Today In Payments Around The World: London FinTechs Land Record VC Funding; airasia Digital To Buy Gojek’s Thai Operations

In today’s top payments news around the world, FinTech companies in London landed a record amount of venture capital investment in the first half of 2021, while airasia Digital has come to a deal to buy Gojek’s operations in Thailand. Plus, Bianlifeng is reportedly looking to reach the public markets in the United States.

London FinTechs Raise Record Level Of VC Funding In First Half Of 2021

Financial technology firms based in the United Kingdom’s capital notched a record amount of venture capital investment in the first half of this year, as per an announcement that cited research from Dealroom.co and London & Partners. FinTechs based in London landed $5.3 billion in VC investments from January to June. Over 3,000 FinTech firms call London home.

airasia Digital To Acquire Gojek’s Thailand Operations

airasia Digital, airasia Group’s digital unit, has come to an arrangement to purchase Gojek’s operations in Thailand. airasia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said in an announcement that the purchase is “the start of a tremendous long-term strategic partnership with Gojek, which is sure to rock the industry.” airasia Digital was known as RedBeat Ventures in the past.

Chinese C-Store Startup Bianlifeng Files Confidentially for US IPO

Bianlifeng is aiming to hit the public markets in the United States with an initial public offering (IPO) that could bring in approximately $500 million, according to a published report that said the Beijing-based firm filed for the offering confidentially, citing unnamed sources. Bianlifeng runs a collection of cashierless locations with unmanned shelves in over 20 Chinese cities.

Google Expands FinTech Ambitions In Japan With pring Acquisition

Google is reportedly set to buy Japan-based pring for a price ranging from $180 million to $270 million. Once the deal is wrapped up, Google will provide financial technology offerings such as transfers and payments throughout Japan by 2022, mirroring similar offerings in India and the United States, as per the published report.