswear brand The Pant Project raised $11.5 million (about ₹109 crore) in a Series B funding round led by Mirae Asset Venture Investments India.

Existing investor Sorin Investments also participated, alongside family offices and angel investors including Anisha Saraf, B&K Securities, MGA Ventures and B2V Ventures. The funding will support the brand's continued growth in India's menswear market.

/10. CureBay, $10.6 Million, HealthTech, India

Indian healthtech startup CureBay, which focuses on rural healthcare, secured approximately $10.6 million in a Pre-Series C funding round led by IvyCap Ventures.

Existing investors and debt providers also participated. CureBay plans to use the capital to expand its clinic network, enter new markets and strengthen its AI capabilities to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.

/11. Cross Sector, $5.1 Million, Construction Technology, Japan

Tokyo-based Cross Sector, a spin-off from Nikon, has raised a cumulative 770 million yen (about $5.1 million) across seed and Series A funding, including equity investments and loans.

Founded in March 2025, the company will use the capital to produce its Frame Finder construction sensing service, develop an automatic steel column adjustment mechanism and expand its organisation.

/12. TravClan, $5 Million, Travel Technology, India

Indian travel technology company TravClan raised $5 million from Flipkart, August One and Trifecta Capital to expand its global travel network and improve its AI-powered booking technology.

The company provides tools that help travel agents manage flights, hotels, activities and international holiday packages. The new funding will support international supplier relationships and expansion into additional destinations.

/13. Hunar.AI, $4.21 Million, HR Technology, India

Indian startup Hunar.AI raised approximately $4.21 million in a Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures.

The company uses AI to simplify frontline hiring and workforce management. It will use the funding to strengthen its AI infrastructure, develop its products and expand its go-to-market operations.