✨Introduction
This blog series offers insights from the upcoming ASEAN GenAI Startups report, set for release in July. Last week, we explored the foundational model preferences of GenAI startups in Southeast Asia. This week, we examine their preferred cloud providers. Our analysis covers over 500 startups in ASEAN and includes interviews and surveys with 120+ GenAI startups across 25 data points. A key focus is on which cloud services providers they use for their Generative AI solutions and why.
If any startups would like to participate in the survey and get featured in the final report, the deadline for submissions is 14 June: https://bit.ly/genai-report-1
☁️Understanding Cloud Providers
Cloud providers offer critical infrastructure and tools that enable GenAI startups to build, deploy, and scale their innovative solutions efficiently. By providing scalable computing power, storage, and advanced machine learning services, these providers eliminate the need for hefty upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure. This allows startups to focus on refining their AI models and accelerating their go-to-market strategies. Additionally, cloud providers ensure robust security, compliance, and global accessibility, which are essential for startups aiming to serve a diverse and widespread customer base. Thus, cloud providers are indispensable for GenAI startups, providing the flexibility, reliability, and scalability needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
📊Top Cloud Service Providers used by GenAI Startups in Southeast Asia
The chart below depicts the usage distribution of cloud service providers among Generative AI startups in the ASEAN region. Note: this data is a work in progress as we are still receiving a huge volume of responses.
🏆Top Cloud Providers Identified in the Survey
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Microsoft Azure
- Alibaba Cloud
- Vercel
- Others: This includes Digital Ocean, Tencent Cloud, Huawei and others.
💡Why do Startups prefer these Cloud Providers?
In our survey, we also asked the startups to name the top cloud providers they would like to work with. Here are the results and reasons for their preferences:
| Cloud Providers | Strengths | Reason for Preference |
| Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Comprehensive range of services, stability, wide selection of LLMs, global infrastructure, supportive policies for startups, reliable infrastructure. | Offers a wide range of reliable services for various needs. Known for stability, maturity, and extensive LLM selection. Ensures high availability and low latency. Valued for supportive policies, collaboration, credits from accelerators, cost-effectiveness, and existing partnerships. |
| Google Cloud Platform (GCP) | Newer LLMs, innovative R&D, startup-oriented ecosystem. | Convenient and supportive for early-stage companies. Provides access to the latest large language models. Familiarity and existing collaborations make it a preferred choice for cutting-edge AI tools and a supportive environment for startups. |
| Microsoft Azure | Integration with OpenAI, enterprise brand image, large AI ecosystem, beneficial partnerships. | Strong integration with enterprise systems and OpenAI. Trusted brand image and beneficial business partnerships. Extensive AI capabilities despite some challenges in usability. Key choice for companies seeking robust enterprise solutions. |
| Huawei | Scalability, flexibility, comprehensive security, advanced AI and ML services, global reach, innovation, and support. | Huawei allows easy expansion without significant infrastructure investments, ensuring robust protection for AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. It enhances AI-driven solutions with state-of-the-art capabilities and delivers low-latency services and high availability across different regions. |
📝Quick Takeaways
The landscape of GenAI startups in Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving, with cloud service preferences playing a crucial role in their growth and success. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure emerge as the top choices due to their advanced capabilities, scalability, and comprehensive support systems. These cloud providers offer the essential infrastructure and tools that enable startups to innovate and scale efficiently, catering to their diverse and dynamic needs.
🔜What’s Next?
If any startups would like to participate in the survey and get featured in the final report, the deadline for submissions is 14 June: https://bit.ly/genai-report-1
As we gather and analyze data, we anticipate uncovering more insights to help startups navigate the competitive AI landscape. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we will explore the GTM focus of GenAI startups in Southeast Asia. Look forward to the full ASEAN GenAI Startups report in July for comprehensive analysis and insights to keep you ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.