Guide to getting funding for tech startups in Singapore

If you’re building a tech startup in Singapore, chances are you’ve already asked yourself one of the biggest questions every founder faces: How do I fund this?

From government grants to private investors, Singapore offers one of the most supportive funding ecosystems in Asia. But with so many options, from SG Tech grants, venture capital, startup business loans and angel investors, it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to begin.

This guide breaks down the different ways to secure startup funding in Singapore, what each stage looks like, and how your workspace can actually play a role in scaling your business.

Why Singapore is a hot spot for building a startup 

Singapore has become one of the most attractive locations for launching a tech startup:

• Strong government support through grants and incentives.
• Access to investors, from angel investors to venture capital funds.
• Well-connected ecosystem offering mentors, networks, and corporate partnerships.

With this support, founders have more than just funding opportunities—they also have an environment designed to help startups grow. Beyond funding, operational decisions like workspace selection play a crucial role in building credibility and scaling efficiently.

Key funding options for tech startups in Singapore

Let’s break down the most common ways Singapore startups get funded:

1. Government grants

One of the first things founders explore is government grants that support startups developing innovative technologies. It’s particularly helpful if you’re still in R&D or building an MVP.

Some of the key business grants for tech startups in Singapore include:

Startup SG Founder

Startup SG Founder is a mentorship-cum-grant scheme designed specifically for first-time entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas. Administered by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), it provides eligible founders with funding through a startup grant amount of S$20,000 to S$50,000 from Accredited Mentor Partners (AMP). 

If you're a first-time founder looking for funding for your tech startup with built-in mentorship, this is one of the best places to start.

Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)

The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) helps Singapore companies grow and transform by co-funding projects related to innovation, productivity, and internationalisation. For startups, it can cover up to 50% of qualifying project costs, making it a significant boost when you're making an investment in capability-building or expanding into new markets. 

It's especially relevant if your tech startup or business is looking to develop new products, upgrade internal processes, or establish a foothold overseas, all areas where costs can pile up fast. In fact, the EDG is one of the grants to look at for technology startup funding in Singapore because it supports growth at multiple stages, not just at inception.

Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)

The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is a practical, accessible grant that subsidises the adoption of pre-approved IT solutions, equipment, and tech-enabled services. Eligible businesses can receive up to 50% of eligible qualifying costs, which can make a real difference when you're outfitting your team with the right tools. 

It covers a wide range of solutions, from accounting and HR software to industry-specific platforms, making it one of the most versatile grants for tech startups or other early-stage businesses. If your startup is looking to automate or digitalise operations without burning through your runway, the PSG is well worth exploring.

List of Useful Government Grants for Tech Startups

Singapore offers a robust suite of government-backed schemes to support not just tech startups at every stage. Here's a snapshot of the key grants to be aware of:

2. Angel investors

Once you’ve validated your idea and need more than grants, angel investors can be a great next step. These are usually high-net-worth individuals who invest early in exchange for equity.

Beyond capital, they often provide mentorship, advice, and connections which are invaluable for a young startup. For founders seeking funding for tech startups beyond what government schemes offer, tapping into Singapore's active angel investor community can be a game-changer.

Here are some of the most prominent angel investors in Singapore to know about:

Koh Boon Hwee

• Key Background: As a heavyweight in Singapore’s corporate ecosystem, Koh Boon Hwee brings immense strategic oversight from his extensive board-level experience. Securing his backing not only injects capital but also provides a powerful reputational boost that can unlock future funding networks.
• Target Sectors: Enterprise software, consumer technology, media services, and automotive.
• Notable Portfolio:

• Igloohome: Creators of smart lock and access management hardware.
• DocDoc: A Southeast Asian healthcare network matching patients with medical professionals.
• Shohoz: A dominant ridesharing and online ticketing service operating in Bangladesh.
• Solarhome: A provider of off-grid solar energy solutions for households lacking electricity access.

