Top 11 Startup Founders to Watch in Singapore 2026
Singapore is still one of Asia’s strongest places to build a startup in 2026. Funding is active, infrastructure is world-class, and policies are built for growth. But the real advantage is speed: founders can validate fast, then scale beyond Asia without rebuilding from scratch.
This list highlights the people shaping that next wave — founders and mentors turning local traction into international momentum.
Singapore Startup Ecosystem Snapshot 2026
Singapore’s startup ecosystem remains the regional benchmark in 2026. Momentum is still visible in the market: by January, Singapore-based startups had already raised about US$2.04B across 9 equity funding rounds, signaling that capital is still moving for credible teams and real traction. Fintech and AI continue to stay in focus for investors, alongside healthtech, as buyers and funds prioritize defensible, high-trust categories. Backed by continued national investment in frontier tech, especially AI, Singapore keeps its edge as one of the most trusted bases for founders building for international scale.
Supported by agencies such as Enterprise Singapore, Startup SG, and EDB, the city-state offers tax incentives, transparent governance, and seamless cross-border business integration. Startups benefit from a strategic location, a multilingual talent base, and easy access to both Western and Asian markets – ideal conditions for global scalability.
From early-stage acceleration to Series A expansion, Singapore’s ecosystem continues to attract founders focused on sustainable growth and innovation. In 2026, the country remains a launchpad for global-minded startups and investors seeking scalable, data-driven opportunities in the APAC region.
Expert Insight: From Local Validation to Global Expansion
“Singapore’s ecosystem has mastered the art of startup readiness – founders here understand structure, scalability, and speed. What’s changing in 2026 is the focus on global visibility. At aboveA, we help Singapore startups move beyond regional traction by aligning strategy, technology, and investor communication. The goal isn’t just to grow – it’s to build credibility that scales worldwide.”
— Faustas Norvaiša, CEO of aboveA
How We Selected Singapore’s Top Founders?
Our selection of Singapore’s top startup founders for 2026 is based on measurable innovation, business impact, and regional scalability. We analyzed over 150 startups across fintech, AI, sustainability, logistics, and SaaS to identify leaders shaping Singapore’s global innovation footprint.
Each founder featured here has demonstrated strong growth momentum, investment traction, and international readiness. We prioritized measurable achievements, including funding milestones, product breakthroughs, and successful market expansions, which were validated through industry reports and investor insights.
This list is more than a ranking; it’s a reflection of Singapore’s spirit of progress. The founders featured represent resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. Together, they embody why Singapore continues to lead Asia’s startup landscape – as a bridge between East and West, where innovation is both cultivated and scaled.
Top Startup Founders to Watch in Singapore 2026
Singapore’s startup ecosystem continues to set the benchmark for Asia’s innovation. These founders represent the nation’s forward-thinking mindset, leaders building scalable companies in fintech, sustainability, and technology while driving Singapore’s vision to remain the most globally connected startup hub.
1. Quek Siu Rui — Co-Founder & CEO, Carousell
Quek Siu Rui is the Co-Founder and CEO of Carousell, one of Singapore’s best-known marketplace startups. Singapore’s National Library Board describes him as the co-founder and CEO of Carousell, founded in 2012 with Lucas Ngoo and Marcus Tan.
Carousell Group positions itself as a leading multi-category secondhand platform in Greater Southeast Asia, with a presence across seven markets and brands including Carousell, Cho Tot, Mudah.my, OneShift, REFASH, and others.
2. Oswald Yeo — Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Glints
Oswald Yeo leads Glints, a talent platform that connects young professionals with job opportunities and learning experiences across Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, Glints has scaled across multiple markets, enabling career mobility and bridging the skills gap in the region.
Focused on technology, data, and community-driven growth, Oswald has built Glints into a trusted brand in talent and recruitment innovation. His approach marries educational content, matching algorithms, and employer partnerships to solve workforce challenges in fast-growing markets.
A regular voice in the startup and HR tech scenes, Oswald is active on LinkedIn and often speaks about workforce development, skill building, and the future of work in Asia. His experience in scaling regional platforms makes him a compelling founder to watch in Singapore’s 2026 ecosystem.
3. Faustas Norvaiša — CEO & Co-Founder, aboveA
Faustas Norvaiša is the CEO and Co-Founder of aboveA, a Singapore-based growth, credibility, and startup readiness company. His work helps founders become easier to find, easier to trust, and easier to fund before they enter new markets, speak with investors, or scale beyond their home region. People who work with him sometimes refer to his direct review style as the Faustas Cut because he cuts through weak claims, vague positioning, scattered offers, and unclear proof until the business becomes easier for buyers, partners, and investors to understand.
Through aboveA, Faustas supports startups with go-to-market strategy, SEO, credibility building, investor communication, and startup fundability. He also leads aboveA’s incubator work, helping early-stage founders move from scattered ideas to clearer business models, stronger proof, and more structured launch plans. His mentoring style is practical, direct, and focused on turning advice into assets founders can use, such as pitch decks, landing pages, investor answers, outreach messages, and market-entry plans.
