Top 25 VCs for AI Startups in Asia in 2025
As AI continues to transform industries across the globe, Asia has emerged as a powerhouse for AI innovation. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top venture capital firms driving AI startups in Asia in 2025. This list is based on current trends, insights, and predictions discussed in various sources.
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1. Vertex Ventures
Who They Are: Vertex Ventures is one of the leading VCs in Asia, focusing on early-stage tech startups, including AI.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, Enterprise Tech
Notable Investments: Grab, TikTok, Shippit
Why They Stand Out: Known for their deep industry connections and strategic support for portfolio companies.
Source: Tatler Asia
2. Sequoia Capital India
Who They Are: Sequoia Capital India is a branch of the renowned Sequoia Capital, focusing on tech innovations in Asia.
Focus Areas: AI, Consumer Internet, Health Tech
Notable Investments: BYJU’S, Zomato, Practo
Why They Stand Out: Strong track record of identifying and scaling blockbuster startups.
Source: Seedtable
3. SoftBank Vision Fund
Who They Are: SoftBank Vision Fund is one of the largest tech investors globally, with a significant focus on AI.
Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, Deep Learning
Notable Investments: OpenAI, SenseTime, Mapbox
Why They Stand Out: Known for their massive funding rounds and transformative tech investments.
Source: Tech Collective SEA
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4. GSR Ventures
Who They Are: GSR Ventures is dedicated to early-stage investments, particularly in AI and healthcare.
Focus Areas: AI, Health Tech, Green Tech
Notable Investments: DeepVision, Qiniu, Protimetrix
Why They Stand Out: Strong background in technology and impressive portfolio of deep tech startups.
5. Sinovation Ventures
Who They Are: AI-driven venture capital with a focus on innovative technologies from China.
Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, EdTech
Notable Investments: Yi+, Mobvoi, Horizon Robotics
Why They Stand Out: Founded by Kai-Fu Lee, a leading figure in the AI industry.
6. East Ventures
Who They Are: An early-stage VC firm active across Southeast Asia, backing AI startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, E-commerce
Notable Investments: Tokopedia, Traveloka, Ruangguru
Why They Stand Out: They have a huge footprint in Southeast Asia impacting various key sectors.
Source: WOWS Global
7. Golden Gate Ventures
Who They Are: Based in Southeast Asia, Golden Gate Ventures is known for investing in tech startups with significant growth potential.
Focus Areas: AI, Health Tech, Enterprise Solutions
Notable Investments: Carousell, Omise, LingoAce
Why They Stand Out: Their hands-on approach and regional expertise provide significant value to startups.
Source: WOWS Global
8. 500 Global
Who They Are: A global VC firm with a strong presence in Asia, known for seed investments in AI startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Deep Tech, Fintech
Notable Investments: Circles.Life, Bukalapak, Canva
Why They Stand Out: Renowned for their extensive network and accelerator programs.
9. IDG Capital
Who They Are: Focuses on nurturing high-growth AI and tech startups, with a keen interest in China.
Focus Areas: AI, Blockchain, Consumer Products
Notable Investments: Xiaomi, Meituan, Tencent
Why They Stand Out: Backing some of the largest tech companies in the world.
10. Matrix Partners China
Who They Are: Specializes in early and growth-stage startups in AI and other sectors.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, Consumer Tech
Notable Investments: Didi Chuxing, Ele.me, Miaopai
Why They Stand Out: Strong emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship.
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11. Shunwei Capital
Who They Are: Founded by Xiaomi's Lei Jun, Shunwei invests heavily in tech and AI startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Smartphone Ecosystem, Consumer Tech
Notable Investments: Xiaomi, Ninebot, Huami
Why They Stand Out: Leveraging strategic guidance from tech industry veterans.
12. Lightspeed China Partners
Who They Are: Focusing on early-stage investments, particularly in AI and tech startups in China.
Focus Areas: AI, Consumer Internet, Enterprise Solutions
Notable Investments: Rong360, Meizu, Pinduoduo
Why They Stand Out: Strong track record in scaling early-stage companies.
13. Deepcore
Who They Are: A SoftBank Group affiliated firm, concentrating on AI and deep tech startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, Quantum Computing
Notable Investments: Preferred Networks, ABEJA, VAAK
Why They Stand Out: Close association with SoftBank and access to their ecosystem.
14. CyberAgent Capital
Who They Are: A major player in Southeast Asia and Japan, investing in innovative AI companies.
Focus Areas: AI, Internet Services, Digital Media
Notable Investments: Tokopedia, OpenRice, Ant Group
Why They Stand Out: Expertise in digital transformation and media.
Source: WOWS Global
15. Horizon Ventures
Who They Are: The private investment arm of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, with a focus on AI and disruptive technology.
Focus Areas: AI, Biotech, Clean Energy
Notable Investments: Slack, Siri, Impossible Foods
Why They Stand Out: Strong emphasis on forward-thinking and disruptive innovations.
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16. Insignia Venture Partners
Who They Are: Based in Southeast Asia, they focus on investments in AI and tech startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, Health Tech
Notable Investments: Gojek, Logivan, Carro
Why They Stand Out: Known for their regional expertise and strategic partnerships.
