Asia is home to some of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing startup ecosystems. Here are some of the leading startup hubs in Asia:
Entrepreneur First (EF) Bangalore is part of a global talent investor and accelerator that specializes in supporting ambitious individuals who want to build technology startups from scratch. Unlike traditional accelerators that work with existing startups, EF focuses on bringing together highly talented individuals who may not yet have a co-founder or even a specific idea but who possess the drive and capability to create impactful companies.
Located in Bangalore, one of India's most vibrant tech hubs, EF Bangalore offers a unique program that spans over six months. The program begins with a "Form" stage, where participants are matched with co-founders and start brainstorming ideas. This is followed by the "Launch" stage, where the newly formed teams rapidly develop their ideas, validate them in the market, and prepare for fundraising. Successful teams receive seed funding from EF and gain access to EF’s global network of mentors, advisors, and investors.
One of the standout features of EF Bangalore is its focus on deep tech, AI, and software startups, making it an ideal environment for technically skilled founders. The program provides unparalleled support in areas such as product development, market fit, and scaling, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to build and grow high-impact companies.
Entrepreneur First has a strong track record of success, with many of its alumni going on to raise significant follow-on funding and building companies that make a real difference in their industries. For individuals who are passionate about building something from scratch and are looking for a co-founder, EF Bangalore offers an unmatched opportunity.
Antler India is a premier startup accelerator dedicated to helping early-stage founders turn their ideas into successful, scalable businesses. As part of the global Antler network, Antler India offers a unique combination of local expertise and international reach, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to build and grow their startups. Based in one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets, Antler India is positioned to support founders as they navigate the challenges of building a business in India’s diverse and competitive landscape.
The Antler India program is designed to support founders from the very beginning, even before they have a fully formed team or business idea. Through a rigorous selection process, Antler India brings together exceptional individuals from various backgrounds, helping them form teams, validate their concepts, and develop robust business models. Throughout the program, founders receive hands-on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, as well as access to a global network of investors, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
In addition to providing pre-seed funding, Antler India also offers extensive support in product development, market strategy, and go-to-market execution. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their ventures to a select audience of investors, paving the way for future growth and investment.
With a strong focus on innovation and scalability, Antler India is committed to building the next generation of industry leaders and global enterprises.
Antler Singapore is a key hub in Antler’s global network, strategically located in one of Asia’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. Antler Singapore is dedicated to supporting ambitious individuals who are driven to build the next wave of technology companies. The program is designed for those who may not yet have a co-founder or a fully developed business idea but have the potential to create high-impact startups.
The Antler Singapore program begins with an intensive selection process where individuals are chosen based on their entrepreneurial potential, technical skills, and domain expertise. The program is divided into two main phases: the "Form" phase and the "Build" phase. In the "Form" phase, participants are matched with co-founders and work on ideating and validating business concepts. This is followed by the "Build" phase, where teams rapidly develop their products, conduct market testing, and prepare for fundraising.
Successful teams can secure pre-seed funding from Antler, typically around $100,000 to $150,000, in exchange for equity. One of the significant advantages of Antler Singapore is its strong ties to both local and global markets, providing startups with unparalleled access to a wide network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. The program’s emphasis on scalability and innovation ensures that startups are well-positioned to expand beyond the Singapore market.
Antler Singapore is particularly well-suited for startups in industries such as fintech, health tech, sustainability, and deep tech. The program also places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, actively supporting founders from various backgrounds.
Antler Nairobi is part of the global Antler network, dedicated to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Africa. Located in Kenya's capital, Antler Nairobi is uniquely positioned to tap into the rapidly growing tech ecosystem of East Africa, offering a program tailored to individuals with the ambition to build startups that address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The program is designed for driven entrepreneurs who may not yet have a co-founder or even a specific business idea but have the potential to create high-impact companies.
Antler Nairobi’s program begins with a rigorous selection process, bringing together individuals with diverse skills and experiences. During the first phase, participants are matched with co-founders and begin developing business ideas. This ideation phase is followed by an intense validation stage, where the newly formed teams work on refining their ideas, testing market viability, and preparing for fundraising. The most promising startups receive pre-seed funding, typically around $100,000, from Antler in exchange for equity.
What makes Antler Nairobi particularly appealing is its strong focus on local market needs combined with access to Antler’s global network of mentors, advisors, and investors. This combination provides a unique advantage for startups looking to scale their solutions not only within Africa but also globally. The program supports a wide range of industries, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, and more, emphasizing innovation that can make a significant impact.
Demium is a leading European startup incubator and talent investor with a unique model that focuses on building startups from scratch. Unlike traditional accelerators that work with existing companies, Demium is dedicated to identifying and supporting talented individuals who have the potential to become successful entrepreneurs, even if they don’t yet have a business idea or a team.
Founded in 2013 in Spain, Demium has since expanded across Europe, with a presence in multiple cities, including Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Warsaw. Demium’s incubation program is designed to help entrepreneurs create startups from the ground up. The program starts with a rigorous selection process to identify individuals with strong entrepreneurial potential. Once selected, participants enter an intensive incubation phase where they are matched with co-founders and guided through the process of ideation, validation, and company formation.
One of the key differentiators of Demium is its commitment to long-term support. Startups that emerge from the incubation program have access to up to €100,000 in pre-seed funding from Think Bigger Capital, Demium’s own investment fund, in exchange for equity. Additionally, Demium provides ongoing mentorship, access to a wide network of investors, and opportunities for follow-on funding as startups grow and scale.
Demium’s model is particularly suited for aspiring entrepreneurs who are at the very beginning of their startup journey. By focusing on talent and potential rather than pre-existing companies, Demium helps create high-impact startups that can thrive in both local and international markets.
