Deals in brief: Neptune Robotics raises Series B funding, ThinkZone launches new Vietnam-focused fund, Velocitor acquires Nextbillion.ai, and more

Neptune Robotics raises USD 52 million to scale robotic hull cleaning

Neptune Robotics, a Hong Kong–based company, has raised USD 52 million in a Series B funding round led by Granite Asia, with strategic backing from NYK Line.

The company develops underwater robots designed to replace human divers in ship hull cleaning. Its robots can reportedly operate up to five times faster than divers and withstand conditions such as strong currents and low visibility. Neptune said its systems now cover 61 ports in Asia, serving major bulk carrier and container fleets.

The new funds will support R&D, new robotic platforms, artificial intelligence-enabled service systems, and expansion into new global markets, with Japan a priority. The partnership with NYK also highlights the potential of robotics to reduce fuel costs, cut emissions, and lower operational risks in maritime transport.

Honest secures financing to expand credit card products

Honest, an Indonesia-based credit card issuer, has closed an oversubscribed growth round led by Orico, with participation from XYZ Venture Capital, SV Pacific Ventures, and Village Global, as well as new backing from Gilgamesh Ventures and other US investors.

The company has also secured USD 40 million in debt financing from Mizuho Bank, bringing its total equity raised to USD 100 million.

Founded in 2023, Honest issues digital-first credit cards and plans to expand into corporate and co-branded products. The company aims to address Indonesia’s financial access gap, where credit card penetration remains low. It will use the new funds to scale its offerings and strengthen operations ahead of a potential US IPO before 2030.

ThinkZone launches new fund to back Vietnam-linked startups

ThinkZone, a Vietnam-based venture capital firm, has launched its fourth fund, Global Minds Fund I (GMFI), to support early-stage startups with ties to Vietnam.

GMFI will invest up to USD 1 million per company from pre-seed through Series A stages, focusing on founders or operations with a Vietnamese connection and strong international growth potential. The fund is sector-agnostic but builds on ThinkZone’s experience in fintech and edtech, while targeting new areas such as AI, software-as-a-service, and health tech.

According to ThinkZone, GMFI will also align with Vietnam’s national priorities in technology and innovation while backing socially impactful business models.

Velocitor Solutions acquires Nextbillion.ai to strengthen portfolio

Velocitor Solutions has acquired Nextbillion.ai, a Singapore-based provider of AI-powered mapping and geospatial solutions. The deal expands Velocitor’s portfolio in AI and location-based services, with applications in logistics, transportation, and field services.

Founded in 2020, Nextbillion.ai develops custom mapping platforms to improve operational efficiency and customer experience for global enterprises. As part of Velocitor, it will continue to operate under its own brand while leveraging expanded resources for product development and international growth.

SingAuto raises over USD 50 million to advance EVs for cold chain logistics

SingAuto, a Singapore-headquartered technology company focused on cold chain logistics, has raised more than USD 50 million in a round backed by GSR Vision Capital, Delu Capital, Bank of China Asset Management (Singapore), and BBG Global, with participation from MVGX Tech and Startech Global Ventures.

The funds will be used to accelerate international expansion, establish localized assembly operations, and advance R&D for next-generation refrigerated electric vehicles. SingAuto positions itself as a provider of sustainable cold chain logistics, addressing food and pharmaceutical transport with EV-based solutions.

RedotPay reaches unicorn status with USD 47 million strategic round

RedotPay, a Hong Kong–based fintech company specializing in stablecoin-powered payments, has raised USD 47 million in a round with participation from Coinbase Ventures and an unnamed global tech entrepreneur, along with follow-on backing from Galaxy Ventures and Vertex Ventures.

Founded in 2023, RedotPay offers stablecoin-based cards, multi-currency wallets, and global payout solutions. The new funding will support compliance, licensing, and the strengthening of its infrastructure for stablecoin-powered finance.

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