30 Under 30: Meet The Young Entrepreneurs Shaping AI In Asia

Forbes Asia
In May last year, Jin Kim teamed up with Subeen Pang, 32, and Forbes Under 30 alums Hojun Choi (class of 2023), 31, and Chanyeol Choi (class of 2021), 33, to deliver tech-driven insights to investors, with a focus on hedge fund managers. Their subscription-based platform, LinqAlpha, uses AI to speed up research into more than 60,000 companies in over 80 markets and in 20 languages, it says, trawling through large volumes of data, such as securities filings, financial reports and earnings-call transcripts as well as text files, PDFs and social media. 'What we do is replicate the thought processes of hedge fund analysts through algorithms,' Kim says.
Forbes Asia
Kim is one of the entrepreneurs on the newly created AI category of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, who are utilizing the cutting edge technology to innovate across industries.
Based in Seoul with an office in New York, LinqAlpha raised $6.6 million in seed funding last year from investors such as Korea-based VC firms Atinum, InterVest, Kakao Ventures and Smilegate Investment. Kim, a former quant researcher with a master's degree in financial engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, heads LinqAlpha's fundamental research engineering team.
'We are on the pioneering edge of what we're doing'
The startup, which says its customers have combined assets under management of more than $100 billion, faces hefty competition in the AI-powered research space, including from financial information giant Bloomberg. Kim says LinqAlpha stands out from other equities-focused AI models by covering more companies outside of the U.S. while working with clients to tailor searches for their specific strategies. 'We are on the pioneering edge of what we're doing,' he avers.
Another ambitious AI startup on the list is Singapore-based Sapient Intelligence. Cofounded by Wang Guan in 2024, it is trying to create artificial general intelligence (AGI), or AI that can match or surpass human intelligence. The startup is combining technology from mathematics, neuroscience and machine learning in the training of AI models that can solve very complex puzzles like Sudoku. Last December, Sapient Intelligence raised $22 million in seed funding from investors including Vertex Ventures and Sumitomo Group, giving it a valuation of over $200 million.
In China, two listees are developing large language models(LLMs).
Founded by Gao Haichuan in 2023, Beijing Qianjue Technology has developed a large language model (LLM) that functions as a brain for robots, helping machines assess the surrounding environment and respond to verbal commands. Qianjue has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from investors including Innoangel Fund and Rivercity Investment. Gao holds a Ph.D. in automation engineering from China's Tsinghua University.
Gao Haichuan, cofounder of Beijing Qianjue Technology
Cofounded by Chen Yuanpei in 2024, PsiBot is also developing AI models for robots. The company says its technology can allow multiple robotic arms to make complex movements such as stacking building blocks. Last year, PsiBot raised an undisclosed amount of funding from GL Ventures and Lanchi Ventures. Chen holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the South China University of Technology and was a visiting scholar at Peking University and Stanford University, where he was advised by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li.
Entrepreneurs from across the region are using AI to provide consumer and enterprise services catering to various sectors.
Jacky Koh, Daniel Palmer and Daniel Vassilev cofounded Relevance AI to help companies develop their own AI-based tools and automate tasks without coding. Using Relevance AI's online platform, companies can customize large language models (LLMs) to create email responses and handle data analytics. With offices in Sydney and San Francisco, the startup raised a series A funding round of A$15 million ($9.3 million) in December 2023. Vassilev and Koh, who met in high school, joined forces with Palmer when the trio met at the University of Sydney.
Daniel Vassilev, Daniel Palmer and Jacky Koh, cofounders of Relevance AI.
Cofounded in 2021 by MIT Ph.D.-holders Christian Lau and Vaikkunth Mugunthan, Dynamo AI offers software to run tests on AI programs to identify potential risks, and prevent the models from accessing sensitive data. With offices in India and the U.S., the company has attracted users including Chinese PC giant Lenovo and Dublin-based multinational Experian. It has so far raised $30 million in funding from investors including Nexus Venture Partners and Y Combinator.
AI has also been revolutionizing the entertainment sector. In 2020, Wu Di cofounded Shanghai-based Deemos, which uses AI to help users generate 3D content and digital avatars. Its 3D modeling technology was used in the Chinese sci-fi blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2, and attracted investors' attention. In January, the company raised an undisclosed amount in a series A round from investors including ByteDance, HongShan (formerly Sequoia China) and the MiraclePlus accelerator.
Byeoli Choi, cofounder of Movin.
In South Korea, Byeoli Choi cofounded Movin, a startup that develops AI-based real-time motion capture devices. Based in Seongnam, its devices help game studios, YouTubers and entertainment companies create lifelike animations. In March, Movin raised 4 billion won ($2.7 million) in a pre-series A funding round from investors including Atinum Investment and Naver D2SF, the South Korean internet giant's corporate venture arm. In the same month, Movin established an in-house studio to collect 3D motion data to help companies develop AI-powered humanoid robots. Before launching Movin, Choi worked at Naver's metaverse platform Zepeto.
–Additional reporting by John Kang
Read our complete AI list here – and be sure to check out our full Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 coverage here.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Insider

