TechNode Global raises $1 million from Kairous Capital, Nutty Capital, and SPH Ventures

• TechNode Global, a pan-Asian tech media and community platform startup, announces seed investment of US $1 million.
• The funding round was led by Kairous Capital, with the participation of Nutty Capital and SPH Ventures.
• Fresh capital will fuel TechNode Global’s growing footprint in the Asia Pacific.
• TechNode Global intends to build its pan-Asia technology ecosystem with media, events, corporate innovation services, and cross-border businesses.

TechNode Global, a Pan-Asia technology media and community platform startup, has raised a seed round of $1 million led by Kairous Capital (Hong Kong), with participation from Nutty Capital Venture (Hong Kong) and SPH Ventures (Singapore).

The investment will accelerate TechNode Global’s effort to build the Asia Pacific’s leading tech media platform, including plans to cover more technology stories, deliver high-quality events, and build comprehensive cross-border businesses across the region. The funding will also support the company’s further international expansion.

Launched in early 2019 by Dr. Gang Lu, the founder and CEO of China’s leading bilingual tech media TechNode, TechNode Global is more than a media company. It is building a technology community platform, offering news, fundraising and deal flow support, regional events, and facilitation for corporate-startup partnerships. The startup has experienced significant growth since its launch and has partnered with corporations such as iFLYTEK, Huawei, Alibaba Cloud, and NTUC Income.

The deepening cross-border commercial ties between China and the rest of Asia, especially with Southeast Asia, present a huge market opportunity as Chinese tech behemoths step up their expansion and investments in the region. By spinning from TechNode, TechNode Global will focus on industry and regional expertise to serve the growing regional market.

Dr. Lu said, “Despite 2020 being a challenging year, TechNode Global is proud to have experienced remarkable growth and many firsts. Having the privilege to work with regional corporate clients is a testament to our mission to be the source of insights and network for tech and innovation. Asia is the next promising technology innovation center and market. With the enormous experience and resources TechNode has in China, I believe we are at the right place, at the right time to carry out our purpose.”

Joseph Lee, Managing Partner at Kairous Capital, a regional venture capital specializing in cross-border investments between China and Southeast Asia, said: “Being a regional VC investing across China and Southeast Asia, we envisage tremendous integration and collaboration opportunities in the technology and business space within the region. Because TechNode Global is connected with the Asia Pacific technology ecosystem, coupled with the recently signed RCEP, we are positive that they will be a key player as a regional innovation enabler in years to come.”

Gilbert Lam, Executive Director at Nutty Capital, said: “Despite the serious impact from Covid, we do see a big innovation opportunity trending into a number of new technology frontiers. We believe it’s perfect timing for TechNode to expand into new markets under the strong leadership of Dr. Lu, to reshape the new rhythm in the fast-growing Southeast Asia tech playground.”

TechNode Global has been privileged to partner with regional government agencies, community builders, and corporations to host its flagship event ORIGIN Conference and other community initiatives. These partners include National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), Enterprise Singapore, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Sunway Group, True Digital Park, and others. With recognition and support from key tech communities across the region, TechNode Global will work closely with local partners to localize its services and engage with local tech ecosystems.

The company currently has an office in Singapore, and plans to open an office in Malaysia soon. 

Background

TechNode Global

TechNode Global is a Pan-Asia tech platform offering premium tech news, industry insights, events, and tailor-made marketing solutions for startups, VCs, corporates and other industry pioneers. With a vast network in global innovation and entrepreneurship, TechNode Global facilitates cross-border partnerships and businesses.

Kairous Capital

Kairous Capital, a regional venture capital specializing in cross-border investments between Greater China and South East Asia, with a focus on investing in disruptive technologies across both regions. Kairous Capital specializes in bridging the technology gap between Greater China and South East Asia, providing a complete cross-border solution to its investments.

SPH Ventures

SPH Ventures is the corporate venture capital fund of Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (“SPH”), Asia’s leading media organization listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. The fund size totals S$100 million. It has a global mandate to invest in early-stage innovative companies in the areas of Digital Media (including advertising technology and content aggregation/ distribution/ consumption) and Consumer Internet (including e-commerce, marketplaces, social media, education technology, financial technology, etc).

Nutty Capital

Nutty Capital, where daring nuts meet to revolutionize and put a dent in the universe. Nutty Capital shares early stage venture resources with entrepreneurs across Greater China and Southeast Asia region in a selected range of areas, including internet, technology, health care, and consumer.