The US’s Cornell University and real estate-retail-technology giant Vingroup agreed to dispatch Professor Rohit Verma to VinUni University (VinUni) with the goal of building an excellent University in Việt Nam. Professor Rohit Verma will be the first principal of VinUni after the Prime Minister's decision on the establishment of the school. This is the next step in a strategic cooperation agreement between Vingroup and two of the Top 20 universities in the world, Cornell and Pennsylvania (United States). The first Principal of VinUni is Professor Dr. Rohit Verma – a leading professor of Business Administration that Cornell is sending to Việt Nam, to work with the VinUni University project and establish the foundations for an excellent university. Professor Rohit Verma is currently the Director of External Relations of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, possessing many outstanding professional achievements. He has more than 75 scientific … [Read more...] about VinUni announces first principal
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500 Startups announces Vietnam fund oversubscribed
500 Startups, a global seed stage venture capital firm, yesterday (November 19) announced the closing of its first Vietnam fund with over $14 million in committed capital, surpassing its original target of $10 million. The Vietnam fund, led by Eddie Thai and Binh Tran, is on a mission to back Vietnam’s next great tech startups. Eddie Thai and Binh Tran of 500 Startups “Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the world since 1990, defying the recent strains in other emerging markets,” said Eddie Thai. “It is an exciting context to look for great tech companies. We are proud of the founders of the 36 startups we have already backed, and we are thankful to our LPs who have partnered with us to invest in dozens more.” 500 has been doubling down on Vietnam since 2016 due to the strong economy, demographics, and talent. Google CEO Sundar Pichai during a 2015 visit to Vietnam said, “I think it’s just a matter of time until … [Read more...] about 500 Startups announces Vietnam fund oversubscribed
Toyota to invest $1 billion in Grab as lead investor for Grab’s new round of financing
Grab Holdings Inc., Southeast Asia’s leading O2O mobile platform, announced today it has reached an agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation under which Toyota will invest $1 billion in Grab, as a lead investor in the company’s ongoing financing round. The fresh investment will accelerate Grab’s next phase of growth to build Southeast Asia’s leading online-to-offline (O2O) mobile platform As part of the agreement, Grab and Toyota will strengthen and expand their existing collaboration in the area of connected cars, to drive the adoption of new mobility solutions across Southeast Asia. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. This investment by Toyota is the largest-ever by an automotive manufacturer in the global ride-hailing sector, and brings Grab closer to achieving its vision of becoming a one-stop mobility platform in Southeast Asia. Grab plans to work with partners to create a more efficient … [Read more...] about Toyota to invest $1 billion in Grab as lead investor for Grab’s new round of financing
Hamilton ‘close’ to new Mercedes deal
Lewis Hamilton says he is close to signing a new Mercedes contract after winning Sunday's (May 13) Spanish Grand Prix watched by several members of the all-conquering German constructor's board. Lewis Hamilton celebrates in Spain, on verge of new deal with Mercedes AFP/Josep LAGO In the aftermath of his dominant triumph ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas the defending four-time world champion indicated he will soon be inking a long-awaited new deal with the champions. An announcement before or during the Monaco Grand Prix later this month is now expected. "All the bosses have been here and l don't think there is anyone in the hierarchy who has any concerns," said Hamilton. "We do talk about it and we are not far away from finishing things. It will happen - hopefully in the near future." The 33-year-old Englishman was so thrilled by both his own personal return to form and the team's work on improving his car's performance at the Circuit de Catalunya that he suggested, after … [Read more...] about Hamilton ‘close’ to new Mercedes deal
Merkel’s CDU votes on German coalition deal after new cabinet picks
Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) meet on Monday to approve a coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD), a move that will take their leader, Angela Merkel, a step closer to a fourth term as chancellor in Europe's biggest economy. The last major hurdle to end a five-month political impasse after a Sept. 24 election, however, comes next week. On March 4, the results of a postal vote by SPD members vote will be announced, and that result is far less certain. The party conference follows Merkel's announcement of her CDU picks for a new, younger cabinet intended to revive the party, which has descended into rows about how to respond to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merkel is to address CDU delegates at the meeting before the vote on the deal, which is expected to go through easily. The conference will also vote on the appointment of her close ally Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as CDU general secretary, who is widely seen as her preferred successor. Dubbed … [Read more...] about Merkel’s CDU votes on German coalition deal after new cabinet picks