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Hello Betamax, If data is the new oil, then graphics processing units (GPUs) are the new, new oil. And right now, the wells are running dry. We are not running low on AI companies, tools, and products by any stretch of the imagination, but as today's first featured story shows, there's a very real shortage that goes to the heart of the AI sector. The piece, written by my colleague Scott, explores the industry's struggle with a lack of chips. That shortage is hitting small and medium-sized AI firms the hardest as they are squeezed out by bigger players who can lock in multi-year contracts. As companies from across the world seek chips, the hunt is increasingly pointing toward Southeast Asia's data center industry. Scott breaks down who's shopping, what they're paying, and why the region's data center boom may end up benefiting from this global problem. Also today, we have an Insights article from Binh Tran, co-founder of early-stage VC firm AVV, that explores how he automated some of the firm's back office operations. Spoiler alert: More GPUs were needed to do it than engineers. Peter Cowan, engagement editor |
TOP STORIES1️⃣ The global hunt for AI compute targets SEA  With hoarding, export controls, Nvidia's dominance, and government policies converging with huge demand for AI chips, the industry faces a perfect storm to drive a shortage. It's gotten so acute that Compute Exchange, a marketplace where businesses hunt down available GPU capacity, can't fulfill half the requests it receives, which is what's brought it to Southeast Asia. 2️⃣ How I built an AI analyst for my firm, no engineers needed A partner asks a question. The answer is buried somewhere across four platforms, a stack of PDFs, and two funding rounds of legal documents. Tran's solution: Spend a weekend building an AI agent that finds it for you. In this piece, he walks through how he did it, discussing the architecture, what he let the AI agent touch, what he kept off-limits, and why "I don't know" was a feature, not a bug. |
SINGAPORE'S FINTECH BENCHMARK IS RISING.The industry is evolving. So is the benchmark.  Singapore's fintech sector is entering a new phase, with innovation expanding across payments, digital assets, enterprise fintech, insurtech, neobanking, wealthtech, alternative financing, and regtech. As the industry matures, the bar is rising for the companies defining how financial services are built, delivered, and scaled in the local market. That is what Singapore's Top Fintech Companies 2027 aims to spotlight. Organized by Tech in Asia and Statista, the list recognizes companies developing or providing innovative, tech-backed financial products and services in Singapore. Last year, over 500 companies were evaluated, reflecting the depth and competitiveness of the local fintech ecosystem. If your company is shaping the next chapter of fintech in Singapore, this is your opportunity to be considered among the industry's leading players. Apply now to compete for a place among Singapore's Top Fintech Companies 2027. |
FROM OUR ARCHIVESMixing AI with blockchain got this startup Visa, Stripe as clients  Combining AI with blockchain, it turns out, can secure a lot of funding. Allium, a startup that uses AI to make blockchain data usable for enterprises, has closed a US$40 million series B funding round. What better time, then, to revisit our July 2025 story profiling the company? Back then, co-founder Ethan Chan spoke to us about building a blockchain data company during crypto's darkest days, why he thinks an IPO is like winning an Oscar, and what it takes to lure Singaporean engineers away from Google and GovTech. |
HELPING STARTUPS BUILD FOR GLOBAL DEMANDIn partnership with  Going global used to be a later-stage milestone. But today, demand from other markets can come before a local team, office, or payments setup is in place. This makes financial infrastructure less of a back-end concern and more of a growth strategy. How can businesses accept payments, manage fraud, and monetize globally from the start? Stripe is helping businesses build the financial infrastructure to serve global demand from day one. Learn more at Stripe Tour Singapore on August 25. |
PRESS PEEKSThe following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You, too, can publish your own press release on our site by simply filling out this form. Our team will get back to you by the next business day.
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