Asia Startups
Singapore-Based ROLO Robotics Raises $3.45M to Expand AI-powered Autonomous Kitchens Across Asia and Australia
The robotics startup will deploy its AI-powered micro-kitchens across Singapore and launch pilot projects in Australia, reshaping the future of food automation.
Singapore-based robotics startup ROLO Robotics has raised US$3.45 million in a seed funding round backed by a global consortium of investors, including A2D Ventures, BEENEXT, Seedstars, TIS Japan, Antler, Lotus One Investment, and Blueprint Ventures. The round also saw continued support from angel investors Valentin Schillo and Gilbert Rodrigues.
The fresh capital will accelerate the rollout of ROLO’s autonomous food robots across Singapore, with pilot projects planned for Australia in early 2026. The company’s long-term vision is to create a network of 20 to 30 robot-powered micro-kitchens in Singapore by 2026—operating 24/7 to meet growing demand for fast, affordable, and freshly cooked meals in public spaces.
Building the Future of Human–Robot Collaboration in Food Service
Founded by Ravi Nahappan, ROLO Robotics develops autonomous food kiosks that can cook and serve made-to-order meals without on-site staff, combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and industrial-grade precision. The company’s flagship system, MAYA 3.0, represents what Nahappan calls the next step in “human-robot collaboration” for everyday kitchens.
“At ROLO, we believe the future of food service is human-robot collaboration—food that’s affordable, customizable, and always fresh,” said Ravi Nahappan, Co-Founder and CEO. “MAYA 3.0 brings industrial-grade precision into everyday kitchens. This funding allows us to accelerate deployments in Singapore and Australia while strengthening the connective tissue between robotics, AI, and future humanoid collaboration.”
ROLO’s autonomous kiosks are designed for campuses, offices, hospitals, and transport hubs, offering quick, hygienic meals for high-traffic environments. Each kiosk integrates directly with food delivery apps, enabling users to order seamlessly while maintaining real-time operational visibility for partners.
Scaling Across Singapore and Beyond
With pilot projects already secured across multiple sectors, ROLO’s immediate goal is to deploy at least 20 autonomous micro-kitchens across Singapore by 2026 before expanding into Australia’s public spaces and institutions.
The company’s vision extends beyond convenience—it aims to create a connected ecosystem of robotic kitchens that operate continuously, optimize food preparation, and reduce waste. By combining automation with smart logistics and data insights, ROLO Robotics is positioning itself as a pioneer in scalable, sustainable food automation across Asia-Pacific.
Asia Startups
India-based EV Charging Startup Ionage Raises $1.3M Pre-Series A to Expand Charging Network and AI-Powered Energy Management Nationwide
to expand interoperability across India’s charging networks, improve infrastructure reliability and develop AI-powered energy management capabilities.
Ionage operates an asset-light software platform that connects charge point operators, fleet operators, property owners and EV drivers through a unified charging ecosystem. The company aims to address fragmentation in India’s charging infrastructure by enabling users to discover charging stations, access different networks and complete payments through integrated digital services.
The platform has onboarded more than 25,000 four-wheeler charging points and supports over 63 fleets. Its network includes more than 75 charging partners across 33 Indian states and Union Territories, covering nearly 3,000 cities.
Ionage Secures $1.3M to Expand EV Charging Network Interoperability
The $1.3 million Pre-Series A investment will support Ionage’s plan to expand its platform coverage to 100% of active EV charging networks in India, with particular emphasis on integrating small and medium-sized charge point operators.
Rather than building and owning physical charging stations, Ionage focuses on developing the software infrastructure required to connect existing networks. Its interoperability model is designed to simplify charging access across operators, similar to how India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enables transactions between different banks through shared payment infrastructure.
The company works with restaurant owners, fuel station operators, real estate developers, housing societies and commercial fleet operators to improve charging network accessibility and coordination.
Ionage CEO Vimal Kumar V said that India’s EV charging challenge extends beyond installing additional infrastructure. He emphasized the need for a reliable system connecting charging operators, vehicle manufacturers, property owners and drivers to ensure stations can be located, accessed and paid for consistently.
Ionage Connects Over 25,000 Charging Points Across India
Ionage has established a nationwide network connecting more than 25,000 four-wheeler charging points and over 75 charging partners. The platform operates across 33 states and Union Territories, reaching nearly 3,000 cities and supporting more than 63 commercial fleets.
According to the company, its network connects more than 70% of India’s charging hardware at installation, reflecting its growing presence within the country’s EV charging ecosystem.
Ionage reports month-over-month growth exceeding 25% and expects to process more than 20 million units of energy throughput per month within the next 12 months.
The company plans to build on this growth by integrating additional charging networks, particularly smaller operators that may lack the technical infrastructure required to connect with larger EV charging platforms.
