Top 5 AI Startups and Tools in Singapore to Watch in 2025
- Talha A.
- Aug 3
- 9 min read
Singapore, a global leader in technological innovation, is rapidly cementing its position as Southeast Asia’s AI hub. With a supportive government, advanced digital infrastructure, and a vibrant ecosystem of startups, the city-state is home to cutting-edge AI companies driving transformation across industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and logistics. In 2025, Singapore’s AI startups are poised to make waves globally, fueled by significant investments and a focus on practical, scalable solutions. This blog highlights the top 5 AI startups and tools in Singapore that are shaping the future of artificial intelligence, optimized for SEO to ensure maximum visibility on Google.
Why Singapore is a Hotbed for AI Innovation
Singapore’s AI ecosystem is thriving, thanks to strategic initiatives like the National AI Strategy 2.0 (launched in 2023) and investments of SGD 1 billion (US$741 million) over five years to advance AI research and adoption. The city-state’s AI startups have collectively raised US$8.4 billion in venture capital, far surpassing regional peers. With over 944 AI startups operating in Singapore, the nation ranks among the top globally for AI innovation density.
Singapore's AI market is projected to reach USD 4.64 billion by 2030, growing at an impressive annual rate of 28.10% from 2024-2030, positioning it as a regional powerhouse in artificial intelligence adoption. When compared to regional competitors, Singapore dominates with USD 8.4 billion in AI venture capital investment, significantly surpassing Malaysia (USD 371 million), Thailand (USD 255 million), Vietnam (USD 95 million), and the Philippines (USD 126 million). The generative AI segment shows even more explosive growth, with Singapore's market expected to expand at a 46.26% CAGR, reaching USD 5.09 billion by 2030. The broader ASEAN AI market is projected to grow from USD 8.92 billion in 2025 to USD 30.30 billion by 2030 at a 27.71% CAGR, with Singapore maintaining its leadership position and capturing approximately 15% of the regional market share, demonstrating the city-state's outsized influence in Southeast Asia's AI ecosystem.
From generative AI to computer vision and cybersecurity, Singapore’s AI startups are leveraging the country’s robust infrastructure, including nearly 2GW of data center capacity, to develop transformative tools. This blog dives into the top 5 AI startups and their flagship tools, showcasing why they’re must-watch players in 2025.
Top 5 AI Startups and Tools in Singapore for 2025
1. Trax Technology Solutions Pte. Ltd. – Retail AI Revolution
Overview: Trax is Singapore’s leading AI startup, with a staggering US$1.07 billion in capital investment as of June 2023, making it the most-funded AI company in the country. Founded in 2010, Trax specializes in computer vision and image recognition for the retail industry, enabling brands to optimize in-store execution and shopper engagement.
Flagship Tool: Trax Retail Platform
What It Does: Uses AI-powered image recognition to monitor retail shelves across thousands of stores, providing real-time insights on product placement, stock levels, and merchandising compliance.
Key Features:
Shelf monitoring and analytics for brands like Heineken and Kimberly-Clark.
Inventory optimization and workforce management solutions.
Shopper engagement tools to enhance customer experiences.
Impact: Trax’s platform is used globally, helping retailers reduce stockouts by 20% and improve merchandising efficiency by 15%.
Why It Stands Out: Trax’s dominance in retail AI, backed by its massive funding and partnerships with global brands, positions it as a leader in transforming physical retail through AI.
2025 Outlook: Trax is expanding its generative AI capabilities to enhance predictive analytics, potentially increasing its valuation further.
2. ADVANCE.AI – Fintech and Fraud Prevention Powerhouse
Overview: ADVANCE.AI is a leading AI company serving enterprise clients in finance, banking, fintech, and e-commerce. Founded in 2016, it has raised US$200 million and is known for its AI-driven solutions for customer onboarding and fraud prevention.
Flagship Tool: ADVANCE.AI eKYC Suite
What It Does: Provides AI-powered digital identity verification, facial recognition, and ID document recognition to streamline customer onboarding and prevent fraud.
Key Features:
Real-time ID verification with 99.9% accuracy.
Cloud-based deployment for scalability.
Anti-fraud tools for e-commerce and financial institutions.
Impact: ADVANCE.AI’s solutions are used by over 500 enterprises across Asia, reducing onboarding times by 70% and fraud incidents by 30%.
Why It Stands Out: Its focus on fintech and e-commerce, combined with Singapore’s role as a financial hub, makes ADVANCE.AI a critical player in AI-driven security.
2025 Outlook: ADVANCE.AI is integrating generative AI for enhanced fraud detection, positioning it for further growth in ASEAN markets.
3. Tookitaki – Combating Financial Crime with AI
Overview: Tookitaki is a Singapore-based AI startup focused on anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention. With US$40.7 million in funding, Tookitaki’s community-based approach addresses financial crime silos, serving banks and fintechs across Asia.
