Singapore — Airwallex has launched a refreshed version of its ‘Airwallex for Startups’ programme, designed to help founders position financial operations as a key driver of business growth. The initiative, which will begin in Singapore before expanding to other global markets, introduces three new pillars: stage-appropriate financial infrastructure, strategic CFO mentorship, and an AI innovation sandbox.
The programme aims to address the operational and financial challenges faced by early-stage companies. According to Airwallex, while many founders seek to scale effectively, a lack of robust financial management continues to hinder success. Citing industry data, the company noted that 90% of startups fail globally, with nearly two in five doing so because they run out of cash.
Building on its previous version, which offered access to Airwallex’s financial infrastructure, community events, and startup perks, the refreshed programme places greater emphasis on developing financial resilience and scalability. It also integrates partnerships with companies such as OpenAI, Google Cloud, and HubSpot to provide founders with a wider range of digital tools and resources.
“The best ideas don’t just need funding; they need the right financial foundations to scale,” said Lucy Liu, co-founder and president of Airwallex. “Feedback from our community has sharpened our focus. We’re now aligning our expertise and experience to deliver what founders value most from Airwallex: access to the tools, knowledge, and networks that turn financial operations into a growth advantage.”
Moreover, the programme is structured around three main pillars, with the first offering financial infrastructure tailored to each startup’s stage of growth, from pre-seed through to Series A and beyond.
The second, on one hand, focuses on strategic mentorship, giving founders access to experienced finance leaders through the Startup CFO Expert Panel. Participants will take part in small-group sessions and masterclasses covering areas such as cash-flow management, valuation strategy, and fundraising preparation.
Moreover, the third component, the AI Sandbox, provides a dedicated track for AI-focused startups. Selected participants will work on challenge statements set by Airwallex, including topics such as customer acquisition and workflow automation. Teams with promising solutions may go on to form design-partner relationships with Airwallex to further develop their ideas.
The programme officially launches with the Startup CFO Summit in Singapore, bringing together more than 100 founders, 20 CFOs, and a group of investors for workshops on the financial foundations of early-stage growth.
Airwallex said the initiative aims to create an ecosystem that supports startups across finance, technology, and business strategy, helping them to “build, ship, and scale faster.”
