Source: Fortune
Summary
Asian AI founders are leaving their home countries to set up shop in the US, attracted by the massive market and easy access to capital. Since 2025, over 30 Asian founding teams have relocated to the US with the help of global venture capital firm Antler. The US attracted 68% of all startup funding last year, while Asia only attracted 12%. Southeast Asia’s venture capital space is in a slump, with funding to tech firms falling by almost 80% between 2022 and 2024. Founders are also drawn to the US due to its vibrant founder community and access to talent.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Asian AI founders are voting with their feet, leaving their home countries for the US. The numbers are stark: 68% of startup funding goes to the US, while Asia gets just 12%. Southeast Asia’s venture capital space is in a slump, with funding down 80% since 2022. The US offers a massive market, easy access to capital, and a vibrant founder community. For now, Silicon Valley remains the place to be for AI founders with global ambitions. The US is where the money is, and the talent is too.
The strategy enters a familiar phase: follow the money.
Author: Evan Null
