Startups
Coverage of Asia's most promising AI and tech startups.

Eclipse Ventures Raises $1.3 Billion to Build the 'Physical AI' Startup Ecosystem
The deep-tech venture firm's largest raise yet spans early- and late-stage funds targeting robotics, defense, energy, and infrastructure startups.

Hermeus Raises $350 Million to Build Unmanned Hypersonic Aircraft
The Atlanta-based defense aviation startup secures fresh capital for autonomous hypersonic fighters as the Pentagon doubles down on next-generation air superiority.

Shield AI Closes $1.5 Billion Series G at $12.7 Billion Valuation for Autonomous Defense
The autonomous defense company secures one of the largest venture rounds in defense history, adding a $500 million preferred equity stake from Blackstone.

Firmus Raises $505M at $5.5B Valuation to Build Nvidia-Powered AI Data Centers Across Asia-Pacific
The Australian startup has raised $1.35 billion in six months and plans to IPO on the ASX later this year, with backing from Coatue and Nvidia.

Nava Raises $22M to Build Asia's Full-Stack AI Cloud, Targeting the Region's Compute Gap
Founded by ex-OYO, ex-McKinsey, and ex-Jio executives, the rebranded startup aims to become the go-to neo-cloud platform for AI workloads across APAC.

Perplexity AI Surges Past $450M ARR as It Pivots from Search to Autonomous Agents
The AI search startup saw a 50% revenue jump in a single month, eliminated advertising entirely, and launched an autonomous agent product called Computer.

Aria Networks Raises $125 Million to Build 'Networks That Think' for AI Data Centers
The Palo Alto startup launched and deployed in just over a year, introducing the concept of 'Model Flop Utilization' as the key metric for AI infrastructure efficiency.

Modus Raises $85 Million to Bring AI-Powered Automation to the $300 Billion Audit Industry
The startup aims to transform traditional auditing with AI agents that can review financial documents, identify anomalies, and accelerate compliance workflows.

Starfish Space Raises $110 Million to Extend Satellite Lifespans With AI-Powered Orbital Servicing
The Series B round funds autonomous spacecraft that can refuel, repair, and reposition satellites, backed by growing demand from defense and commercial operators.

AI Virtual Try-On Startups Take On Retail's Multibillion-Dollar Returns Problem
Catches, Genlook, and AIUTA are among the startups deploying generative AI to let shoppers visualize fit before buying — and retailers are paying attention.

Eclipse Raises $1.3 Billion to Build the 'Physical AI' Economy
The Cerebras-backing VC firm's largest fund yet targets robotics, defense, and AI infrastructure startups working in the physical world.

Hermeus Becomes Unicorn With $350 Million Raise for Autonomous Hypersonic Fighters
The defense aviation startup reaches $1 billion valuation as it accelerates development of the 'fastest unmanned aircraft' with Pratt & Whitney engines.