Addressing India’s EV Charging Infrastructure Challenges
India’s public EV charging infrastructure has expanded nearly sixfold since 2022, supported by rising electric vehicle adoption and government initiatives. However, charging availability, reliability and interoperability remain significant challenges.
According to figures cited by Ionage, nearly two out of every five public charging stations in India are non-functional, while the country currently has approximately one charger for every 235 electric vehicles. This compares with a cited global benchmark of one charger for every six to 20 EVs.
Research from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) indicates that India will require more than 1.32 million public charging stations by 2030 to support its expanding EV market.
Government initiatives, including FAME, PM E-DRIVE and production-linked incentive programmes, are expected to support further investment in electric mobility and charging infrastructure.
Ionage aims to address existing network fragmentation by creating a common technology layer that improves charging station discovery, payment processing and operational coordination without requiring operators to replace their existing infrastructure.
Expanding AI-Powered Charging and Energy Management Solutions
Ionage offers several products designed to support different participants in the EV charging ecosystem. Its Nexus platform provides charging point operations management, while the Ionage mobile application allows drivers to discover charging stations, plan journeys, initiate charging sessions and complete payments across supported networks.
The company’s Flo marketplace connects charge point operators and fleet users, while CASA provides home charging management capabilities. Ionage is also developing a Discovery API and business software development kit (SDK), both currently available in closed beta, to support integration with external platforms.
Alongside its charging management products, Ionage has begun incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning into its energy management capabilities. These technologies are intended to support intelligent load balancing and energy trading across its connected network.
By combining interoperability with AI-enabled energy management, the company aims to improve infrastructure utilization and help charging operators manage energy demand more efficiently.
Ionage Targets Tier 2 Cities and Full Network Coverage
Following its Pre-Series A funding round, Ionage plans to accelerate the integration of active charging networks throughout India and strengthen its relationships with small and medium-sized charge point operators.
Over the next 18 months, the company also intends to establish and support new charging operator micro-clusters in Tier 2 urban centers, extending access to charging services beyond major metropolitan markets.
Its longer-term strategy focuses on developing a unified infrastructure layer for charging discovery, network operations and payments, helping businesses and EV drivers interact with multiple charging providers through a more consistent experience.
With $1.3 million in new capital, Ionage aims to strengthen its position in India’s EV charging technology market while supporting the development of a more connected, reliable and accessible charging ecosystem.
Asia Startups
India-Based Wellness Startup The Stack Raises $2.5M Seed Funding to Expand Supplements Portfolio and Distribution
in seed funding co-led by Sauce, OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures to strengthen research and development, launch new products and expand its distribution channels across India.
Founded in 2024 by Shreya Jain and Kshitij Rihal, The Stack is a Goa-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) supplements brand developing products focused on sleep, gut health and other functional wellness needs. The company emphasizes clinically studied ingredients, formulation transparency and ingredient sourcing.
The latest investment follows The Stack’s first institutional funding round in January 2026. According to the company, its business has grown fivefold in the six months since that investment, supported by customer acquisition and repeat purchases.
The Stack Secures $2.5M to Strengthen Product Development
The ₹21.5 crore seed funding round will enable The Stack to expand its workforce, strengthen research and development capabilities and introduce additional supplements targeting specific consumer needs.
The round was co-led by Sauce, OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures, alongside participation from AYRA Ventures. The company did not disclose its valuation following the investment.
A key priority is the launch of new iron and Omega-3 supplements, which the founders say have been under development for more than a year. These additions will expand the company’s existing portfolio beyond its current focus on sleep and digestive wellness.
The Stack plans to maintain its emphasis on ingredient quality and transparent formulations as it develops new products. The brand provides information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes and certifications to help consumers understand its supplements.
Expanding Distribution Beyond Direct-to-Consumer Sales
The Stack currently operates through its own website but plans to broaden its distribution strategy by entering major e-commerce marketplaces and additional sales channels over the next 12 to 18 months.
The expansion is intended to increase product availability and help the company reach customers beyond its existing direct-to-consumer audience.
By diversifying its sales channels, The Stack aims to strengthen its presence in India’s supplements market while supporting the introduction of new products.
The company will also invest in team expansion and operational capabilities to support its growing product portfolio and distribution network.
The Stack Reports Fivefold Growth and Strong Repeat Purchases
The Stack reported fivefold business growth during the six months following its first institutional funding round in January 2026. Building on this momentum, the company is targeting six- to seven-fold growth in the financial year 2027 (FY27) compared with FY26.
Customer retention has also contributed to its growth. According to the company, approximately one in three customers places another order within six months, while its top 10% of customers generate 30% of total revenue.
The Stack uses a combination of founder-led content, performance marketing and customer referrals to attract new buyers. Its post-purchase surveys indicate that approximately 5% of orders are attributed to recommendations from doctors or therapists.
These company-reported figures highlight the role of repeat customers and referrals in its current business model as it prepares to expand into additional sales channels.
