Deals in brief: BrightChamps acquires Edjust, Aleph raises seed funding, East Ventures closes secondary transaction with Coller Capital, and more

BrightChamps acquires Edjust in cash and stock deal

Edtech platform BrightChamps has acquired Edjust, a K12 education platform, in a cash and stock transaction. Edjust uses artificial intelligence and data to streamline edtech sales by connecting with parents inclined toward digital learning solutions.

This marks BrightChamps’ fourth acquisition since its inception in 2020. The company plans to refine Edjust’s sales model, expand into 30 geographies, and complement its STEM-focused offerings. The acquisition includes the launch of a new vertical for academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English.

In a statement, BrightChamps said Edjust’s founders will lead efforts to build new distribution channels and enhance customer engagement through augmented and virtual reality experiences.

Aleph raises USD 750,000 to optimize industrial processes

Aleph Digital Technologies, a Singapore-based AI solutions provider, has raised USD 750,000 in seed funding led by Cocoon Capital, with participation from Graiden Gorge Investments.

Aleph’s flagship product, a copilot solution, uses digital twin and machine learning technologies to optimize industrial processes, reportedly improving yield and efficiency by up to 40% while reducing carbon emissions. The funding will support Aleph’s expansion across Asia and the Middle East, focusing on energy-intensive industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

East Ventures closes GP-led secondary transaction with Coller Capital

East Ventures, a Southeast Asian venture capital firm, has completed its inaugural GP-led secondary transaction with Coller Capital.

The deal offers liquidity to limited partners in East Ventures 5 LP (EV5) while maintaining exposure to future returns. EV5, which holds a near-twofold distributions-to-paid-in capital (DPI) ratio, includes prominent Southeast Asian tech firms such as IDN and Waresix in its portfolio.

“We believe the portfolio is well positioned to benefit from the secular tailwinds of the Indonesian growth story, particularly with the rise of its digital economy,” said Willson Cuaca, co-founder and managing partner at East Ventures.

UBS Private Funds Group advised on the transaction.

uHoo secures USD 3.7 million for indoor environmental quality solutions

Singapore-based uHoo, a provider of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) monitoring solutions, has closed a USD 3.7 million funding round comprising equity and debt, according to TechNode Global. Wavemaker Ventures and Menarco Development Corporation co-led the round, with participation from Undivided Ventures, Neo Office CEO Raymond Rufino, Lighthouse Canton, and other existing shareholders.

The funding will enable uHoo to expand its B2B offerings and develop new hardware and software products. uHoo’s flagship product, uHoo Aura, monitors up to 16 environmental parameters and integrates with building systems to automate air conditioning, ventilation, and heating. The company aims to help organizations improve health, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

Cyfirma receives investment from MDI Ventures

Cyfirma, a Singapore-based cybersecurity firm specializing in threat intelligence and management, has received an undisclosed investment from MDI Ventures, according to Kontan. MDI Ventures is the venture capital arm of Indonesia’s Telkom Group.

The funding will support Cyfirma’s growth in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and bolster its R&D efforts. Cyfirma’s external threat landscape management (ETLM) platform offers predictive insights and digital risk protection to counter advanced cyber threats.

The deal includes leveraging Cyfirma’s capabilities within Telkom Group while expanding the cybersecurity firm’s regional market reach.

Eden Exchange acquires Dealcierge to create EdenX platform

Melbourne-based fintech company Eden Exchange has acquired Dealcierge, a platform incubated by SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s innovation arm.

The acquisition will establish EdenX, a Singapore-based platform valued at AUD 50 million (USD 35 million). EdenX will focus on modernizing funding, mergers, and acquisition deals for small and medium enterprises across the Asia Pacific. SC Ventures retains a shareholder stake in the venture.

100X.VC invests USD 2.7 million in latest startup cohort

Indian venture capital firm 100X.VC has invested approximately USD 2.7 million in 18 startups from its latest cohort.

The investments, facilitated through SAFE notes, span sectors such as B2B software, biotechnology, gaming, and consumer products. Each startup received around USD 150,000.

Recent deals completed in China: Aevice Health, BeZero Carbon, Airwallex, and more made recent headlines:

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