American startup Aaru, which uses simulations to generate “synthetic data” for market research, is among a slew of artificial intelligence firms that recently set up shop in Singapore.
On top of the “phenomenal” access to infrastructure, talent, and partnerships in Singapore, “we’re seeing really an incredible interest and willingness to collaborate… in the context of the region”, Ned Koh, who co-founded Aaru in 2024 at 19, told The Business Times.
From Singapore, Aaru’s first base outside New York City, he expects to serve the Asia-Pacific, from Southeast Asia to Japan and South Korea – although he and regional general manager Arnaud Frade have ruled out a presence in Hong Kong or mainland China.
The company declined to disclose specific headcount targets when asked, but Frade said that Aaru’s Singapore outfit would be “on a continuous hiring phase” until end-2026. The focus, however, would be on recruiting for commercial rather than engineering roles.
Sating regional demand
The company’s Singapore subsidiary, Aaru APAC, was registered in Singapore in mid-September (2026), with a paid-up capital of US$500,000 (S$638,450), corporate records show.
Its registered premises are in International Plaza, which typically houses virtual offices for companies, but Frade said it is putting the finishing touches on a shophouse space “in the heart of Tanjong Pagar” in Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD).
The Singapore location will enable Aaru to expand its partnerships with global firms such as EY and investor Accenture, said Koh, who is now the startup’s president.
At the same time, Aaru aims to nab regional customers. Koh cited unspecified consumer packaged goods conglomerates in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia as examples.
