HSBC Global Viewpoint Perspectives: Where VCs are betting in Asia in 2026
Dec 8, 2025
Rohit Agarwal, Managing Director at Peak XV and a seasoned investor in the Asian tech landscape, shares his insights on the future of venture capital. He highlights why Singapore is becoming a crucial hub for startups, fueled by its talent pool and global company presence. Rohit discusses how AI is reshaping team dynamics, prompting founders to migrate to urban centers. He also touches on the resurgence of profitable Southeast Asian firms, the importance of predictable growth for exit strategies, and the significant potential of AI in healthcare.
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Values And A North Star Guide Decisions
- Rohit credits family, mentors and a values-led 'North Star' for guiding decisions at Peak XV.
- He says a clear North Star like 'performance' simplifies complex investment conversations.
Singapore As A Global Launchpad
- Singapore offers a dense, diverse talent pool that lets founders scale from APAC to global markets.
- Founders use Singapore as a co-located base to build global products while leveraging regional engineering hubs.
AI Cuts Team Size Dramatically
- AI startups require far fewer people because models enable product and GTM automation.
- Many AI companies launch with sub-20 headcounts and still reach meaningful revenue quickly.