Flagship Tool: Anti-Money Laundering Suite (AMLS)
What It Does: Leverages AI and machine learning to provide AML transaction monitoring, customer risk scoring, and regulatory compliance solutions.
Key Features:
Configurable platform tailored to specific financial institutions.
Community-based AFC Ecosystem for holistic risk coverage.
Real-time detection of suspicious transactions with 95% accuracy.
Impact: Tookitaki’s platform has reduced false positives in AML monitoring by 40%, saving banks millions in compliance costs.
Why It Stands Out: Tookitaki’s high Glassdoor rating of 4.5 and its focus on financial crime prevention make it a trusted partner for Asia’s financial sector.
2025 Outlook: Tookitaki is expanding its AI capabilities to include predictive analytics for emerging financial threats.
4. ViSenze – Visual Search for E-commerce
Overview: ViSenze, founded in 2012, develops visual search and image recognition solutions for e-commerce, mCommerce, and online advertising. With US$34 million in funding, it empowers businesses to simplify search processes using visual content.
Flagship Tool: ViSenze Visual Search Platform
What It Does: Enables users to search for products using images, eliminating the need for keyword-based searches.
Key Features:
Processes billions of images and videos in milliseconds.
Enhances product discovery with 90% accuracy in image matching.
Integrates with e-commerce platforms for seamless user experiences.
Impact: ViSenze has boosted conversion rates for e-commerce clients by 25% and reduced search time by 50%.
Why It Stands Out: ViSenze’s focus on visual AI aligns with the growing trend of image-based shopping, making it a game-changer for online retail.
2025 Outlook: ViSenze is exploring generative AI to create personalized shopping experiences, further enhancing its platform.
5. Yuma AI – E-commerce Customer Support Automation
Overview: Yuma AI, a Y Combinator-backed startup launched in 2022, is revolutionizing customer support for e-commerce, particularly for Shopify merchants. With US$5 million in funding and a valuation exceeding US$30 million, Yuma is a rising star in Singapore’s AI scene.
Flagship Tool: Yuma AI Platform
What It Does: Automates customer support tasks using AI, integrating with help desk software to provide customized responses and workflows.
Key Features:
Automates up to 50% of customer service tasks.
Uses large language models (LLMs) to mimic brand writing styles.
Supports multiple languages for global scalability.
Impact: Yuma has reduced response times for Shopify merchants by 60% and increased customer satisfaction by 20%.
Why It Stands Out: Yuma’s focus on e-commerce automation and its rapid growth make it a standout in Singapore’s competitive AI startup landscape.
2025 Outlook: Yuma is expanding its integrations with other e-commerce platforms and exploring AI-driven predictive customer support.
Success Stories & Recent Developments
Recent funding activities and strategic partnerships highlight the momentum of Singapore's top AI startups in 2025. Tookitaki was acquired by Thunes for USD 20 million in April 2022 and secured additional Series A funding in October 2024, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its anti-money laundering solutions. ViSenze completed its Series C funding round in February 2019, raising USD 20 million led by Gobi Partners and Bright Pixel Capital, bringing its total funding to USD 34.5 million, with clients including major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Essilor reporting significant conversion rate improvements. ADVANCE.AI has expanded its partnerships with major Southeast Asian financial institutions, processing over 500 million identity verifications annually, while Trax continues to strengthen its global retail presence with new partnerships with major consumer goods companies across Asia-Pacific. Yuma AI has raised USD 5.38 million across three funding rounds since its 2022 founding, with rapid adoption among Shopify merchants driving its valuation beyond USD 30 million, positioning it for potential Series A funding in late 2025.
Why These AI Startups Are Set to Shine in 2025
These five startups exemplify Singapore’s dynamic AI ecosystem, each addressing unique challenges with innovative tools:
Market Relevance: From retail (Trax, ViSenze) to fintech (ADVANCE.AI, Tookitaki) and e-commerce (Yuma AI), these startups target high-growth industries.
Funding Strength: Collectively, they’ve raised over US$1.3 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence.
Scalable Solutions: Their AI tools are designed for global scalability, with clients spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Government Support: Singapore’s AI Singapore initiative and programs like the 100E programmeprovide resources and talent development, boosting these startups’ growth.
Innovation Edge: Integration of generative AI and advanced machine learning positions these companies at the forefront of AI trends.
The Broader AI Landscape in Singapore
Singapore’s AI ecosystem is supported by a robust network of research institutions, government initiatives, and global tech giants like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, which have established offices in the city-state. The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, set to graduate its 2025 cohort in September, further fuels innovation by providing mentorship and resources to AI startups.
Singapore's AI startups are rapidly integrating ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) into their core offerings, with generative AI becoming ubiquitous across critical sectors including healthcare, finance, and customer service. Leading companies like Tensorway and AskGalore are providing specialized ChatGPT integration services, while 35 AI companies in Singapore's chatbot sector are leveraging multi-LLM support and generative workflows to create more sophisticated conversational systems. The trend extends beyond simple integration, with startups implementing fine-tuned models and custom LLM solutions that reduce costs by up to 60% while improving response times.
