Financial agreements: Hubble obtains a loan from AlteriQ Global, SoftBank backs Perplexity AI, Etched gathers funds for advancing AI chip development, and additional investments.

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In the dynamic world of technology and finance, several significant developments have taken place recently. Here's a summary of some noteworthy updates:

Retail Sector

Dali Stores, a discount grocery chain founded in 2020, has experienced rapid growth, expanding its network to over 600 stores across the Philippines. DEG, the investment arm of German state-owned development bank KfW, has committed USD 8.4 million to support Dali Stores in accelerating the rollout of new stores and distribution centers, as well as driving the launch of new private-label brands.

Financial Services

Hubble, a technology company, has secured a USD 5 million private debt facility from AlteriQ Global to fuel the growth of its financial services division. The company's platform, called "progress-to-payment," integrates construction management with financial services, providing liquidity to the supply chain and enabling early payments based on verifiable progress data.

AI and Semiconductors

Etched, an AI chip startup, has raised USD 120 million in a Series A funding round. The company aims to redefine AI hardware by offering a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to general-purpose AI chips like those made by Nvidia. Etched has partnered with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for chip fabrication, and the funding will cover the costs of sending designs to TSMC and manufacturing the chips.

Climate-Focused Companies

Samsara Eco, a climate-focused company harnessing recycling technology to eliminate plastic waste, has raised USD 65 million in its latest funding round.

Automotive Technology

H-Great Optoelectronic, a Shenzhen-based company developing automotive-grade LED products, has raised RMB 40 million (USD 5.5 million) in a Series A funding round.

Startup Investments

Perplexity AI is finalizing an investment of USD 10-20 million from SoftBank Group's Vision Fund 2. The Chinese company Aerofugia, specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, received several hundred million RMB in a Series B funding round led by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). Botinkit, a technology company registered in Shenzhen, has secured nearly RMB 100 million (USD 13.7 million) in a Series A+ funding round. Mayoo Technology, a company specializing in enzymatic DNA synthesis, has completed an angel round of financing, raising an eight-figure RMB sum.

AI-Driven Search Market

Perplexity aims to compete with Google in the AI-driven search market. The deal is expected to value Perplexity at USD 3 billion and forms part of a larger USD 250 million funding round.

Biotechnology

Weiyuan Biotechnology, a Hangzhou-based synthetic biology company, has raised tens of millions of RMB in an angel funding round.

These developments underscore the ongoing innovation and investment in various sectors, driving progress and shaping the future of technology and finance.

Financial agreements: Hubble obtains a loan from AlteriQ Global, SoftBank backs Perplexity AI, Etched gathers funds for advancing AI chip development, and additional investments.