Roundup

• Five startups across the AI, semiconductor, enterprise software, HR tech, and interactive content sectors raised a combined USD 310.7 million this week. • The funding wave was driven primarily by companies specializing in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. • This surge in capital indicates a strong investor appetite for deep tech and automation tools within the current venture market.

• Publicis Media appointed a new lead to oversee media integration for an unnamed FMCG brand across paid, earned, shared, and owned channels during the week of September 14, 2026. • The new lead previously served as the head of strategy for VML in Singapore and head of strategy consulting in Shanghai. • This leadership shift impacts media and commerce strategy for the brand's operations in Malaysia and Singapore.

• Thirty-three cybersecurity-related merger and acquisition deals were announced by companies in August 2026. • The deals involved major companies such as Brinqa, Cribl, Echo, Fortinet, Kiteworks, Palo Alto Networks, and Visa, indicating a trend of consolidation in the cybersecurity industry. • This surge in M&A activity suggests that companies are looking to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities through strategic acquisitions, which could impact the market and competition.

• Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates shared their views on AI in August 2026, with Zuckerberg being hopeful and Gates being cautionary. • The views of these CEOs were part of several manifestos and editorials published in August, highlighting the ongoing debate about AI's impact. • The discussion around AI is particularly relevant for businesses, as highlighted by the founder and CEO of PTP in a follow-up article on AI and cybersecurity.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,615.07 points on September 10, 2026, marking a slight decline in the domestic stock market. • The index decreased by 2.82 points, or 0.17%, with a total trading value of THB 69.91 billion. • This downward movement reflects a minor contraction in market value for investors and companies listed on the Thai exchange.

• Austria's legislative committee approved a planned €15,000 tax allowance for working pensioners on Thursday. • The digital identity system ID Austria has now reached nearly 6.3 million registrations. • A study of over 8,000 people across eight countries found that only 17 percent of respondents possessed a high level of financial knowledge.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,617.89 points on September 9, 2026, marking a decrease of 4.00 points. • The market saw a total trading value of THB 81.33 billion, representing a 0.25% drop. • This sideways-down movement within a limited range indicates a period of low volatility and cautious sentiment for Thai equity investors.