an hour ago

• Business Insider

Upcoming Stock Splits This Week (June 23 to June 27)

These are the upcoming stock splits for the week of June 23 to June 27, based on TipRanks' Stock Splits Calendar. A stock split takes place when a company increases its number of outstanding shares by issuing more to existing shareholders, effectively reducing the price per share without altering the firm's overall market capitalization. While the underlying value remains the same, the lower share price makes the stock more accessible to everyday investors and may help boost market interest. Confident Investing Starts Here: Meanwhile, a reverse stock split does the opposite, shrinking the share count by consolidating existing shares into fewer units. This pushes the stock price higher while keeping the total valuation the same. It's a common move for companies trying to meet exchange listing requirements, especially if their share price is flirting with minimum thresholds like those set by the Nasdaq. Whether it's about attracting more investors or holding onto a listing, these corporate actions can offer valuable clues about a company's strategy and where it sees itself heading next. Let's take a look at the upcoming stock splits for the week. Pegasystems (PEGA) – Pegasystems is a leading provider of enterprise AI-powered decisioning and workflow automation software. On June 17, the company announced a 2-for-1 forward stock split, aimed at improving share accessibility for retail investors. PEGA stock is expected to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on June 23. TruGolf Holdings (TRUG) – Specializing in high-end golf simulator technology, TruGolf aims to bring the driving range indoors. On June 18, the company announced a 1-for-50 reverse stock split to help maintain compliance with Nasdaq's listing requirements. The split is set to take effect on June 23. Maase (MAAS) – China-based Maase, a digital platform company, is switching from trading American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to listing its regular shares directly on the Nasdaq. To prepare for this transition, the company announced a 1-for-90 reverse stock split on June 18, meaning every 90 ADSs will be converted into one regular share. The split takes effect when the market opens on June 23, 2025. Super League Enterprise (SLE) – Super League builds immersive experiences across gaming and metaverse platforms. On June 18, the company announced a 1-for-40 reverse stock split, designed to boost the share price and extend its Nasdaq listing runway. The stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on June 23. KULR Technology Group (KULR) – Focused on thermal management and battery safety for aerospace and EV markets, KULR announced a 1-for-8 reverse stock split on June 13 to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price rule. The stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on June 23. Stem, Inc. (STEM) – Leveraging AI to boost grid-scale energy efficiency, Stem announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split on June 11 to comply with the NYSE's minimum bid price requirement. The stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on June 23. Cellectar Biosciences (CLRB) – Cellectar is a clinical-stage biotech developing phospholipid drug conjugates for targeted cancer treatment. On June 18, the company announced a 1-for-30 reverse stock split, following shareholder approval the prior week. The move is aimed at regaining compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement. The split is slated to go into effect on June 24. Jiade Limited (JDZG) – China-based Jiade Limited, which focuses on adult education and logistics services, announced on June 20 that it would implement a 1-for-8 reverse stock split, effective June 24, consolidating its shares and updating its CUSIP to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement.