Brinc is a global venture accelerator and investor that focuses on supporting startups that are building a more sustainable and equitable future. With a presence in multiple locations around the world, Brinc is committed to backing innovative entrepreneurs who are developing solutions in areas such as food technology, clean energy, health tech, the Internet of Things (IoT), and hardware. The firm offers a comprehensive program that combines funding, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry experts and investors, providing startups with the resources they need to scale and succeed.
Brinc’s accelerator programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by startups in different industries. Each program is designed to help founders refine their products, validate their business models, and gain traction in the market. Startups benefit from Brinc’s extensive global network, which includes partnerships with leading corporations, research institutions, and governments. A key focus for Brinc is sustainability, with many of its programs dedicated to supporting startups that are addressing environmental challenges and contributing to a more sustainable world. Whether it's developing alternative protein sources, creating clean energy solutions, or advancing health technologies, Brinc is committed to helping startups that are making a positive impact on society and the planet. Check out their portfolio.
Through its hands-on approach and commitment to innovation, Brinc is playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of startups that are shaping the future. For entrepreneurs looking to build impactful businesses, Brinc offers the support, resources, and network needed to turn their visions into reality.
9Unicorns is a leading early-stage startup accelerator and venture capital fund based in India, focused on fostering innovation across various industries. Launched in 2019, 9Unicorns has quickly emerged as a key player in the Indian startup ecosystem, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs with both funding and strategic guidance. The accelerator typically invests between $100,000 to $500,000 in startups in exchange for an equity stake, usually ranging from 7% to 9%. This financial support is complemented by a rigorous acceleration program designed to help startups refine their business models, accelerate growth, and scale their operations.
9Unicorns is sector-agnostic, investing in a diverse range of industries including fintech, healthtech, edtech, e-commerce, deep tech, consumer goods, agritech, and mobility. The accelerator is particularly known for its hands-on approach, providing startups with access to a vast network of mentors, industry experts, and corporate partners who offer valuable insights and connections. This support extends beyond just the initial funding, as 9Unicorns continues to assist startups in securing follow-on investments and navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses.
One of the unique aspects of 9Unicorns is its commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. The program includes numerous networking opportunities, demo days, and pitch events that enable startups to connect with potential investors and partners. Through these efforts, 9Unicorns aims to create a pipeline of successful startups that can contribute significantly to the Indian economy and potentially grow into unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion.
Axilor Ventures is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm and startup accelerator headquartered in India. Established by industry veterans, Axilor has carved out a significant niche in the startup ecosystem by focusing on sectors such as technology, healthcare, and consumer products. The firm is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing not just capital but also the strategic mentorship and support necessary to navigate the challenges of early-stage growth. Axilor’s approach is holistic, ensuring that startups have access to a robust ecosystem that includes industry experts, business mentors, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. This comprehensive support system accelerates the growth trajectory of startups, helping them scale rapidly and sustainably in a competitive market. Check out their blog.
One of the distinguishing features of Axilor Ventures is its accelerator program, which is renowned for its hands-on approach. Startups selected for the program benefit from a blend of financial backing, strategic guidance, and unparalleled market access, positioning them for success from the outset. The program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by early-stage companies, offering tailored solutions that help them refine their business models, validate their products, and gain traction in their respective markets. With a strong network of investors and industry leaders, Axilor Ventures is committed to nurturing innovative ideas and helping startups realize their full potential. For entrepreneurs looking to transform their vision into reality, Axilor Ventures provides the ideal platform to scale and succeed in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the Indian startup ecosystem.
Entrepreneur First (EF) in Bangalore is the Indian branch of a renowned global talent investor and accelerator, specifically tailored to help extraordinary individuals build impactful startups from the ground up.
EF Bangalore operates under a distinctive model that differs from traditional accelerators: participants are not required to have a team or a fully developed idea when they join. Instead, EF provides a unique platform that assembles a diverse pool of talented individuals, guiding them through the critical stages of finding co-founders and refining their ideas into viable, high-growth startups.
Over several months, the program offers participants a comprehensive range of resources, including hands-on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, seed funding to catalyze early-stage development and access to EF’s extensive global network of investors and industry experts. This immersive environment is designed to fast-track the journey from concept to launch, fostering innovation and resilience.
The program's culmination is an exclusive Demo Day, where newly formed startups have the opportunity to pitch to a carefully selected audience of top-tier investors, setting the stage for further funding and scaling opportunities.
Positioned in Bangalore, a vibrant epicenter of India's startup landscape, EF Bangalore is dedicated to nurturing ambitious talent and enabling the creation of companies with the potential for significant global impact, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Energy & Sustainability is a specialized accelerator program within the Startupbootcamp network, focused on supporting early-stage startups in the energy and sustainability sectors. Based in Melbourne, Australia, this program aims to foster innovation in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart grids, sustainable mobility, and environmental technologies. The accelerator is designed to help startups develop solutions that address global challenges in energy and sustainability, providing them with the tools, resources, and networks needed to scale their impact.
The Energy & Sustainability accelerator offers a three-month intensive program where startups receive seed funding, hands-on mentorship from industry experts, and access to a global network of investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders. The program is tailored to meet the specific needs of startups in the energy and sustainability space, helping them refine their business models, accelerate product development, and prepare for scaling. Participants also benefit from Startupbootcamp’s extensive global network, which provides opportunities for international expansion and strategic partnerships.
A unique feature of the Energy & Sustainability program is its focus on real-world impact. Startups are encouraged to develop solutions that not only achieve commercial success but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their progress to a curated audience of investors, industry stakeholders, and media.
For startups working in energy and sustainability, this program offers an ideal platform to accelerate growth and scale solutions that can make a significant impact.