Also, Goxip raises US$1.4M in funding, Lalamove rolls out insurance for its Thailand drivers
Grab raises US$200 million from Booking.com – [e27]
Southeast Asia ride-hailing giant Grab has raised US$200 million from travel reservations company Booking Holdings, the company that owns Booking.com and Agoda.
Booking.com will now offer Grab customers discounts and offers. By the next year, it will Grab will host Booking.com’s hotel booking product.
This move is part of Grab’s open platform strategy, which is designed to help the company beyond the transportation sector into an all-encompassing online service provider.
Go-Jek secures commitment of US$1.2 billion – [e27]
Meanwhile, Grab’s archrival, Go-Jek, has secured commitments for US$1.2 billion from existing investors like Google, Tencent, and JD.
The total amount is not finalised yet but could reach potentially reach US$1.5 billion when it closes, putting the company’s valuation to US$9 billion or even more.
Go-Jek wants to use the new funding to fuel its aggressive expansion plans in APAC (which it began this year) through strategic alliances.
Goxip raises US$1.4 million – [TechCrunch]
Hong Kong-based fashion discovery startup Goxip has raised US$1.4 million from Convoy, a financial services company, according to a report by TechCrunch.
Existing investors such as Chinese photo app company Meitu joined the round.
Goxip will use the newly-raised funding offer more installment-based financing options for its customers, such as via a virtual credit card.
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Besides helping people find and buy branded clothing, Goxip has also launched a service that matches influencer with brands, allowing the former to make money off referrals.
Yogyakarta launches bike-sharing service – [The Jakarta Post]
The Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, Jl Malioboro, has launched a bike-sharing service, according to The Jakarta Post.
Called the JogjaBike, the app works like most bike-sharing platforms: you download the app, scan a QR code on the bike, which unlocks the smart unlock and off you go. The company charges the bike rentals by the hour.
The company plans to roll out 1,000 bikes in the city.
Lalamove gives it Thailand-based drivers insurance – [press release]
On-demand delivery platform Lalamove has partnered with Thai-based Frank Insurance Broker to give its delivery drivers insurance.
All 40,000 of Lalamove’s drivers in Thailand will be given health, life, car and bike, and accident coverage.
“Caring for our Lalamove drivers through adequate health, life, vehicle and medical insurance is about adopting a clear sense of community within the company and of looking after the wellbeing of our valued Lalamove team here in Thailand,” said Marketing Manager at Lalamove, Pasit Thiannapapornchoke.
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The post Today’s top tech news, October 30: Grab raises US$200M, Go-Jek gets commitment for US$1.2B appeared first on e27.
Source: E27