American Military News

2 hours ago

• American Military News

Widespread pay cuts in China drive down consumer spending, fuel deflationary fears

This article was originally published by Radio Free Asia and is reprinted with permission. Chinese workers across industries are facing salary cuts and layoffs as mounting economic woes engulf China's public and private sectors, sources tell Radio Free Asia. That's forcing families to slash spending. It is also triggering deflationary concerns as businesses enter into desperate price wars. From Beijing's central government offices to provincial agencies across China, as well as major state-owned enterprises like investment bank China International Capital Corp (CICC), employees have faced substantial pay reductions that have reduced household budgets and fundamentally altered consumer spending patterns. 'I used to earn 6,000 yuan (or US$835) a month but now I only get 5,000 yuan (US$696), and some allowances have been removed too,' Li, an employee at a Beijing-based state-owned enterprise, told RFA. Like many others interviewed for this story, Li wanted to be identified by a single name for safety reasons. 'Some people in my wife's company have also had their salaries cut and some have received layoff notices, saying they will only work until July-end,' said Li. In Zhejiang, regarded one of China's most prosperous provinces, ordinary civil servants have had their annual salaries slashed by 50,000 to 60,000 yuan (or US$6,964-US$8,356) this year, Zheng, a resident of the province's Zhuji city, told RFA. Civil servants in more senior positions have seen deeper reductions to their annual pay of around 80,000 to 100,000 yuan (or US$11100-US$13900) and others in still higher levels by about 150,000 yuan (or US$20,890), Zheng said. 'There was already a reduction two years ago. This year's salary is reduced again,' he added. The cuts indicate the financial strain on local governments, as domestic economic challenges lead to tepid consumer demand and price pressures. That's impacting businesses' ability to pay taxes. Additionally, local governments are grappling with a decline in land transfer sales revenue amid weak property market demand. For 2025, China's provincial regions have set cautious fiscal revenue estimates, with an average growth target of 2.8% for their general public budget revenue, which is the sum of tax and non-tax revenue. That's down 1.6 percentage points from 2024's target average, as revenue generation challenges continue to weigh on local governments, economists say. For example, in Shandong, many real estate projects have been suspended for the past two years with no land sales recorded, impacting the local government's already large fiscal debt levels, said one blogger based in the northeastern coastal province, according to texts and pictures posted on X account @whyyoutouzhele, also known as 'Mr. Li is not your teacher,' who posts content on that platform to circumvent Chinese government censorship. Another Shandong resident, named Geng, told RFA, that county and township level officials in the province have had their salaries slashed by 30%, with payments frequently delayed. 'Now the county-level finances have been depleted, and the benefits for police officers have also been reduced,' Geng, a resident of Qingdao city, said. Police officers in many other regions have also seen significant cuts to their annual salaries, down to 200,000 yuan (US$27,856) this year from 300,000 yuan (US$41,784) a year ago, said a legal professional based in southeast China's Guangdong province. Employees of major Chinese state-owned commercial enterprises, such as investment bank CICC and China Development Bank, have not been spared either, with companies executing cost-cutting 'optimization measures,' including wage reductions and layoffs, amid a government campaign to cap pay ceilings at financial institutions and bring it more on par with other civil servants But an employee at CICC said the salary cuts have affected virtually all staff levels. 'Almost everyone in our building has had their salaries cut. The lowest-level employees have also had their salaries cut by 5%. I heard that the reductions for mid- and high-paid employees are even greater,' he said. According to a report from Beijing-based Caixin media group, 27 government-owned financial enterprises have begun to implement salary cuts, mainly aimed at reaching the goal of capping annual income of staff at these firms at 1 million yuan (US$139,180), as Beijing moves forward with a campaign, known as 'common prosperity' drive, to narrow income and wealth inequality. Ma, who works at a Beijing-based state-owned enterprise, said his company has already conducted two rounds of salary cuts and layoffs since 2023. 'The basic salary has shrunk, and the company has also cancelled meal and transportation subsidies,' Ma said. 'The work that used to be done by two or three people now has to be done by one person.' Another employee of a state-owned bank based in Guangdong's Dongguan city said his salary had been reduced by 30% in the past two years, with performance bonuses 'almost completely cut.' The salary reductions have sparked a sharp decline in consumer spending, creating deflationary pressures across the economy, as businesses engage in aggressive price cutting in a desperate bid to attract cash-strapped consumers. 'The price war has become the latest struggle for many small businesses,' Meng, a Shandong resident, told RFA. 'For example, the good ribs here only sell for 12 yuan (or US$1.67) a pound, and the purchase price of live pigs is only a few yuan … restaurants are desperately offering discounts to survive. This is not competition, but dragging each other down.' In Beijing, small supermarkets are 'slashing prices like crazy,' said Su, a resident of the city's Haidian District. 'I'm afraid they will all go bankrupt in a few months at this rate.' In her own home too, Su has observed major changes in spending patterns, with fewer family gatherings and less frequent restaurant meals, as household budgets tighten. Economist Wu Qinxue warned that the current situation highlights continued decline in local governments' fiscal levels and is not just a temporary belt-tightening. 'The (local) government has no money to manage people, and no one is willing to spend money,' he said. 'From salary cuts within the system to the collapse of consumption among ordinary people, the entire society is quietly forming a top-down (consumer belt-) 'tightening chain.''

