AI's new frontier: retail returns

More: Telegram founder’s arrest in France. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [How AI can slash return costs for retailers]( - What SEA investors are betting on - The arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO in France - Other newsy highlights such as Indian edtech major Eruditus setting sights on a US$150 million raise --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} The ecommerce sector has come a long way from its early days, with consumers reaping the benefits of improved services. For one, it wasn’t too long ago that returning faulty or broken items was such a hassle. I remember hearing a story of someone in Vietnam who ordered a GoPro online but a box of sand was delivered to her instead. If memory serves, she went through so many hoops and waited for a long time to get her money back. Returns nowadays are generally simple and easy, and this is what consumers have come to expect. However, sending back items across borders can be an expensive and complex proposition for retailers. Startups like Return Helper aim to make that process smoother by using AI solutions. The Hong Kong-based firm’s business plan was promising enough that it recently raised US$1.8 million in new capital, as today’s featured story explores. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [HK startup taps AI to cut return costs for online retailers]( Return Helper has secured US$1.8 million in funding to strengthen its return solutions for cross-border ecommerce businesses. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Telegram messaging app CEO Durov arrested in France]( Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of messaging platform Telegram, was arrested in France after he arrived in the country, Reuters reported. The arrest is reportedly over the company’s failure to moderate illegal activity on its app. [TPG nears US$150 million funding in Eruditus]( The new investment would reportedly value the India-based edtech startup at up to US$2.3 billion, TechCrunch reported. Eruditus works with international universities to provide executive education programs. The majority of its revenue comes from overseas markets. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Hot or not: What SEA investors are betting on and what they’re ignoring]( VC funding can be a leading indicator of where in the tech industry we’re going to see more spending and jobs. --------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR NEXT BIG BREAK? YEAH, IT'S PROBABLY HERE.  Early bird passes are fully redeemed - secure your spot now! What if you could walk into a room filled with Thailand’s top tech investors and founders, all eager to connect and collaborate on game-changing ideas? You could dissect groundbreaking ideas, work a room buzzing with opportunities, gain new perspectives from diverse minds, and solidify connections forged over shared passions. 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