Asia Startups
Thailand-Based FinTech TrueMoney Partners With Visa to Enable Card-Funded QR PromptPay Payments for Consumers Nationwide
The integration allows users to link Visa cards to the TrueMoney app, scan participating merchants’ PromptPay codes and earn promotional cashback.
Thai digital financial services platform TrueMoney has partnered with Visa to introduce card-funded QR PromptPay payments across Thailand.
The new service allows consumers to link an eligible Visa credit or debit card to the TrueMoney application and select it as the funding source when paying through a participating merchant’s PromptPay QR code.
Available nationwide, the integration gives users an additional way to fund everyday transactions without relying exclusively on their bank account or digital wallet balance. TrueMoney operates under Ascend Money, a financial technology company serving markets across Southeast Asia.
Combining Visa Cards With PromptPay
Customers can activate the service by linking a Visa card to their TrueMoney account. When making a purchase, they select the card as their preferred payment source, scan the merchant’s PromptPay QR code, review the transaction details and confirm the payment.
The integration combines Visa’s card infrastructure with a payment method already widely used by consumers and merchants in Thailand. It also enables cardholders to access benefits attached to their Visa cards while paying through the familiar PromptPay scanning process.
For merchants, the partnership could increase the number of customers able to complete digital payments and reduce dependence on cash at the point of sale.
Building on Thailand’s QR Payment Adoption
Thailand has established a strong foundation for QR-based payments. DataReportal reported that 61.5% of Thai internet users aged 16 and older scanned QR codes on their mobile phones every month in 2024, placing the country third globally for monthly mobile QR code usage.
According to National ITMX figures cited in the announcement, PromptPay had more than 83 million registered numbers by the end of June 2026. The service processed around 2.39 billion transactions during the month, with a combined value of approximately $131.5 billion.
The conversion uses an exchange rate of one Thai baht to approximately $0.03002 on September 14, 2026. XE
Cashback Incentive for New Users
TrueMoney and Visa are offering approximately $0.90 in cashback to customers who use an eligible Visa card for their first QR PromptPay transaction through the app.
The incentive will remain available until December 31, 2026, and is limited to one redemption per user during the campaign. The companies are also providing additional promotional benefits until September 30, 2026.
To support adoption, TrueMoney and Visa launched an Easy Scan and Pay Caravan across Bangkok’s Silom and Asok business districts.
The promotional campaign included demonstrations, customer registrations and prize giveaways at Silom Soi 10 Market, Lalab Sap Market, Silom Complex Market and Srinakharinwirot University Market.
Expanding Payment Choice in Thailand
The partnership connects two established payment systems while preserving the convenience of scanning a merchant QR code. Consumers can manage spending and credit through the TrueMoney interface, while merchants gain access to a broader pool of digital payment users.
By adding Visa cards as a funding option for PromptPay transactions, TrueMoney is expanding its role from a conventional digital wallet into a more flexible payment platform. The companies are initially supporting adoption through cashback and in-person promotion, with the longer-term goal of making card-linked QR payments part of everyday purchases across Thailand.
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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