500 Startups launches $10m Vietnam fund

The fund, named 500 Startups Vietnam, is planned to make 100-150 investments into start-ups with a Vietnam connection, and can include international teams targeting the Vietnam market or Vietnamese teams targeting overseas markets. Check sizes could be up to $250,000, though most are expected to be around $100,000.

Along with funding, portfolio companies will also gain access to 500 Startups' network of mentors and founders, along with credits to Amazon, Facebook, and other partners of 500 Startups. The fund is sector agnostic, but areas of interest include business-to-business and enterprise software, fintech, and e-commerce.

"Vietnam is a vibrant and growing country, with many talented entrepreneurs and engineers," said 500 Startups Managing Partner Dave McClure in an announcement. "500 Startups plans to work together with Vietnamese investors and the local tech community to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Over the last year, 500 Startups has launched several country-specific seed funds in Asia, including vehicles targeting Japan, South Korea and Thailand. It also has a Southeast Asia regional fund, called 500 Durians. Strong performing companies backed by these micro-funds often receive follow-on investment from the US-based master fund.

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• Topics
• Southeast Asia
• Fundraising
• Venture
• Vietnam
• 500 Startups
• seed