Source: WOWS Global
17. Antler
Who They Are: A global early-stage VC and startup accelerator with a significant presence in Asia.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, Health Tech
Notable Investments: Sampingan, ReSkills, Satisfai Health
Why They Stand Out: Provides extensive support from ideation to scale.
18. EQT Ventures
Who They Are: Focuses on AI-driven tech startups with a goal to nurture them into global leaders.
Focus Areas: AI, Machine Learning, Fintech
Notable Investments: Small Giant Games, Natural Cycles, Handshake
Why They Stand Out: Strong mentorship and strategic support from seasoned entrepreneurs.
19. Qualgro
Who They Are: Southeast Asia and Australia-focused VC investing in AI-driven data, enterprise and consumer tech.
Focus Areas: AI, Data Analytics, Edtech
Notable Investments: Appier, Healint, Igloo
Why They Stand Out: Focus on data-driven businesses and strong network in Asia and Australia.
20. Mistletoe
Who They Are: Founded by Taizo Son, with investments supporting startups in AI and transformative technologies.
Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, SpaceTech
Notable Investments: Tier IV, ExaWizards, WHILL
Why They Stand Out: Focus on innovative technologies that have societal impacts.
21. ZhenFund
Who They Are: An angel investment fund focusing on emerging AI and tech startups in China.
Focus Areas: AI, EdTech, Consumer Internet
Notable Investments: ByteDance, Horizon Robotics, Yibang
Why They Stand Out: Early-stage focus and strong network in China's tech space.
22. SBI Investment
Who They Are: An investment arm of SBI Holdings, focusing on tech-driven startups in AI and Fintech.
Focus Areas: AI, Fintech, Blockchain
Notable Investments: Ripple, Nauto, GSX
Why They Stand Out: Extensive connections in both financial and tech sectors.
23. SGInnovate
Who They Are: A Singapore-based firm supporting deep tech startups with a global impact focus.
Focus Areas: AI, Quantum Tech, MedTech
Notable Investments: Horizon Quantum Computing, AIDA Technologies, Involt Technologies
Why They Stand Out: Government-backed with a strong emphasis on deep tech innovation.
Source: WOWS Global
24. Tsinghua Holdings
Who They Are: The investment arm of Tsinghua University, funding cutting-edge AI research and startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Biotech, Semiconductor
Notable Investments: Cambricon, Tujia, Xoxoday
Why They Stand Out: Strong academic and research backing from one of China's top universities.
25. Vickers Venture Partners
Who They Are: A prominent VC firm active in Southeast Asia, with significant investments in AI startups.
Focus Areas: AI, Biotech, Social Media
Notable Investments: Baidu, Yidu Cloud, Patsnap
Why They Stand Out: Known for their diversified portfolio and strategic investment approach.
Note: This list is based on available data and trends in the AI investment landscape in Asia as of early 2025. It reflects the best possible assessment of active and influential VCs in the AI domain. As market dynamics change, so could the prominence of these firms.
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FAQ
Q: Who are some of the top VCs for AI startups in Asia for 2025?
A: Some notable VCs include Remagine Ventures and Pitango VC. Learn more about their investment focus.
Q: Which regions in Asia are key players in AI-driven FinTech funding in 2025?
A: Key players include India, China, Singapore, and Israel, with a projected funding of $65.5 billion for AI-driven FinTech. Discover more about the funding projections.
Q: What trends are notable for Southeast Asian VCs in 2025?
A: Notable trends include changes in funding approaches, importance of leadership and ESG factors, and investments like SoftBank's in OpenAI. Explore the VC trends.
Q: Which country led in top VC deals in early 2024 with a focus on AI?
A: China led in top VC deals with significant investments in AI, including a $1 billion deal by YueZhi AnMian. Learn more about the top deals.
Q: Who are some of the most active VCs in Southeast Asia?
A: Active VCs include CyberAgent Capital, SG Innovate, Insignia Venture Partners, and Global Founders Capital. Find out more about these VCs.
Q: What are some challenges and trends for VCs in 2025?
A: Trends include a downturn in funding, a lead by Singapore in fundraising, and a focus on AI, Web3, and health tech. Discover more insights.
Q: What role are Asian hedge funds playing in 2025 with respect to AI?
A: Asian hedge funds are increasingly investing in Chinese tech companies leading in AI, such as Xiaomi and Baidu. Learn more about these investments.
Q: Who are some of the top AI investors globally in 2025?
A: Investors like 7BC Venture Capital, Flying Fish Partners, and Spiral Ventures are active in AI investments. Find out more about AI investors.
Q: What are the critical venture capital trends to watch in 2025?
A: Trends include the rise in mega-deals and a strong investment in AI startups despite overall funding declines. Explore the critical VC trends.
Q: Why are Asian hedge funds attracted to Chinese AI companies in 2025?
A: They are attracted due to the lower valuations in Chinese markets compared to their US counterparts and the advancements in AI by companies like Baidu. Learn more about this trend.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
