Top Super App Stories This Week:

• Meet Kalaro, the Philippines' First Esports Super App

• Fintech Super App Revolut Secures UK Banking Licence

• Alibaba-Backed Chinese AI Startup Baichuan Raises $691M, Soon to Be a Super App

1. Meet Kalaro, Philippines' First eSports Super App

Kalaro was globally launched this week in Manila by a Singapore-based software company as a fully integrated eSports Super App designed to revolutionise the esports industry. This global launch in Manila, led by founder and CEO Jun Lasco, introduces a platform that not only enhances gaming mastery but also serves as a powerful esports monetisation engine. Kalaro aims to engage gamers continuously through its in-app social media, e-wallet, in-app currency, brand storefront, and tournament management module, targeting 43 million Filipino gamers for brand engagement.

The Kalaro Super App features several innovative additions, including an automated tournament management module for cost-effective and profitable tournament operations. It also offers an in-app currency called Kalaro Gems, which can be used for purchases within the app, and an e-wallet compatible with popular services like GCash, Grabpay, and Alipay. Additionally, gaming merchandise will soon be available for purchase within the app. The app will be showcased at the Philippines Gamedev Expo (PGDX) 2024, highlighting its capabilities and new features.

Looking ahead, Kalaro's future appears promising with strategic partnerships and investor support. The Global Esports Federation became a strategic partner in June 2023, followed by Kalaro's first US investor in November 2023, which facilitated further development and the introduction of the new global icon "KLR." With over 10,000 beta testers providing feedback since October 2021, Kalaro is well-positioned to continue enhancing its platform and expanding its reach in the esports industry.

Source: Malaya News

2. Fintech Super App Revolut Secures UK Banking Licence

British Fintech Super App Revolut has obtained a long-awaited UK banking licence, marking a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a major player in the banking sector. While the licence currently comes with restrictions, preventing immediate lending and deposit-taking, it positions Revolut to eventually compete with established UK banks like HSBC and Barclays. This licence is also seen as a crucial step towards gaining similar authorisations globally, adding to Revolut's existing licences in the European Union.

The Prudential Regulation Authority has granted Revolut entry into the "mobilisation" stage, a phase where the company can prepare its operations for a full customer rollout. This restricted licence will give Revolut time to build its banking infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition to offering comprehensive banking services. The Fintech Super App has over nine million UK customers, representing about one-fifth of its global customer base, and has been waiting more than three years to secure this licence due to regulatory caution.

Looking ahead, Revolut aims to leverage this milestone to establish itself as the bank of choice for UK customers. CEO Nikolay Storonsky expressed pride in reaching this stage and committed to delivering on the company's promise. With last year's pre-tax profits of $545 million on revenues exceeding $2.2 billion, Revolut is well-positioned financially to expand its services and compete effectively in the banking sector.

Source: Reuters

3. Alibaba-Backed Chinese AI Startup Baichuan Raises $691M, Soon to Be a Super App

Baichuan Intelligent Technology, a Beijing-based artificial intelligence startup, has raised 5 billion yuan ($691 million) in new funding from major Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi. Founded in April 2023 by former Sogou CEO Wang Xiaochuan, Baichuan has quickly risen to prominence in the AI industry, focusing on generative AI and large language models (LLMs). The core team includes AI experts from leading tech companies such as Google, Tencent, Baidu, Huawei, Microsoft, and ByteDance.

The recent funding round has propelled Baichuan to a valuation of over 20 billion yuan ($2.7 billion). The startup has already earned regulatory approval to release LLMs in China and has launched over 12 models, including Baichuan-7B, Baichuan-13B, and Baichuan 4. In May 2024, Baichuan introduced its AI assistant, Baixiaoying, which has been noted for its superior performance compared to local rivals like Baidu’s Ernie bot and Moonshot AI’s Kimi in SuperCLUE testing for Chinese proficiency.

Looking ahead, Baichuan aims to transform its AI chatbot app into a Super App akin to Tencent’s WeChat, integrating various services like social media, messaging, payments, and e-commerce. The company’s ambition aligns with China's broader push to advance its AI capabilities despite challenges such as restricted access to advanced chips due to U.S. export controls. With strong financial backing and a strategic vision, Baichuan is well-positioned to continue its growth and compete with both local and international AI leaders.

Source: SCMP

That's It For This Week!

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