What Are The Biggest Startup Hubs In Asia?

Asia, the world’s most populated continent, is also fast-becoming one of the world’s most exciting startup regions.

According to the OECD, in Asia, there are on average around 3 start-ups per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to almost 40 on average in OECD countries.

And when it comes to unicorns in Asia, some estimates sit around 420+ for the entire continent.

But which hubs are driving forward Asia’s startup ecosystem? Let’s take a look.

Singapore

No list of startup hubs in Asia would be complete without mentioning Singapore. Singapore, despite its just 6.11 million population, has become a magnet for startups and entrepreneurs.

Why? Well, geographically, Singapore sits in a position that means it has perfect access to markets like China, Japan, Australia and South Asia. It’s also a big transport hub, connecting Europe to the far east.

When it comes to business, Singapore’s government has been forward thinking in implementing policies designed to support entrepreneurship and growth. Startups get tax incentives, funding opportunities and access to a highly educated population. No surprise then that Singapore has become (and stayed) so popular.

Toyko, Japan

Next up is Tokyo, a growing hub which has been known for its highly educated population and tech-forward society. Whilst Tokyo used to be known for its big corporates, in recent years it has also become somewhat of a startup hub.

Home to tech giants like Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic, Tokyo has recently been pushing forward research and development in sectors like AI, robotics, biotech and the IoT. And when it comes to Japan’s unicorns, Tokyo is home to just under half, housing 3/7 of the country’s billion dollar companies.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, is also a growing startup hub. But Seoul isn’t just well known for building tech startups, it also has a globally recognised K-pop sector, a huge K-beauty industry and a forward-thinking mentality to AI and robotics.

The country also works hard to become appealing to entrepreneurs, offering lower corporate and income taxes, and cash grants for hiring, training, and real estate costs. To date, Seoul is home to around 13 unicorns, including names like Toss, Musinsa and Kurly.

Bangalore, India

Sometimes referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore has built a reputation as the country’s tech capital. It’s home to major global tech firms as well as a huge number of startups in areas like SaaS, edtech, fintech and AI.

Part of the reason for this is that Bangalore has a big and well-educated population, is relatively safe and supportive to talent from all over India.

According to The Scalers, Bangalore attracted 40% of the country’s total startup funding in H1 2025, solidifying it as one of its major startup hubs.

Beijing, China

Beijing is one of the political and cultural centres of China, meaning it draws in much of the country’s young talent. Home to 61 unicorns including in sectors like AI, biotech and energy, it’s a city known for being forward-thinking and innovative in new areas of technology.

With top universities, a huge domestic market and well-established connections across much of the world, Beijing is home to a huge number of China’s booming (and growing) startup sector.

Jakarta, Indonesia

With a large, young and growing digital economy, Jakarta is South East Asia’s most exciting startup hub.

The Indonesian government have been working hard to boost the country’s appeal through investor friendly policies, reducing infrastructure costs for certain areas and fostering startups through workshops, hackathons, and incubation programmes.