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Velocitor Solutions has fully acquired Nextbillion.ai, an AI-powered mapping and geospatial technology provider. Founded in 2020, Nextbillion.ai will …

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Deals in brief: Neptune Robotics raises Series B funding, ThinkZone launches new Vietnam-focused fund, Velocitor acquires Nextbillion.ai, and more

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Velocitor Solutions has fully acquired Nextbillion.ai, an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-powered mapping and geospatial technology provider. Founded in 2020, Nextbillion.ai will retain its brand identity while leveraging Velocitor’s resources to expand globally. The deal broadens Velocitor’s capabilities in AI, logistics, and location-based services.

<a href="/company/jd">JD.com</a> is entering China’s crowded coffee market with 7Fresh Coffee, an offshoot of its supermarket brand. The company is adopting a low-cost model by leasing small spaces in supermarkets, hotels, and offices, backed by subsidies. Industry groups warn the move could hurt small cafes as regulators tighten scrutiny of aggressive discounting.

Yimutian, China’s leading agricultural digital platform, has partnered with Hong Kong’s BC Technology to expand into cross-border settlement, agricultural RWA products, and new digital trade models. As part of the deal, Yimutian will buy at least USD 12 million in digital assets, aiming to link agriculture with global capital markets.

<a href="/company/tesla">Tesla</a> delivered 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, up 7% YoY, while production dropped to 447,450. Gains in the US ahead of a federal <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> tax credit’s expiration offset a sales slump in Europe. Year-to-date deliveries reached 1.2 million, down 6% from 2024. Tesla also deployed a record 12.5 GWh of energy storage products.

<a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba’s</a> Amap reached a record 360 million DAUs on October 1, the start of China’s eight-day Golden Week holiday. Its <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> assistant Xiaogao processed 2.6 billion requests, while its road safety system sent 290 million alerts. The milestone builds on new lifestyle features including Amap’s “Street Stars” and expanded restaurant rankings.

A September 28 fire at Faraday Future’s Los Angeles headquarters involved an FF 91 beta prototype vehicle, the company said. No injuries occurred and production cars were not affected. Initial checks cleared the battery pack, with investigators focusing on wiring or 12V system faults. The company stressed that its production vehicles meet flammability standards.

<a href="/company/baidu">Baidu</a> is exploring robotaxi expansion into Australia and Southeast Asia as its Apollo Go unit reaches per-vehicle profitability in several Chinese cities. The fleet has trial licenses to double in Dubai and is preparing a European launch through a Lyft partnership in the UK and Germany, pending approvals.

<a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi</a> has opened its first R&amp;D and design center outside China in Munich, Germany. The hub will focus on <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> technology, design innovation, and performance projects, driving forward Xiaomi's entry into the European EV market by 2027 and supporting its ecosystem strategy.

Chinese carmakers captured a record 9.8% of Europe’s hybrid car sales in August, their fourth new peak this year, according to Dataforce. They also held 9.6% of the <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> market. <a href="/company/byd">BYD</a>, <a href="/company/leapmotor">Leapmotor</a>, and MG are shifting strategies under EU tariffs, with hybrids surging and affordable EVs fueling demand across the region.

Chinese <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a>-related firms dominated Q3 markets, taking half of the top 20 global gainers by market cap, <em>Nikkei</em> reported. Foxconn Industrial Internet, Eoptolink, and Zhongji Innolight nearly tripled in value, while chipmaker Cambricon more than doubled to USD 77.8 billion. Investors are betting on China’s AI drive, though some warn of speculative excess.

<a href="/company/shein">Shein’s</a> plan to open shops inside French department stores carrying the Galeries Lafayette name has prompted a clash. Galeries Lafayette said the move breaches obligations and its values, while store operator Societe des Grands Magasins insists the partnership is valid. The first Shein store is set to open in Paris in November.

China’s tech ecosystem serves as a driving force behind the world’s second largest economy, influencing global digital markets.

Explore East Asia’s thriving tech hubs, global electronics producers, and fast-evolving digital platforms shaping cross-border innovation.

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Xiaomi crafts affordable smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices, appealing to users who seek innovation, quality, and budget-friendly tech.

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Steady price hikes have moved Xiaomi from budget disruptor to high-end challenger, with its latest release positioned squarely against the iPhone 17.

Xiaomi closes the gap with Apple as 17 series enters same price band

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Li Auto develops electric vehicles that combine smart cockpit systems, advanced safety features, and long-distance battery support.

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The five-seat electric SUV is generating demand in showrooms, winning buyers who might otherwise choose Tesla’s Model Y or Xiaomi’s YU7.

Li Auto’s i6 draws younger buyers, shaking up China’s electric SUV market

Geely, a Chinese automaker, integrates advanced engineering, EV tech, and international brand acquisitions to expand its global footprint.

Geely

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The rollout enables real-time satellite communications for 20 million users, while signaling a bigger step in China’s space ambitions.

Velocitor acquires Nextbillion.ai

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