14-05-2025
Meet The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Class Of 2025
This 10th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list puts the spotlight on a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators with a bold vision for the future—one that's largely powered by artificial intelligence.
From automating mundane tasks such as transcribing client calls to providing sophisticated analytics for hedge fund managers and speeding up the discovery of new chemical materials, AI is reshaping how startups innovate. More than a third of those on our list use AI in some way, a trend that prompted us to create a new AI category.
Take for example Jin Kim, 28, cofounder of Seoul-based LinqAlpha. In May last year, Kim teamed up with 3 other cofounders (two of whom are 30 Under 30 alumni) to deliver tech-driven insights to investors, with a focus on hedge fund managers. Their subscription-based platform uses AI to speed up research into more than 60,000 companies in over 80 markets and in 20 languages, it says, trawling through large volumes of data, such as securities filings, financial reports and earnings-call transcripts as well as text files, PDFs and social media. LinqAlpha raised $6.6 million in seed funding last year from investors such as Korea-based VC firms Atinum, InterVest, Kakao Ventures and Smilegate Investment.
Jin Kim, cofounder of LinqAlpha.
Douglas Levy for Forbes Asia
For founders navigating the turbulent waters of fundraising, AI has emerged as a strategic partner that helps refine their value propositions to investors looking to back the potential of this cutting-edge technology.
Cofounded by 24-year-old Wang Guan in 2024, Singapore-based Sapient Intelligence is trying to create artificial general intelligence (AGI), or AI that can match or surpass human intelligence. The startup is combining technology from mathematics, neuroscience and machine learning in the training of AI models that can solve very complex puzzles like Sudoku. Last December, Sapient Intelligence raised $22 million in seed funding from investors including Vertex Ventures and Sumitomo Group, giving it a valuation of over $200 million.
In Japan, 29-year-old Kazuki Yumiba cofounded Hutzper which enables manufacturers to automate quality inspections to reduce costs. Food companies, for example, can use its Mekikibaito technology to check for contamination and damaged products. Customers include Tsukishima Foods and Toshiba. The startup has raised ¥883 million ($6.2 million) in funding, including from East Ventures and Hiroshima Venture Capital.
AI is also being used by our listees in almost every category including Healthcare & Science, Retail & Ecommerce, Finance & Venture Capital and even Social Impact.
Elsewhere on the list, reflecting Gen Z's departure from the mantra of 'go big or go home,' young go-getters are building niche businesses aimed at a local customer base. From hair products to activewear and craft beverages, they are tapping into growing demand for homegrown offerings.
Sisters Raena and Rahee Ambani, 24 and 28, launched Mumbai-based activewear company Terractive in 2023, offering innovative sportswear that is both cooling and anti-odor. Last December, Terractive raised 80 million rupees (about $950,000) in a pre-series A funding round led by Fireside Ventures and DeVC.
Raena Ambani and Rahee Ambani, cofounders of Terractive.
Supplied photo
Creating an India-made product to pamper her curly hair also led Anshita Mehrotra to build a niche haircare brand that's grown over the past six years. The Gurgaon-based Fix My Curls sells a range of shampoos, conditioners and gels and says it's delivered over 500,000 orders so far across ten countries, sold directly from its website as well as through Amazon, beauty retailer Nykaa and others. It has raised $910,000 in a seed round led by Amazon Sambhav Venture Fund (ASVF). 'There's crazy potential in this business,' says Mehrotra.
In Australia, 26-year-old Annabel Hay turned a wardrobe malfunction at a Sydney nightclub in 2016 into a multimillion-dollar business. Launched in 2022, Clutch Glue is a liquid alternative to fashion tape that Hay spent four years developing. In November 2024, the company received A$1.4 million ($900,000) in pre-seed funding led by Blackbird.
Putu Wiranatha, cofounder of Kuru Kuru beer.
Supplied photo
Based in Bali, Putu Wiranatha cofounded craft beer brand Kura Kura Beer with his father Kadek in 2020. Kura Kura, meaning 'turtle' in Bahasa Indonesian, refers to the legend that Bali lies on top of a turtle's back. Its brewery produces two types of pale ale, one IPA and a lager as well as short-term limited releases. In December 2023, the company shipped its first exports to Australia.
The final 300 entries on this year's list were selected from over 4,500 nominations and represent 20 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. India has the most entries with 94 entries, followed by Australia (32), China (30), Japan (25) and South Korea (23). Singapore and Indonesia have 19 entries each.
In addition to entrepreneurs, they include venture capitalists, activists, artists and athletes, whose achievements in their respective fields stand out. They were vetted by a panel of experts from a range of industries and researched by a team of Forbes Asia reporters and editors across the region.
Check out our full Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list here.
