Funding secured for Seaplane Asia; Generative AI company Pika gains USD 80 million, CICC Porsche Fund finishes initial closing, plus additional developments

In the dynamic world of business, investments continue to shape the future, driving innovation and growth across various industries. Here's a rundown of some significant recent investments in the tech and transportation sectors.

Seaplane Asia Secures Funding for Expansion

Seaplane Asia, a provider of commercial seaplane, aviation, and lifestyle services in Southeast Asia, has closed a funding round co-led by TK & Partners and A2D Ventures. The funds raised will be used to accelerate its growth in Thailand and facilitate its expansion across Southeast Asia. Seaplane Asia offers services for medical evacuations, search and rescue, and corporate charters, focusing on providing a unique, sustainable mode of transportation to connect remote islands and coastal areas.

Ankit Upadhyay, founder and general partner at A2D Ventures, stated that Seaplane Asia's commitment to sustainability and direct waterfront access promises to enhance connectivity and convenience.

Ather Energy Raises Funds for New Energy Ventures

In Bengaluru, electric two-wheeler startup Ather Energy has secured funds in a USD 34.5 million debt and equity funding round. Co-founders Mehta Jain and Swapnil Jain jointly invested over USD 10 million in this round. The funds will target opportunities in the fields of new energy and intelligent connected vehicles.

Porsche Invests in CICC Porsche Fund

Porsche has made a significant move by becoming the anchor investor in the CICC Porsche Fund, a partnership between CICC Private Equity Investment Management and Porsche. The CICC Porsche Fund, which has completed its initial closing, is focused on supporting China's burgeoning industry in the areas of new energy and intelligent connected vehicles. Porsche will use its technical expertise to help the fund select investment targets and promote post-investment empowerment.

Hero MotoCorp Expands Investment in Ather Energy

India's Hero MotoCorp, one of the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturers, has increased its stake in Ather Energy by purchasing an additional 2.2% for about INR 1.24 billion (USD 14.8 million). This is Hero MotoCorp's third investment in Ather Energy over the last nine months.

The Sandbox Raises Funding for UGC Metaverse Platform

The Sandbox, a user-generated content (UGC) metaverse platform, has successfully raised USD 20 million in a funding round led by Kingsway Capital and Animoca Brands.

Pika Secures Series B Funding for AI Video Solutions

Startup Pika, which develops artificial intelligence solutions to generate videos on command, has raised USD 80 million in Series B funding from Spark Capital, Greycroft, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Neo, Makers Fund, Jared Leto, and Craig Kallman.

Wrtn Technologies Secures Pre-Series B Funding for AI Tech

South Korean artificial intelligence tech startup Wrtn Technologies has raised KRW 25 billion (USD 18.1 million) in a pre-Series B funding round.

Astroscale Aims to Raise Funds for Space Tech IPO

Japan-headquartered space tech company Astroscale is aiming to raise USD 153 million through its IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market.

Tomas Koch, founder and chairman at TK & Partners, said that his company is "on track to make a substantial impact on lifestyle travel, enriching the experiences of tourists and residents in Thailand and beyond." These investments are a testament to the ongoing drive for innovation and growth in the tech and transportation sectors.

Funding secured for Seaplane Asia; Generative AI company Pika gains USD 80 million, CICC Porsche Fund finishes initial closing, plus additional developments