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Daily Markup #430: Laka raises US$12M to expand locations & coverage; HelloMida selected for Surge to share in US$60M funding; Nas Academy partners India video app to launch training program

Ching Yee Ho

Published

31.01.22

The Daily Markup will be taking a break for Lunar New Year on 1st and 2nd February. See you on 3rd February for edition #431, and Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Credit: Laka

Riding into more countries

  • 500-backed bicycle insurtech startup Laka has raised US$12 million in a Series A funding round, led by US mobility investor Autotech Ventures with participation from sustainable mobility and energy fund Ponooc, a Dutch sustainable mobility investor.
  • According to the London-based startup, the fresh funds will be used to expand across Europe. It plans to launch in Belgium, France, and Germany in the first half of 2022.
  • Laka also aims to serve e-scooters, e-mopeds, and eventually, e-cars.
  • The startup currently provides its services through partnerships with global brands such as sports retailer Decathlon. It also insures many of the UK’s last-mile delivery companies and now aims to cover commercial fleets in Europe.
  • Read the full announcement here.

Credit: Surge

Staying fashionable for new consumers

  • 500-backed fashion retail startup HelloMida has been selected for the sixth cohort of Surge, Sequoia Capital India’s accelerator program.
  • The group of 20 startups has received a total funding of US$60 million from Surge and its co-investors.
  • Founded by Grace Yun Xia, HelloMida is based in Vietnam and uses a real-time retail model to reach Gen Z consumers in Southeast Asia. Its direct-from-factory infrastructure and data-driven approach on designing and merchandising enables it to offer over 200 new designs daily.
  • At Surge, founders will go through a 16-week virtual program. One of the key names participating as a speaker and mentor is co-founder of recommerce startup Carousell, Siu Rui Quek.
  • Get the full list on Tech in Asia.

Credit: IWMBuzz

Creating quality content

  • 500-backed Nas Academy has partnered with India short video app, MX TakaTak, for the second edition of the Creator Training Program.
  • 50 influencers across multiple categories and regions will be handpicked to participate. The month-long upskilling program will tap into international experts from Nas Academy to create high-quality content.
  • Participants will go through interactive learning activities such as fellow meetings, contests, feedback sessions, and one-on-one sessions with Nas Academy mentors.
  • Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn a Nas Academy Alumni Certificate.
  • Read the full article here.

Ching Yee Ho