Singapore's government actively supports this evolution through AI Singapore's initiatives, including the development of SEA-LION (Southeast Asian Languages in One Network) and comprehensive AI safety red-teaming challenges that test LLMs across 10 languages including Mandarin, Malay, and other regional languages, ensuring that local startups can build culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate AI solutions for the diverse Southeast Asian market.
Other notable AI startups in Singapore include:
k-ID: A 2023-founded startup with US$51 million in funding, offering AI-driven compliance solutions for safer online experiences.
Nektar.ai: A B2B sales productivity startup with US$10.3 million in funding, enhancing revenue efficiency through AI virtual assistants.
Silent Eight: Specializes in AI-driven compliance models for financial institutions, deployed in over 150 markets.
Sustainability AI & Green Initiatives
Singapore's AI startups are increasingly aligned with the nation's Green Plan 2030 and net-zero emissions goal by 2045, with the government introducing the world's first sustainability standard specifically designed for data centers in tropical climates. IMDA's Green Software Trials initiative invites industry partners to test energy-saving methods across various AI applications, assessing carbon reduction techniques such as resource redistribution, application modernization, and computational offload. Leading AI companies are implementing workload optimization solutions that dynamically adjust resource allocations based on real-time demand, with data centers operating at elevated temperatures of 26°C and above to achieve 2-5% energy savings per degree Celsius increase. Singapore is also pioneering AI applications for environmental monitoring, including a Monetary Authority-led platform using AI to identify greenwashing in sustainable finance and agricultural insurance models that help farmers adapt to climate change, positioning the city-state's startups at the forefront of both technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
AI Ethics & Responsible AI Practices
Singapore has established comprehensive AI governance frameworks through IMDA's AI Verify testing platform and the Model AI Governance Framework, providing detailed guidance for private sector organizations to address key ethical issues when deploying AI solutions. The recent AI Safety Red Teaming Challenge in November 2024 brought together over 350 participants from nine Asia-Pacific countries to test cultural bias and safety measures across multiple LLMs including Claude, Llama, and the locally-developed SEA-LION model. The government's Advisory Council of the Ethical Use of AI and Data has collaborated with academic institutions to launch job redesign guides that help organizations understand how AI can augment rather than replace human workers. Following ISO 26000 environmental responsibility guidelines, Singapore's AI companies are implementing ethical frameworks that ensure technological advancement goes hand-in-hand with responsible practices, particularly regarding environmental impact and social equity, establishing the city-state as a global reference point for balanced AI governance that facilitates innovation while safeguarding consumer interests and societal well-being.
Challenges and Opportunities for Singapore’s AI Startups
Challenges
Talent Competition: Singapore aims to triple its AI workforce to 15,000 by 2030, but competition for skilled professionals is fierce.
High Costs: Operating costs in Singapore are higher than in neighboring Malaysia, potentially impacting scalability.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Global concerns over AI ethics and copyright, as seen in lawsuits against companies like OpenAI, could affect Singapore’s startups.
Opportunities
Government Backing: Initiatives like AI Singapore and the AI Apprenticeship Programme provide funding and talent pipelines.
Global Expansion: Singapore’s startups are well-positioned to tap into ASEAN’s US$1 trillion AI-driven GDP growth by 2030.
Emerging Technologies: Integration of generative AI and quantum computing (e.g., Horizon Quantum Computing) offers new growth avenues.
Singapore’s AI Future is Bright
The top 5 AI startups—Trax, ADVANCE.AI, Tookitaki, ViSenze, and Yuma AI—are driving Singapore’s ambition to become a global AI leader. With innovative tools, substantial funding, and a supportive ecosystem, these companies are set to make 2025 a breakout year. Whether you’re an investor, tech enthusiast, or business leader, these startups are worth watching as they redefine industries with AI.
For the latest updates on Singapore’s AI revolution, stay tuned to AI News Hub!
FAQs
What makes Singapore a hub for AI startups?
Singapore’s National AI Strategy, robust digital infrastructure, and significant venture capital (US$8.4 billion) create a thriving ecosystem for AI innovation.
Which industries do Singapore’s AI startups target?
Key industries include retail (Trax, ViSenze), fintech (ADVANCE.AI, Tookitaki), e-commerce (Yuma AI), and cybersecurity (Silent Eight).
What is the most-funded AI startup in Singapore?
Trax Technology Solutions, with US$1.07 billion in capital investment, leads as Singapore’s most-funded AI startup.
How is the Singapore government supporting AI startups?
Through initiatives like AI Singapore, the 100E programme, and SGD 1 billion in funding, the government fosters AI research, talent development, and startup growth.