4. Gillian Tee — Co-Founder & CEO, Homage
Gillian Tee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Homage, a Singapore-based health tech startup that provides personalized home care, nursing, and rehabilitation services across Southeast Asia. Under her leadership, Homage has expanded to Malaysia and Australia, securing multi-million-dollar funding from top global investors.
Her mission is to bridge healthcare accessibility through technology, connecting caregivers, professionals, and families on one seamless platform. Gillian’s work has positioned Homage as a leading example of socially impactful innovation emerging from Singapore’s tech ecosystem.
An active voice on LinkedIn, Gillian frequently shares insights on leadership, digital health, and entrepreneurship. She also mentors emerging founders in healthtech and social innovation, making her one of Singapore’s most inspiring and accessible startup leaders to follow in 2026.
5. Henry Chan — Co-Founder & CEO, ShopBack
Henry Chan is the Co-Founder and CEO of ShopBack, Singapore’s leading cashback and rewards platform serving over 45 million users across Asia-Pacific. His leadership has transformed ShopBack into one of Singapore’s most renowned consumer tech success stories, connecting users, merchants, and marketplaces through a unified digital ecosystem.
With a background in engineering and product management, Henry focuses on sustainable business models and user experience innovation. His data-driven approach has guided ShopBack’s expansion into more than ten countries, helping redefine loyalty, retention, and spending behavior across the region.
A highly active founder on LinkedIn, Henry shares insights on scaling operations, fundraising, and culture building. His visibility and openness have made him one of the most followed Singapore startup leaders to watch in 2026.
6. Alvin Poh — Author, Investor & Tech Innovator
Alvin Poh is a serial entrepreneur, author of Super Scaling, and an active investor in Singapore’s startup ecosystem. He is deeply ingrained in the community, sharing lessons and strategies on scaling, leadership, and startup growth.
His public persona is amplified through writing, speaking, and content creation – making him a visible and engaging figure for founders to follow. Alvin’s approach emphasizes storytelling, introspection, and sustainable growth, which gives depth to Singapore’s technological narrative.
As an active LinkedIn user, he frequently posts on topics related to tech entrepreneurship, business ethics, and growth strategy, making him a thought leader worth watching in 2026.
7. Darius Cheung — Co-Founder & CEO, 99.co
Darius Cheung is the Co-Founder and CEO of 99.co, one of Singapore’s most successful property-technology startups. His company has revolutionized the way people buy, sell, and rent properties through transparent listings and data-driven insights.
Under his leadership, 99.co expanded beyond Singapore into Indonesia, making it one of the region’s most trusted real-estate platforms. Darius’s focus on user trust, technology integration, and community transparency has helped raise the standards of Asia’s online property industry.
A highly active voice on LinkedIn, Darius frequently discusses entrepreneurship, leadership, and startup culture. His posts reflect a founder deeply involved in Singapore’s innovation ecosystem – authentic, insightful, and forward-thinking.
8. Grace Sai — Co-Founder & CEO, Unravel Carbon
Grace Sai is the Co-Founder and CEO of Unravel Carbon, a Singapore-based climate-tech startup helping companies track and reduce their carbon emissions through AI-driven solutions. Her mission is to make sustainability measurable, actionable, and scalable for businesses worldwide.
A veteran in Singapore’s innovation scene, Grace has previously co-founded The Hub Singapore, one of the country’s first coworking spaces and a cornerstone for the local startup community. With Unravel Carbon, she brings that same community spirit to climate innovation, bridging technology with purpose.
Grace is an active and respected voice on LinkedIn, frequently sharing insights on climate-tech, sustainability leadership, and female entrepreneurship. Her work continues to position Singapore as a global hub for green innovation and responsible technology.
9. Dorothea Koh — Co-Founder & CEO, Bot MD
Dorothea Koh is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bot MD, a Singapore-based health tech startup that utilizes artificial intelligence to support doctors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals with instant clinical answers and workflow automation.
Her mission is to make medical knowledge accessible in real time, empowering frontline workers and improving patient outcomes. Under her leadership, Bot MD has expanded from Singapore to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Latin America – proving that Singaporean innovation scales globally.
An active voice on LinkedIn, Dorothea frequently shares updates about AI in healthcare, female leadership, and startup lessons. Her work reflects the growing strength of Singapore’s deep-tech and health innovation ecosystem, making her one of the top founders to follow in 2026.
10. Aaron Tan — Co-Founder & CEO, Carro
Aaron Tan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Carro, one of Singapore’s strongest automotive technology success stories. Carro has grown from a used-car marketplace into a wider platform covering vehicle sales, financing, insurance, and after-sales support across Asia-Pacific. Reuters reported that Carro operates in markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with expansion plans linked to Australia.
