Asia’s founders are spending more money on AI tools, with use of some coding tools rising by more than four times

Fortune

by Angelica Ang

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency and drive innovation. According to a study by Aspire, a Singapore-based fintech firm, spending on AI tools by founders surged by 20% last year alone. This shift is evident in the rapid adoption of specific AI platforms: usage of Anthropic’s Claude model tripled, while Cursor, an AI-coding tool, saw its use rise by over four times. These trends highlight how startups are now leveraging AI not just for administrative tasks but as a core component of product development. The surge in AI-related activity is particularly pronounced in key Asian markets. In Singapore, 30% of new startups launched recently are focused on AI. This figure is even more significant in Hong Kong, where two-thirds of newly onboarded businesses in late 2025 hailed from the AI sector. Aspire’s co-founder and CEO, Andrea Baronchelli, attributes this growth to a cultural shift among founders who are embracing disruption rather than resisting it. He notes that both Singapore and Hong Kong have strong institutional support and a new generation of entrepreneurs willing to innovate in a competitive global landscape. This trend underscores the growing importance of AI across industries, with fintech being no exception. Aspire, itself an “all-in-one” B2B fintech app, has seen consistent growth, averaging 50% year-over-year expansion since its founding. The platform’s success reflects broader trust in financial technology apps, which is fueling demand for enterprise-focused tools like Aspire. Baronchelli emphasizes the importance of staying close to emerging markets and innovation hubs, as businesses increasingly seek opportunities to adopt cutting-edge technologies. For business readers interested in tech trends and innovation, this shift signals a transformative period in Asia’s startup ecosystem. The rising adoption of AI tools not only promises efficiency gains but also positions Asian startups at the forefront of global technological advancements. As more founders invest in AI-driven solutions, they are setting the stage for a new wave of innovation that could redefine industries across the region and beyond.

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Originally published on Fortune on 3/3/2026