SEPTEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9Qashier, a Singapore-based fintech startup, announced on Aug 30 that it has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round.The funding round was co-led by Delivery Hero Ventures, an independent venture capital fund backed by Delivery Hero, the world's leading local delivery platform, and IFP Securities, according to Qashier.It was also stated that Antler Elevate and Cocoon Capital took part in the round.This latest round of funding comes at a time when the fintech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, emphasising the importance of accessible, user-friendly tools for businesses of all sizes.As businesses in Southeast Asia shift towards digital payments, Qashier said that with its innovative solutions and commitment to merchant success, the firm is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the rapidly evolving world of digital payments and point-of-sale (POS) solutions.The funds will allow Qashier to accelerate its growth in its four Southeast Asia focus markets, expand into new international markets, and strengthen its product ecosystem, according to the statement. NEWSROOMFINTECH STATUP QASHIER RAISES $10 MILLION IN SERIES A FUNDING ROUNDFour Chinese technology firms, including Baidu Inc and SenseTime Group, released their artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to the public on Aug 31 after receiving government approval, as China's government seeks to expand the use of such products in the face of competition from the United States.Baidu, China's leading online search provider, announced in a statement that Ernie Bot, its ChatGPT-like chatbot, is now fully accessible to the public. According to an email from a SenseTime spokesperson, its chatbot, SenseChat, is now "fully available to serve all users."On August 31, two other AI startups, Baichuan Intelligent Technology and Zhipu AI, announced similar public launches.Baidu and SenseTime shares rose 3.1 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively, in early Hong Kong trade, outperforming the broader market, which was down 0.4 percent. China, unlike other countries, requires companies to submit security assessments and obtain clearance before releasing mass-market AI products.Authorities have recently stepped up efforts to assist companies in developing AI, as the technology becomes a focal point of competition with the United States.According to Chinese media, the government approved 11 companies, including TikTok owner ByteDance and Tencent Holdings. Neither company responded immediately to requests for comment on their AI plans. CHINESE GOVERNMENT APPROVES LAUNCH OF AI CHATBOTS, LEADS TO SURGE IN TECH STOCKS
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