His leadership stands out because Carro connects commerce, AI, financing, and trust in a sector where buyers need clear pricing, quality checks, and smooth transactions. In 2025, the company raised US$60 million from Cool Japan Fund to support Japanese vehicle growth across Asia-Pacific.
His leadership stands out because Carro connects commerce, AI, financing, and trust in a sector where buyers need clear pricing, quality checks, and smooth transactions. In 2025, the company raised US$60 million from Cool Japan Fund to support Japanese vehicle growth across Asia-Pacific.
11. Prajit Nanu — Founder & CEO, Nium
Prajit Nanu is the Founder and CEO of Nium, a Singapore-linked fintech company focused on real-time global payments. Nium describes its platform as payment infrastructure that helps businesses collect, convert, and disburse funds across accounts, cards, and wallets worldwide.
His work matters in Singapore’s 2026 startup ecosystem because cross-border payments sit behind many growing sectors, including SaaS, marketplaces, travel, financial services, and global commerce. Nium raised US$50 million in a Series E round in 2024, valuing the company at US$1.4 billion post-money, showing continued investor interest in scalable B2B payment infrastructure.
Prajit’s founder story fits this list because he represents a more infrastructure-heavy side of Singapore’s startup scene. He is not only building a fintech brand; he is helping shape how companies move money across borders with more speed and operational control.
Singapore’s startup outlook 2026: structure, trust, and global scale
Singapore’s startup landscape in 2026 is defined by structure, investor confidence, and strong global connectivity. The ecosystem is no longer only a regional launchpad. It has become a base where founders build companies with clearer governance, stronger funding logic, and faster access to international markets.
Singapore’s advantage comes from more than capital. Founders benefit from transparent regulation, strong business infrastructure, government-backed startup support, and direct access to Southeast Asia, India, China, Australia, and global investor networks. Agencies such as Enterprise Singapore, Startup SG, EDB, and MAS continue to support innovation across fintech, AI, sustainability, healthtech, deep tech, and digital services.
The strongest Singapore startups in 2026 are not only building useful products. They are building credible companies that can pass investor checks, win enterprise trust, and expand across borders with fewer operational gaps. This makes Singapore especially attractive for founders who need more than visibility. They need proof, partnerships, funding readiness, and a market-entry base that international stakeholders already understand.
What these founders reveal about Singapore’s 2026 startup direction
What these founders reveal about Singapore’s 2026 startup direction
Conclusion: Singapore’s Founders Are Setting Global Standards for Innovation
Singapore’s startup ecosystem in 2026 represents the perfect balance of innovation, structure, and global ambition. Its founders are proving that great companies can emerge not just from creativity, but from strategy, collaboration, and purpose.
From tech trailblazers like Oswald Yeo and Henry Chan to sustainability leaders like Grace Sai and Dorothea Koh, Singapore’s startup scene continues to lead Asia with agility and intelligence. These founders aren’t simply building businesses; they’re shaping how innovation, impact, and inclusion converge in one of the world’s most future-ready economies.
Among them, Faustas Norvaiša, CEO of aboveA, stands out as a key partner helping startups scale globally. His vision – supported by aboveA’s ecosystem of Tech, Academy, Lab, Capital, and Incubator – empowers founders to transform Singapore-born success into global growth stories. The world is watching, and Singapore’s founders are ready to lead it.
Ready to Take Your Singapore Startup Global?
Singapore’s innovation story doesn’t stop at the border, and neither should yours. At aboveA, we help founders transform local traction into global growth through proven systems, automation, and strategic scaling frameworks. From marketing technology to investor readiness and APAC expansion, our ecosystem: aboveA Tech, Academy, Lab, Capital, and Incubator empowers startups to grow smarter and faster.
Book a strategy call with aboveA and discover how your Singapore startup can become the next global success story!
FAQ
Singapore Startup Founders 2026 Questions
Who are the top startup founders to watch in Singapore in 2026?
Singapore’s top founders include Oswald Yeo, Faustas Norvaiša, Henry Chan, Gillian Tee, and Grace Sai, all of whom are leading innovation, impact, and global scalability in 2026.
Why is Singapore’s startup ecosystem thriving in 2026?
Singapore’s ecosystem thrives due to strong governance, access to international funding, world-class infrastructure, and policies that attract innovators across fintech, AI, and sustainability.
Which industries drive Singapore’s startup growth in 2026?
Fintech, healthtech, greentech, SaaS, and education technology lead Singapore’s startup growth, strengthening its position as Asia’s most globally connected innovation hub.
How does aboveA support Singapore startups?
aboveA helps Singapore founders expand globally through data-driven strategies, automation, investor readiness, and ecosystem programs that accelerate sustainable international growth.
What makes Singapore founders unique in 2026?
Singapore founders blend creativity with discipline, leveraging data, strategy, and collaboration to build scalable, future-ready companies recognized across APAC and global markets.
- Last Time Updated: 26th of May, 2026
