Singapore’s Classy Startup Carousell Scores a $85 M Cash Splash
Move over, TikTok; Carousell, the Singaporean classifieds juggernaut that lets you sell that squeaky bike or your grandmother’s antique teapot with a tap, just inked an $85‑million raise.
Picture the scene: big‑name investors such as DBS Group Holdings (the city’s grab‑and‑go bank), Rakuten Ventures from Japan, and Singapore’s own EDBI all joined forces. The crowd also welcomed familiar faces: 500 Startups, Golden Gate Ventures, and Sequoia India.
What’s in it for you? DBS and Carousell are teaming up to sprinkle the marketplace with nifty financial goodies—think easier payments, safer loans, and maybe a loyalty bonus if you keep jotting down your “urgent sale” posts.
Since its launch in 2012, Carousell has sprouted in seven markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more, turning every local street corner into a digital bazaar.
Auto‑Marketplace Carro Adds a $60 M Spin
- Carro, the automotive enthusiast’s paradise founded in 2015, once again proved investors love shiny wheels.
- The fresh infusion of $60 million was powered by B Capital Group (run by Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin), Softbank Ventures Korea, and Insignia Ventures Partners.
- Other players such as Singtel Innov8 and Golden Gate Ventures waved their cheering flags at the round.
- Carro’s dealership roster spans Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand—so if you’ve got a car itching to find a new home, you’re in good company.
In short, Singapore’s startup scene is revving up like a racetrack, with investors lining up to back dreams that keep moving faster than a car on a highway.
