Pan-Asia tech media TechNode Global raises US$1M from Kairous Capital

TechNode Global, a Pan-Asia technology media startup, has raised a seed round of funding led by Kairous Capital (Hong Kong) with participation from Nutty Capital Venture (Hong Kong), and SPH Ventures (Singapore).

The investment will accelerate TechNode Global’s efforts in building pan-Asia’s leading tech media platform. The company plans to cover more technology stories, deliver high-quality events, and build comprehensive cross-border business across the region. The funding will also drive the company’s further international expansion.

Launched in early 2019 by Dr. Gang Lu, also the Founder and CEO of China’s leading bilingual tech media TechNode, TechNode Global is more than just a media company. It is building a technology community platform, offering insightful news, providing fundraising and deal flow support, organizing regional events, and facilitating corporate-startup partnerships. The tech media startup has experienced significant growth since its launch and counts corporations iFLYTEK, Huawei, Alibaba Cloud, and NTUC Income among its clients. By spinning off from TechNode, TechNode Global can focus its industry and regional expertise into better serving the significant Asia Pacific Market. The deepening cross-border commercial ties between China and the rest of Asia, especially with Southeast Asia, present a huge market opportunity as Chinese tech behemoths step up their expansion and investments in the region.

Dr. Gang Lu, Founder & CEO, said, "Despite 2020 being a challenging year, TechNode Global is proud to have experienced a year of remarkable growth and many firsts. Having the privilege to work with regional corporate clients is a testament to our mission to be the source of insights and network for tech and innovation. Asia is the next promising technology innovation center and market. With the enormous experience and resources TechNode has in China, I believe we are at the right place, at the right time to carry out our purpose."

"Being a regional VC investing across China and Southeast Asia, we envisage tremendous integration and collaboration opportunities in the technology and business space within the region. TechNode Global being connected with the Asia Pacific technology ecosystem coupled with the recently signed RCEP, we are positive that they will be a key player as a regional innovation enabler in years to come," said Joseph Lee, Managing Partner at Kairous Capital, a regional venture capital specialising in cross-border investments between China and South East Asia.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Despite the serious impact from COVID, we do see a big innovation opportunity trending into a number of new technology frontiers. We believe it’s perfect timing for TechNode to expand into new markets under the strong  leadership of Dr. Lu, to reshape the new rhythm in the fast-growing Southeast Asia tech playground," said Gilbert Lam, Executive Director at Nutty Capital.

TechNode Global has been privileged to partner with regional government agencies, notable community builders, and corporations such as National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), Enterprise Singapore, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Sunway Group, True Digital Park, etc., in hosting its flagship event ORIGIN Conference and other community initiatives. With the recognition and support from key tech communities across the regions,

TechNode Global will be working closely with them to localize its services and be engaged with local tech ecosystems. The company currently has an office in Singapore, with plans to set up an office in Malaysia soon.