Hamilton Spectator

4 hours ago

• Hamilton Spectator

Dutchie's Fresh Market and company director fined for not paying employees

A former Dutchie's Fresh Market butcher told court Friday that getting shortchanged on his wages made him feel 'betrayed and exploited.' Dutchie's pleaded guilty to nine charges, under the Employment Standards Act, of failing to comply with orders to pay employees. Michael Renkema, the sole director of the Waterloo-based company, pleaded guilty to four charges. In provincial offences court in Kitchener on Friday, the company was fined $25,000; Renkema was fined $7,500. Complaints about unpaid wages surfaced in October 2021. Several employees were shortchanged. The charges involve a total of $35,956 in unpaid wages. Employees have now been paid what they were owed. The man who worked as a butcher at Dutchie's got a job there shortly after moving to Canada. 'We came to Canada with the goal of providing a better life for our family,' he wrote in a victim impact statement read aloud in court. 'When the payment delays began, I felt betrayed and exploited. I could not afford groceries for my family and had to rely on the Kitchener food bank for food.' 'It was hard to accept that this happened, especially since I had worked so hard and never imagined facing such a challenging situation within just five months of living in Canada,' he added. The first Dutchie's opened more than 40 years ago. At one point, the company had three grocery stores in Kitchener-Waterloo. Only one remains. Rachel Goldenberg, counsel for Dutchie's, explained what happened. 'Some very severe issues with the company's refrigeration vendor came to light in 2021,' she told court. 'As a result, the company faced significant financial losses in the millions of dollars and incurred significant debt.' 'The defendants deeply regret that when faced with this sudden loss of financial resources and mounting debt, employees were not paid their wages,' she said. They chose not to declare bankruptcy, Goldenberg said, because 'they did not want to deprive the employees and other creditors of amounts owed.' Renkema has not taken a salary or dividends from the company since the financial challenges began, she said, and 'he does not plan to do so until the company's debts are satisfied.' In handing out the fines, justice of the peace Michael Cuthbertson said Dutchie's employees were 'deprived of their livelihood.' 'I must ensure that Mr. Renkema and the corporation never again put themselves in the position of depriving employees of their wages, including any overtime work,' he said. 'Equally important, this message must be driven to employers … who have employees who are dependent on their wages: Those wages must be paid.' It's good news that all employees have been paid, Cuthbertson said. 'On the aggravating side, it took a long time to get here, and the employees had to suffer without those wages for quite a long time.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .