Women-Led Startups Singapore Dominates Southeast Asia Funding Rankings

Singapore accounts for the majority of Southeast Asia’s most heavily funded women co-founded companies, according to a new ranking by Tracxn.

The women-led startups Singapore ecosystem represented 15 of the region’s 25 highest-funded businesses, highlighting the city-state’s strength in entrepreneurship and venture capital.

Collectively, the companies have raised approximately USD16.5bn in equity funding as of May 15 across sectors including fintech, enterprise software, consumer platforms and deep technology.

Grab, co-founded by Hooi Ling Tan, topped the ranking after raising approximately USD10.4bn and completing a public listing.

Airwallex, co-founded by Lucy Yueting Liu, ranked second with USD1.6bn in funding and an estimated valuation of USD8bn.

Indonesia contributed nine companies to the ranking, including Xendit, Ajaib, Investree, Sayurbox and Aruna, while Malaysia was represented by drone-technology company Aerodyne.

The results underscore Singapore’s role as the region’s leading hub for venture-backed female entrepreneurship.