Recent reports state that around 70,000 AI companies exist worldwide, and estimates project a substantial market value surge from approximately $214.6 billion in 2024 to $1,339.1 billion by 2030.
In light of this rapid growth, the AI experts at AIPRM have analysed the best countries for AI startups, looking into factors such as the number of newly funded AI companies, private investment, and hiring rates. Christoph C. Cemper, founder of AIPRM, also provides expert advice for those looking to start up in AI.
Where to Build Your AI Empire
Key Findings
- The United States is the best country for AI startups, boasting the largest total private investment ($335.2 billion).
- Singapore ranks as the second best country for AI startups, and boasts the highest relative AI hiring rate (18.93%).
- Ranking third, Sweden is among the best countries for an AI startup, having impressive revenue growth of 1,127%.
Top 10 global hotspots for AI startups
| Rank | Country | Number of newly funded AI companies (2013-23) | Total AI private investment (in billions of USD) | Relative AI hiring rate year-over-year (2022-23)* | Revenue growth of fastest growing tech companies | Final AI Startup Score (/100) |
| 1 | United States | 5,509 | $335.2 billion | 5.68% | 879% | 85.97 |
| 2 | Singapore | 193 | $6.3 billion | 18.93% | 208% | 84.36 |
| 3 | Sweden | 94 | $2.8 billion | 7.37% | 1,127% | 84.07 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 123 | $3.3 billion | -0.24% | 738% | 82.74 |
| 5 | China | 1,446 | $103.7 billion | 6.88% | 274% | 80.09 |
| 6 | Germany | 319 | $7.3 billion | 0.16% | 1,160% | 75.62 |
| 7 | Spain | 94 | $3.2 billion | 9.63% | 738% | 75.35 |
| 8 | Japan | 333 | $8.3 billion | 6.88% | 130% | 71.75 |
| 9 | France | 391 | $10.4 billion | -0.43% | 738% | 68.58 |
| 10 | India | 338 | $9.9 billon | 16.83% | 196% | 67.27 |
* Referring to the number of AI companies hiring new people.
The United States takes the crown as the best country for starting up a business in AI, scoring an impressive 85.97/100. The States boasts the highest number of newly funded AI companies, at 5,509, as well as having invested a total of $335.2 billion into AI – the highest amount of private investment in the study.
Singapore claims second place, boasting a final AI startup score of 84.36/100. Despite having a significantly lower number of newly funded AI companies (193) and private investment ($6.3 billion) than that of the US, Singapore has the highest relative AI hiring rate, with 18.93% of AI companies hiring new people.
Following closely behind, Sweden secures third place with a healthy startup score of 84.07/100. Sweden’s AI revenue growth is an impressive 1,127%, as well as having a relative AI hiring rate of 7.37% – slightly higher than that of the United States. However, Sweden has among the fewest newly funded AI companies in the study, at just 94.
Switzerland ranks fourth, with a startup score of 82.74/100. Despite having a negative AI hiring rate of -0.24%, Switzerland has healthy revenue growth at 738%. China follows in fifth, having a final AI startup score of 80.09/100. China boasts 1,446 newly funded AI companies, however, their relative AI hiring rate is lower than that of Singapore and Sweden, at 6.88%.
India ranks as the tenth best country to start up in AI, with a final score of 67.27/100. India’s AI hiring rate is one of the highest in the top ten, at 16.83%. However, their revenue growth is one of the lowest in the top ten, at 196%.
Christoph C. Cemper, founder of AI prompt management tool AIPRM, provides expert tips for budding entrepreneurs looking to start up in the AI sector:
“Starting up in AI is becoming increasingly competitive, as the industry continues to develop and grow at a rapid rate. If you’re looking to capitalise on this growth and start up your own company, a strong understanding of the AI sector is key – as well as AI’s capabilities and uses. Market research is vital for competing in this industry.
“Constructing and defining a business model for your company is a crucial first step. Have product offerings planned out, outline and research your target market, and review your USPs, in order to stand out in the industry. Essentially, plan, plan, plan!
“It’s also important to ensure you don’t go it alone – have a strong team around you who can help innovate and provide valuable insight for your brand. The world of AI is vast, so having a solid team who understand the brand and its aims is invaluable.”