Huang Shao-Ning and Lim Der Shing

• Key Background: This husband-and-wife team brings deep operator experience, having previously co-founded and built the major job portal JobsCentral. Today, they are highly active ecosystem builders, managing AngelCentral, a syndicate that educates early-stage founders and pools capital. Together, they have supported over 28 different venture funds and startups.
• Target Sectors: Agnostic, with a strong lean toward consumer technologies that solve practical daily problems.
• Notable Portfolio:

• Motorist.sg: Singapore’s premier digital vehicle management and auto-concierge platform

• Royston Tay
• Key Background: Royston offers founders a rare, battle-tested perspective on scaling. He co-founded the live chat platform Zopim, expanding it to 18,000 global clients before its S$41.2 million acquisition by Zendesk. He currently leverages his expertise in software and consumer behavior as Zendesk’s VP and GM of Messaging.
• Target Sectors: Enterprise IT and software, financial technology, artificial intelligence, retail, and education tech.
• Notable Portfolio:

• 99.co: A leading geo-spatial property search and real estate engine in Singapore.
• MoneySmart: A prominent financial aggregator that allows users to compare rates on insurance, credit cards, and home loans.
• Koobits: A digital, interactive mathematics learning system.

Where to Find Angel Investors in Singapore

Knowing who the investors are is one thing, knowing how to reach them is another. Here are two key platforms where founders actively seeking funding for tech startups can connect with angel investors in Singapore:

• Singapore Investment Network: Singapore Investment Network is an online platform that connects entrepreneurs with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources across Southeast Asia. It allows founders to create a business profile and pitch directly to a curated network of investors who are actively looking for opportunities. 
• AngelCentral: Founded by Huang Shao-Ning and Lim Der Shing (mentioned above), AngelCentral is one of Singapore's most respected angel investment communities, with a dual focus on deploying capital and educating both investors and founders. They run regular events, workshops, and deal flow sessions that give startups meaningful face time with active investors. 

3. Venture Capital (VC)

If your startup is scaling fast, VC funds are likely on your radar. Singapore is home to top regional and global VCs, making it easier to connect with investors who understand the tech landscape.

Series A and beyond typically require strong traction, a clear growth strategy, and a professional setup that reassures investors you’re ready to scale.

Unlike government grants for tech startups or angel funding, VC investment usually comes with higher expectations around growth velocity and returns, but also larger capital injection. Furthermore, VCs don't just bring capital, they bring networks, operational expertise, and the kind of institutional credibility that can accelerate your next fundraising round. 

Some prominent VCs for tech startups in Singapore include:

• Golden Gate Ventures: One of Southeast Asia's most established early-stage venture capital firms, Golden Gate Ventures focuses on internet and mobile startups across the region.
• Jungle Ventures: A Singapore-headquartered VC firm that backs ambitious founders building category-defining technology companies across Southeast Asia and India.
• Wavemaker Partners: A deep tech and enterprise-focused VC that invests in seed and early-stage startups across Southeast Asia and the US.

4. Startup business loans in Singapore

Not all funding has to mean giving away equity. Some tech startups choose a startup business loan in Singapore to cover early operational costs. Banks and fintech lenders now offer tailored financing for small businesses and tech companies, which can help extend your runway.

For founders who have already tapped into grants for tech startups or raised a small angel round, a business loan can be a smart way to bridge gaps without further diluting your ownership.

Here are some of the prominent banks in Singapore that offer startup business loans:

• DBS Bank: DBS is one of Singapore's largest and most established banks, offering a range of SME and startup financing solutions tailored to businesses at different stages of growth. It's a popular first port of call for founders exploring funding for tech startups through debt financing, thanks to its extensive product suite and digital-first application process.
• OCBC Bank: OCBC is one of Southeast Asia's leading financial institutions and a well-recognised name for SME lending in Singapore. It offers a range of business financing products designed to help startups and growing companies manage cash flow and fund their next stage of growth.
• UOB: UOB is a leading bank with a strong focus on supporting SMEs and startups across Southeast Asia with accessible business financing options. Founders looking for technology startup funding through a traditional banking relationship will find UOB's range of SME loan products worth exploring.
• Standard Chartered: Standard Chartered is a global bank with a strong presence in Singapore, offering business lending solutions suited to startups and SMEs looking to scale. Its international reach makes it a particularly good fit for tech startups with regional or global ambitions.

