Nigerian fintech startup, Zone, secures $8.5 million seed funding for blockchain-powered payment infrastructure expansion
Nigerian fintech startup, Zone, secures $8.5 million seed funding to expand its blockchain-powered payment infrastructure. With backing from leading investors, including TLcom Capital and Flourish Ventures, Zone aims to revolutionize payment transactions in Africa and beyond, leveraging its position as the continent’s first regulated blockchain network for payments.
Minkasu Inc. Granted Patent in India for Biometric 2-Factor Authentication Technology
Minkasu Inc., also known as MinkasuPay, has been granted a patent in India for its biometric 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) technology. This pioneering solution, developed and launched five years ago, aligns with the recent guidance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for safer alternatives to OTP. Founded by Silicon Valley veterans Anbu Gounder and Naveen Doraiswamy, MinkasuPay’s biometric 2FA offers a significant advancement in payment security, aiming to reduce fraud and eliminate usernames, passwords, PINs, and OTPs. The patent serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing secure payment solutions in compliance with regulatory standards, solidifying its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of authentication for financial transactions in India.
Colombian Fintech Startup Bold Secures $50M in Series C Funding
Colombian fintech startup, Bold, secures $50M Series C funding round led by General Atlantic and other investors. The funding will be used for product development and expansion within Colombia. Bold specializes in low-cost payment terminals and recently obtained a financial institution license to offer businesses a bank account. Managing Director at General Atlantic, Luiz Ribeiro, expresses confidence in Bold’s potential. Established in 2019, Bold serves over 150,000 merchants monthly.
QR-Enabled Angpow Accessories Revolutionize Chinese New Year Tradition
The last remaining kampung house in Geylang has hit the market for a staggering RM32.5 million, making headlines in the region. In crime and courts news, a duo who rode dangerously on Penang Bridge has been fined RM2,500. Federal police have issued rules on setting off fireworks during Chinese New Year, and Mandarin orange sellers are struggling to clear stock despite lower prices. Amidst these trending stories, a unique Chinese New Year tradition has caught the attention of many. In Vietnam, an innovative twist on the traditional practice of giving angpows has taken the festivities to another level. Modern technology has been incorporated by attaching custom accessories, such as hair clips, with QR codes, replacing the traditional red envelopes. As the Chinese New Year celebrations continue to evolve with modern technology, the QR-enabled angpow accessories have added a new dimension to the festive traditions, bringing convenience and innovation to the age-old practice of giving and receiving blessings during this auspicious time of the year.