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Startup Ecosystem in Singapore

Startup Ecosystem in Singapore
Startup Ecosystem in Singapore
Singapore has established one of Asia's most sophisticated innovation ecosystems, combining exceptional government planning, multinational corporation presence, and strategic positioning as both a regional headquarters hub and gateway to Southeast Asian markets. The country has produced notable successes like Grab (ride-hailing and delivery super app), Sea Limited (digital entertainment, e-commerce, and financial services), and Carousell (marketplace platform), while demonstrating particular strength in fintech, advanced manufacturing, and increasingly deeptech applications across biomedical sciences, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies. The funding landscape features active local venture capital firms like Vertex Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, and Monk's Hill Ventures, complemented by virtually every major global fund maintaining a Singapore presence as their Southeast Asian base. Angel investors have organized through networks like Angel Central and BANSEA (Business Angel Network Southeast Asia), often bringing operational expertise from both technology and traditional industries alongside capital. The accelerator environment includes programs like 500 Startups, Entrepreneur First focusing on deeptech company building, and numerous corporate initiatives from companies like DBS, Unilever, and Singtel offering structured support and enterprise customer access. Government backing is exceptionally comprehensive through agencies like Enterprise Singapore, Economic Development Board, and investment entities including EDBI and SGInnovate, offering everything from early-stage grants to growth financing and internationalization assistance. Singapore's compact nature creates a concentrated innovation ecosystem centered around distinct districts including the Central Business District, one-north (housing JTC LaunchPad and Fusionopolis), and increasingly Punggol Digital District. Singaporean startups benefit from the country's exceptional infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory environment, strategic location providing access to Asian growth markets, and deep pools of both financial and intellectual capital, though entrepreneurs navigate challenges including high operating costs, intense competition for technical talent, and a relatively small domestic market necessitating regional expansion strategies.
Singapore has established one of Asia's most sophisticated innovation ecosystems, combining exceptional government planning, multinational corporation presence, and strategic positioning as both a regional headquarters hub and gateway to Southeast Asian markets. The country has produced notable successes like Grab (ride-hailing and delivery super app), Sea Limited (digital entertainment, e-commerce, and financial services), and Carousell (marketplace platform), while demonstrating particular strength in fintech, advanced manufacturing, and increasingly deeptech applications across biomedical sciences, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies. The funding landscape features active local venture capital firms like Vertex Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, and Monk's Hill Ventures, complemented by virtually every major global fund maintaining a Singapore presence as their Southeast Asian base. Angel investors have organized through networks like Angel Central and BANSEA (Business Angel Network Southeast Asia), often bringing operational expertise from both technology and traditional industries alongside capital. The accelerator environment includes programs like 500 Startups, Entrepreneur First focusing on deeptech company building, and numerous corporate initiatives from companies like DBS, Unilever, and Singtel offering structured support and enterprise customer access. Government backing is exceptionally comprehensive through agencies like Enterprise Singapore, Economic Development Board, and investment entities including EDBI and SGInnovate, offering everything from early-stage grants to growth financing and internationalization assistance. Singapore's compact nature creates a concentrated innovation ecosystem centered around distinct districts including the Central Business District, one-north (housing JTC LaunchPad and Fusionopolis), and increasingly Punggol Digital District. Singaporean startups benefit from the country's exceptional infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory environment, strategic location providing access to Asian growth markets, and deep pools of both financial and intellectual capital, though entrepreneurs navigate challenges including high operating costs, intense competition for technical talent, and a relatively small domestic market necessitating regional expansion strategies.
Singapore startups in numbers
Startups in Singapore on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 45% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 55% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.3% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Singapore are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Singapore are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Mobility. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Climate Change Mitigation, Global Health, Poverty Alleviation, and Elderly Care, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Singapore offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (45%) of startups in Singapore are actively recruiting talent, while (55%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Singapore startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.3%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (65%) of early-stage startups in Singapore are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (35%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Singapore are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Singapore on Foundersbase most often focus on Climate Change Mitigation, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Singapore

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