Aspire has partnered Antler to reach more early-stage founders as it targets a 2.3x increase in startup customers in 2026.
The Singapore-based finance platform recorded 46 percent year-on-year growth among startups globally last year.
The partnership gives founders access to Aspire’s financial infrastructure at inception as they begin operating across markets.
Antler invests in hundreds of startups across Southeast Asia and Japan each year.
“Partnering with Antler lets us reach founders at the exact moment they’re making critical infrastructure decisions.
We’re seeing exceptional momentum — because founders increasingly understand that fragmented financial tools slow you down. When you’re moving money in multiple currencies and hiring across continents, you need one platform that just works.”
said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and co-founder of Aspire.
Aspire said activity across its startup base has accelerated. Artificial intelligence companies accounted for about 30 percent of new additions, in line with funding patterns that saw AI capture close to half of global venture funding in 2025.
Startup customers are processing 50 percent more in annual payments than two years ago, despite tighter funding conditions.
New customers are also executing 30 percent more foreign exchange transactions in their first 30 days compared with earlier cohorts.
“At Antler, we are the first institutional investor for hundreds of startups across Southeast Asia and Japan each year, many of which are global from day one. As these teams build and operate across multiple markets early on, the need for integrated systems that can support cross-border operations becomes clear very quickly.
This partnership strengthens the support system around how founders work today, and our commitment to ensuring they have the right foundations in place as they scale internationally.”
said Hiro Kiga, Partner at Antler Southeast Asia and Japan.
The expansion forms part of Aspire’s broader growth across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States, supported by new regulatory licences, market launches and partnerships.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by LensMastersCollection via Freepik