5. Other Sources of Funding

Besides grants, angel investors, VCs and bank loans, there are a handful of other valuable support mechanisms that savvy tech startup founders use as a source of funding.

• Tax Support: Tax incentives might not be the first thing that comes to mind when exploring funding for tech startups, but they can meaningfully reduce your costs as you grow. 

One worth flagging is the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi), which allows eligible companies to claim a double tax deduction on qualifying expenses related to overseas market expansion and investment development activities.

• Training and Hiring: Building the right team is one of the biggest cost centres for any startup, which is why government support for training and hiring can be a meaningful form of indirect tech startup funding. 

The SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) currently provides eligible employers with S$10,000 in credits to cover up to 90% of qualifying employee training expenses. A redesigned version of the scheme is expected to launch in Singapore from Q3 2026, so it's worth keeping a close eye on what the updated programme will offer.

• Startup Incubators in Singapore: For early-stage founders, startup incubators offer something that money alone can't buy: structure, community, and hands-on guidance during the most uncertain phase of building a business. 

Incubators like Block71, one of Singapore's most recognised startup ecosystems, provide a combination of mentorship, networking, office space, and access to investors, creating an environment where tech startups investment opportunities can naturally emerge. 

If you're at the very beginning of your journey, exploring local incubator programmes is a smart move that can complement your broader funding strategy.

Understanding the stages of startup funding

Every startup goes through stages, and each comes with different funding sources:

• Seed Stage: Personal savings, family and friends, or early angel investors.
• Pre-Series A: Angel investors, accelerators, and incubators.
• Series A & B: Venture capital funds and larger institutional investors.
• Later Stage: Growth funds, corporate partnerships or private equity.

Knowing where you stand helps you target the right funding source instead of chasing options that aren’t the right fit yet.

Practical tips to maximise your chances for funding 

• Get your numbers in order: Investors want to see financial projections, but they also want clarity on cash flow and costs.
• Leverage government grants: Seek early-stage funding programmes or grants to build credibility before approaching investors.
• Build relationships early: Connect with investors, mentors, and other founders well before you need funding as relationships matter.
• Choose the right workspace: A professional coworking environment can boost team culture, provide networking opportunities, and serve as an ideal setting for investor meetings.

Why coworking spaces are a smart choice for startups

For startups, every dollar and every decision counts—and your workspace is no exception. Coworking spaces offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional office leases, allowing you to invest more in growth and the development of the business.

Beyond practicality, coworking environments are designed to boost productivity, encourage networking, and present an investor-ready image—helping you make a strong impression when hosting clients, partners, or potential investors.

The Work Project: More than just a workspace

For startups, finding the right office isn’t just about the space, it’s about building an environment that supports your team and fuels growth. 

From hot desk spaces and dedicated desks to private office rental in Singapore, every option comes with fast-speed internet, fully equipped meeting rooms, and professional settings that help you impress clients and investors. What sets The Work Project apart is its tailored workspaces, collaborative lounges, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs—all designed to keep overheads low while giving your startup room to grow.

Position your startup for growth with The Work Project

Raising funding in Singapore can feel challenging, but your operational choices can give you a competitive edge. Strategic use of government grants, targeted investor engagement, and a professional workspace all work together to help your startup thrive.

Choosing a flexible coworking space isn’t just about saving costs, it’s about creating the right environment for your team and scaling efficiently. The right workspace can make your startup more agile, credible, and ready to seize opportunities as they arise.

Take the next step for your business. Schedule a tour at The Work Project today and discover how the right workspace in Singapore can accelerate your startup’s growth.