Building a Broader Portfolio of Functional Wellness Products
Established in Goa in 2024, The Stack develops supplements designed to address specific wellness needs, including sleep and gut health. Its product strategy focuses on ingredient selection, research-led formulation development and transparency around manufacturing and sourcing.
The planned introduction of iron and Omega-3 products represents the next stage of its portfolio expansion. The company intends to combine these launches with additional investment in research and development to support future formulations.
With $2.5 million in new funding, The Stack plans to strengthen its product development capabilities, expand its team and establish a broader distribution network across India.
The startup’s next phase will focus on converting its recent growth into a larger customer base while maintaining its approach to formulation quality and product transparency.
Asia Startups
India-Based EdTech Startup Mesa School of Business Raises $12.7M Series A to Expand AI-Powered Education and Startup Partnerships
co-led by Dharana Capital and Elevation Capital to integrate AI into its curriculum, launch new programmes and strengthen partnerships with startups.
The investment values Mesa at ₹385 crore following the round. The company plans to use the capital to integrate artificial intelligence into its educational programmes, introduce new courses, expand its leadership team and strengthen relationships with startups to provide students with practical industry experience.
Founded in 2023 by Ankit Agarwal and Varun Limaye, Mesa School of Business focuses on entrepreneurship, startup leadership and applied business education. The Bengaluru-based institution currently serves more than 550 students across three full-time programmes designed to prepare graduates for careers in startups and technology-driven businesses.
Mesa School of Business Secures $12.7M Series A Funding
The ₹110 crore financing round combines equity investment from Dharana Capital and Elevation Capital with venture debt from InnoVen Capital and Alteria Capital.
Of the total amount, ₹85 crore was raised through equity financing, while the remaining ₹25 crore was secured as venture debt. The investment brings Mesa’s post-money valuation to ₹385 crore.
The institution is also backed by several Indian startup founders, including CRED founder Kunal Shah, Meesho co-founder Vidit Aatrey, Urban Company co-founder Abhiraj Bhal and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
The new capital will support Mesa’s next stage of growth as it expands its educational offerings and strengthens its position in India’s entrepreneurship-focused education market.
Expanding AI-Powered Learning and New Business Programmes
Mesa plans to integrate artificial intelligence more extensively into its existing curriculum, with a focus on preparing students to use AI tools in business operations, product development and startup creation.
The institution intends to help students develop practical capabilities in building and launching technology products using AI, reflecting changing skill requirements across startups and digital businesses.
Alongside AI integration, Mesa will introduce additional educational programmes to address emerging industry needs. The company also plans to strengthen its leadership team and expand partnerships with startups to provide students with hands-on projects and professional exposure.
Its educational approach combines classroom learning with practical business experience, aiming to prepare graduates for roles that require entrepreneurial thinking, operational skills and familiarity with technology-driven organizations.
Mesa Expands to More Than 550 Students Across Three Programmes
Mesa School of Business currently offers three full-time programmes: a one-year Post Graduate Programme in Startup Leadership, a four-year undergraduate programme in business and entrepreneurship, and Forge, a one-year programme designed for graduates.
Since launching its initial postgraduate cohort, the institution has expanded to more than 550 students across these programmes.
The courses focus on developing skills relevant to startup and business leadership positions, including product management, partnerships, account management and founders’ office roles.
According to Mesa, its first three postgraduate cohorts have produced approximately 300 alumni who have joined more than 120 startups.
The institution has also incubated more than 50 student-founded startups, which have collectively reported approximately ₹50 crore in annual revenue.
These figures reflect Mesa’s emphasis on connecting education with startup employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Mesa Reports 2.5x Business Growth as It Approaches Operational Breakeven
Mesa has reported business growth of approximately 2.5 times over the past two years, according to Co-Founder Ankit Agarwal.
The institution has expanded its student base and programme portfolio while developing relationships with startups that provide employment opportunities, industry projects and entrepreneurial support.
Despite this growth, Mesa has not yet reached overall profitability. The company reports that most of its programmes are approaching operational breakeven, indicating progress toward covering their direct operating costs.
The latest funding is expected to support further expansion while allowing Mesa to invest in curriculum development, faculty and leadership capabilities, and partnerships with the startup ecosystem.
Maintaining programme quality and improving operating economics will remain important as the institution increases enrolment and introduces additional educational offerings.
Mesa Targets Further Growth in India’s Startup Education Market
With $12.7 million in Series A financing, Mesa School of Business plans to expand its AI-focused learning capabilities and develop new programmes tailored to the evolving needs of startups and technology companies.
The institution will also focus on strengthening its leadership team and building deeper relationships with startup founders and businesses to provide students with practical learning opportunities.
Its growth strategy combines entrepreneurship education, industry partnerships and AI-enabled learning, with the aim of preparing graduates for emerging business and technology roles.
As Mesa continues expanding its programmes and student base, the company will seek to improve programme-level economics while maintaining its focus on applied business education and startup career development
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