Startups rock their new genes

More: Two Singapore-based dating services hook up. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [The biotech firm helping startups get into genomics]( - Singapore-based venture debt investorGenesis Alternative Ventures closing its US$125 million fund - Other newsy highlights such as two dating services from the city-state hooking up --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Did anything good come out of the Covid-19 pandemic? On a personal level, I got a whole lot better at cooking, while on a broader scale, we all greatly improved at washing our hands. Jokes aside, it can be hard to remember positive innovations and changes that came about due to the pandemic but come about they did. Take for example the increased focus on genomic sequencing brought about by the need to rapidly study the virus. Now, companies that got a major boost from the pandemic are using that same technology to improve healthcare. Today’s featured story explores one Temasek-backed firm doing just that, and it’s also bringing smaller startups along for the ride. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Temasek-backed biotech firm helps startups enter genomics space]( Oxford Nanopore offers genomics technology that allows startups to build their own solutions. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Singapore dating agencies Lunch Actually and Paktor merge]( Lunch Actually and Paktor, two Singapore-based dating services, are tying the knot with a merger. Paktor brings about 20 million users to the table while Lunch Actually has some 1.2 million members. [Genesis Alternative Ventures raises $125m for second fund]( Most of the new fund's investors are returning from the first edition, including Sassoon Investment Corporation, Korea Development Bank, and Silverhorn. About 20% of the fund has already been deployed to firms like drone service provider Aonic, orthodontics brand Zenyum, and reverse logistics firm Returnkey. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Surviving the funding game: how timing can make or break your startup]( Industry realities, economic conditions, and market volatility can affect the time gap between funding rounds. --------------------------------------------------------------- WHO’S AT FOUNDERS MEETUP BANGKOK TONIGHT?  The guest list speaks for itself Skip the awkward networking and experience the energy of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing tech hub at Founders Meetup Bangkok tonight. Connect, collaborate, and make things happen with top investors, trailblazing founders, and industry game-changers from DFDL, Cart Biz International, JobNet Group, Swiftlet, Indelible Ventures, and more, all gathered in one room. Final few 1+1 bundles left - we won’t be adding more once they’re sold out. [Get your tickets now!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You too can publish your own press release on Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - K-Link - [Klink.cloud Partners with Rakuten Viber To Enhance Business Communication in APAC]( Klink.cloud partners with Rakuten Viber to enhance business communication in APAC, integrating Viber Chatbots to streamline customer engagement. - First Rate Connect - [Launch of First Rate Connect Venture Accelerator, Aims to Support Singaporean Fintech Startups in Expanding to the US Market]( Launch of First Rate Connect Venture Accelerator, Aims to Support Singaporean Fintech Startups in Expanding to the US Market. - Libertex - [Libertex adds a dash of European Football excitement to iFX EXPO Asia 2024]( The global CFD industry leader will have a distinctive presence at Asia’s benchmark online trading event. - Fingular - [Global neobank Fingular launches “Buy Now, Pay Later” business in Malaysia under the brand AhaPay]( Global neobank Fingular launches “Buy Now, Pay Later” business in Malaysia under the brand AhaPay. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](.  [Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta on October 23 - 24]( Nicholas Nash, managing partner and co-founder of Asia Partners, will be delivering the opening keynote at TIA Conference Jakarta and share his insights on Southeast Asia’s tech resilience, focusing on the markets and industries that have kept the region powering through. He’ll also explore the underlying factors that enable this continued growth and development. Final batch of third-release tickets are now up for grabs at 45% off, [get yours today before offers end on September 8.]( [Leadership Collective: Building at Scale on September 26]( Consider this your backstage pass to the expanding intersection of design and AI, where creativity meets algorithms and workflows transform into intelligent, collaborative ecosystems. We're unpacking how AI can help you improve traditional processes, build innovative products, and gain a competitive edge. Seats are extremely limited - [apply now.]( [Gemini Day for Startups: Indonesia on September 26]( Stop wondering if generative AI can transform your business - see it in action instead. This exclusive event will show you how to leverage AI to unlock new revenue streams, optimize operations, and gain a competitive edge. [Apply for your invite today]( - limited spots available, so secure yours now. [SYNC 2024 on October 08]( Get ready to experience the future of AI at #SYNC2024, an exclusive, closed-door event convening 100 of Asia's most influential minds in the AI landscape. We're thrilled to announce that Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer, will be joining our main stage speaker lineup. Besides the main stage content, expect tailored roundtables, demos from AI startups, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and resources to navigate the ever-evolving AI landscape. This exclusive event is by application only. [Find out more about SYNC 2024 today.]( [Startup Factory at Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta]( Are you a founder looking for inspiration, connections, and the latest tech insights? Look no further than the Startup Factory at #TIAConferenceJKT! This exclusive space, designed for founders like you, will showcase the region's most promising tech companies. Get up close and personal with the innovators shaping the future, discover the trends driving the tech industry, and connect with potential partners and investors. Competition is fierce and limited booth slots are available. [Apply now!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Product Operations Associate]( at Tech in Asia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Senior Technical Project Manager]( at Perx Technologies Pte. Ltd. Bangalore, India - [Lead Data Engineer]( at TADA Jakarta, Indonesia - [Business Operation (Part-Time)]( at Qiscus Yogyakarta, Indonesia - [Quality Assurance Specialist Rajungan]( at Aruna Jakarta, Indonesia - [Budget Control - Cikarang (Maternity Leave)]( at Pasifik Satelit Nusantara Cikarang, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. Don't miss out on the biggest tech news and analysis. Add newsletter@techinasia.com to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list. 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