GrabMaps’ route to a $1b market in SEA

More: Animoca Brands’ entry into the edtech sector and an Indian D2C firm’s fresh fundraise. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Hello {NAME} I’ve spent uncountable hours frustrated by traffic that seems to last forever. I could trust local drivers and take a shorter route, but it hasn’t been the best idea in all instances. Hi Grab executives. If you’re reading this, please consider introducing GrabMaps to the Indian market. (Directionally challenged users like me are going to be eternally grateful.) If you’re wondering why I’ve hyped up GrabMaps, it's going to give you access to back alleys and narrow side streets that drivers and riders often rely on to cut travel times and avoid traffic jams. While GrabMaps could cut a user’s total fare by a couple of bucks, will the B2B service make money for its parent firm? Likely not soon. Keep scrolling through and I’ll get you up to speed with the newest buzz in town. Also, [do fill out this CDP x Tech in Asia questionnaire survey]( and be part of our campaign to help the startup ecosystem go green. -- Deepti  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [How GrabMaps plans to beat Google Maps in $1b sweepstake for SEA dominance]( Grab’s new B2B mapping service is well-placed to win market share, but don’t expect the numbers to move the needle.  --------------------------------------------------------------- TIA VIDEO This giant Gundam-like robot repairs railways At first glance, this humanoid robot bears a striking resemblance to those from Gundam, the famous anime franchise. However, the real-life version doesn’t destroy - it builds and repairs. This 33-feet robot built for railway repairs can attach pipes to overhead cables, lift heavy objects, cut down trees, and paint. It’s operated through a virtual reality headset and a remote control. West Japan Railway Company, one of the robot’s developers, says it reduces the risk of staff shortages in the construction industry and helps prevent workers from being electrocuted or falling from dangerous heights. The robot is still in the prototype phase and will be fully operational in early 2024. Learn more about it in [this video](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Kakao Games partners with blockchain gaming firm for Asia push]( The deal will see Mythical Games integrate Kakao’s affiliate Boranetwork- a Layer 2 and proprietary blockchain ecosystem – into its operations. [Exclusive: Global Emerging Markets backs Indonesian blockchain firm’s $60m raise]( Ekta’s blockchain ecosystem will include an NFT marketplace, a hybrid crypto exchange, a blockchain-based game, and a real estate investment business. [HK crypto platform caps monthly withdrawals at $1.5k amid Three Arrows Capital turmoil]( Finblox has also paused reward distribution on its platform, including those for referrals and deposits. [AirAsia launches e-wallet for super app]( The e-wallet is currently available in Malaysia and comes in two versions: Lite and Pro. [Today’s Bitcoin analysis and price prediction]( Russia expresses willingness to adopt crypto for international payments while Panama pauses to debate. Bitcoin to maintain above US$20,000. [Indian unicorn ShareChat hits $5b valuation after closing $520m round]( In the final tranche of the round, ShareChat raised US$255 million from Google, Times Group, and Temasek. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - *Event* [Fintech Forum]( on July 7 Join us at this year's Fintech Forum, hosted by Tech in Asia and Amazon Web Services (AWS). 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