Deals in brief: Wavemaker Impact backs Virdalis, MetaComp and dtcpay raise funding, PixVerse reaches unicorn status, and more

Virdalis secures backing for duckweed protein platform targeting feed security

Virdalis, a Singapore-based biotechnology startup, has raised USD 700,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Wavemaker Impact to accelerate development of its duckweed-based animal feed platform. The company produces high-protein feed from Wolffia globosa, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to conventional inputs such as soy and fishmeal.

It will use the funding to expand pilot production, grow its technical team, and initiate early commercial partnerships with feed manufacturers across Southeast Asia. Its approach centers on cultivating duckweed in controlled environments, enabling rapid biomass growth with minimal land and water requirements.

By localizing production and reducing resource intensity, Virdalis aims to offer a more resilient and scalable protein source for aquaculture and livestock producers.

MetaComp raises pre-Series A+ funding to expand “Web 2.5” financial infrastructure

MetaComp, a Singapore-based fintech platform, has completed a pre-Series A+ round backed by Alibaba, Spark Venture, and existing investors, bringing its total pre-Series A financing to USD 35 million.

According to the company, it offers regulated payment and wealth solutions for institutional and accredited clients. The capital will be used to expand its StableX Network across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, while advancing its financial infrastructure. MetaComp focuses on enabling cross-border transactions through a hybrid model that integrates fiat and stablecoin rails.

Singapore’s dtcpay secures Series A funding to scale stablecoin payments globally

dtcpay, a Singapore-headquartered digital payments company, has raised USD 10 million in a Series A round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India. Boutique investment bank Favour Capital served as financial advisor.

The company enables businesses and individuals to transact across digital and fiat currencies through a real-time settlement engine. Its platform also offers card solutions in partnership with Visa, allowing users to spend stablecoin balances in everyday transactions.

It will use the proceeds to enhance its product suite, strengthen infrastructure, and expand operations across newly licensed markets. dtcpay recently secured an EMI (electronic money institution) license in Luxembourg, complementing its MPI (major payment institution) license in Singapore and additional regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions.

PixVerse reaches unicorn status following Series C round

PixVerse, a video generation platform developed by Chinese-founded AIsphere, said it has reached unicorn status following a Series C round led by CDH Investments, with participation from Antler, EnvisionX Capital, iGlobe Partners, Lion X Ventures, UOB Venture Management, and 3W Fund. The company did not disclose the round size or valuation.

The milestone comes in a segment where smaller startups were widely expected to be outcompeted by larger players over time. As of September 2025, when PixVerse completed its Series B funding, founder Wang Changhu said the platform’s subscription revenue was covering most of its operating costs, indicating strong usage and monetization that may have supported investor interest in the latest round.

The funding coincides with PixVerse establishing a Singapore office to support global expansion. The hub will anchor enterprise operations, partnerships, and market development, particularly across North America and Asia.

PvX Partners provides growth financing to Kodree for user acquisition

PvX Partners, a Singapore-based financial services platform, has provided USD 10 million in user acquisition financing to Kodree, an edtech platform headquartered in Kyiv.

Kodree offers subscription-based learning supported by an artificial intelligence assistant, combining structured curricula with hands-on projects and community-driven collaboration. It serves users across multiple countries, targeting both career switchers and professionals seeking to upskill.

The funds will be used to scale marketing efforts and accelerate user growth, with PvX’s cohort-based model enabling capital deployment tied to performance metrics.

OneDash expands Cambodia operations following early-stage backing

OneDash, a Cambodia-based on-demand laundry service, has secured early-stage backing from 2080 Ventures as it looks to scale its domestic operations. The company provides door-to-door laundry services, including washing, folding, and ironing, serving both individual consumers and hospitality clients.

The investment, the size of which was not disclosed, will support service expansion, operational improvements, and customer acquisition. OneDash focuses on building a reliable, technology-enabled service layer in a market where such offerings remain underpenetrated.

The announcement coincides with OneDash’s selection as one of the startups featured at the Cambodia Entrepreneur Showcase, where it reportedly gained additional visibility and access to regional networks.

Recent deals completed in China: Cortical Labs, TVS, Sapiens AI, and others made recent headlines:

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Note: RMB figures are converted to USD at rates of RMB 6.90 = USD 1 based on estimates as of March 17, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are presented for ease of reference and may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.

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