The Hanoitimes - The role of international "angel investors" in Vietnam's startup ecosystem was yesterday discussed at a seminar in Hanoi. Organised by the Mekong Angel Investors Network, the Mekong Business Initiative and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the event welcomed investor groups from the European Union, New Zealand, the US and local investors and startup enterprises. Co-founder and CEO of HATCH, a startup incubator, Pham Quoc Dat said "angel investors" are affluent individuals who possess huge properties and provide capital for startups. Angel investors pool their investment capital and want to meet and work with talented people, Dat added. ADB Country Director for Vietnam Eric Sidgwich said that Vietnam needs a dynamic private sector which should come from a solid foundation of small-and- medium sized innovative enterprises. He asserted that as a partner of Vietnam, the bank will support the country's private sector. Participants at the event also discussed a number … [Read more...] about Hanoi: Startup sets new trend
Startups entrepreneur
New US visa policy offers opportunities for Vietnamese startups
Entrepreneurs worldwide could soon find it a lot easier to launch startups in the US. The United States is considering a new immigration policy that would allow foreign entrepreneurs temporary residence for up to five years, according to a proposal announced on Friday by the Department of Homeland Security. Under the proposal startup entrepreneurs from other countries must meet certain requirements. For instance, they must own at least 15 percent of a U.S.-based startup company and have a central role in its operations. Those qualified for startup visas must have secured at least $345,000 in investment from U.S. investors with a proven track record of financing companies. Another requirement needs foreign entrepreneurs to demonstrate that their startups have the “potential for rapid business growth and job creation” and are of “significant public benefit to the United States”. U.S. immigration authorities would initially allow startup founders to stay in … [Read more...] about New US visa policy offers opportunities for Vietnamese startups
A new hub for startup community
A new hub for startup community Kieu Giang By Kieu Giang - The Saigon Times Daily DreamPlex, which was opened earlier this week in downtown HCMC, is expected to become a hub for startup entrepreneurs and creative communities to share their dreams and visions. The hub occupies levels 9 to 11 of Miss Ao Dai Building at 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan Street in District 1, with each having 500 square meters, and has a youthful and modern design and a concept of co-working space WeWork, which is popular in the U.S. Co-working spaces are built around the idea of community-building. Having independent professionals working together at one location may prove to be more efficient than everyone working alone. DreamPlex has 35 studios suitable for startups and small companies with four to eight people. Nguyen Trung Tin, CEO of HCMC-based Trung Thuy Group, the investor of DreamPlex, said around VND10 billion has been invested to create this hub. DreamPlex is now 80% occupied. With this success, he … [Read more...] about A new hub for startup community
Why Flappy Bird was just the start for Vietnam’s startup scene
Road Trip 2015: The first in a two-part series on Vietnam's startup scene and how the government is trying to rev up investment and interest in businesses that hope to be the next viral hit. HANOI and HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, and SAN FRANCISCO -- It was just supposed to be a casual cocktail meetup. Before embarking on a 19-hour trip to Vietnam, I headed over to the Vietnamese General Consulate, a mere 15-minute cab ride away from the CNET offices in San Francisco. I imagined it as a fun way to ease into my assignment -- a few good drinks and conversation with folks who knew a thing or two about the country I was about to visit. Instead I arrived at what appeared to be a formal business meeting between two-dozen or so black-suited Vietnamese ministry officials, Vietnamese startup types and Silicon Valley angel investors. My only drink: A mini bottle of water. At first, I wasn't sure what I had wandered into. But it quickly became clear that I had been invited to observe a … [Read more...] about Why Flappy Bird was just the start for Vietnam’s startup scene
Vietnam will participate international technology conference for startup businesses
Project for Vietnam-Finland Innovation Partner Program has been choosing startup technology businesses to participate Slush event. One of the important topics of through 2015 is the "Slush Impact" (slush.org/impact). This is a program for social startup entrepreneurs with model can be replicated and have a positive impact on the environment or society. Slush Impact 2015 is selecting the most outstanding entrepreneurs across the globe to participate in the conference in Helsinki (Finland) two days on November 11-12, 2015. In Vietnam, SLUSH competition has been co-organized by IPP and HATCH. According to the announcement, the process of selecting the contest participants in Vietnam includes: The registration documents must be sent to Organization Board (slush.hatch.vn) at the latest on July 6, 2015. Download registration forms to attend at slush.hatch.vn page. 15 best groups selected from approved applications will be invited to attend the contest on July 11, 2015 in Hanoi. Records … [Read more...] about Vietnam will participate international technology conference for startup businesses