AI-LED STARTUPS GAIN TRACTION IN VIETNAM

AI companies and startups are accelerating their market expansion in Vietnam by leveraging disruptive technology and fostering new growth initiatives.

In late April, AnyMind Group announced the acquisition of Vietnamese social and live commerce agency Vibula.

As an AI-native company, the acquisition of Vibula enhances AnyMind’s capability to deliver AI-powered live-commerce solutions customised for the Vietnamese market.

Vibula will now be able to tap into AnyMind’s generative AI live commerce platform, AnyLive. This platform leverages GenAI and large-language models to develop AI twins of humans, generate live-stream scripts based on product details and real-time, automated responses in a live-stream.

It enables customers to transform live shopping into a 24/7 sales channel by combining human livestream hosts with AI-generated hosts. Brands in Vietnam can expand reach, drive engagement, and increase sales without the limitations of time or human resources.

Experts say Vietnam is well-placed to lead in areas like blockchain infrastructure in Southeast Asia, Photo: Shutterstock

Nguyen Lan Anh, country manager for Vietnam at AnyMind Group, said that the momentum in Vietnam is exciting. Vietnam has a fast-growing digital economy, and now, strong government support for innovation, which creates the perfect environment for AI startups to thrive.

“For investors, Vietnam is no longer just a manufacturing or outsourcing hub – it’s a market of ideas, talent, and bold execution. We’re seeing local startups applying AI in creative, practical ways, especially in areas like e-commerce, marketing, and fintech,” she said.

“We believe in building the infrastructure for the future of commerce, and that includes investing in local AI talent and solutions. Our acquisition of Vibula reflects this belief. We’re excited to contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s AI landscape and elevate its role as a key innovation hub of the region,” she added.

In mid-March, Filum AI, an AI-powered customer experience management platform, has raised $1 million from regional investment funds, including Nextrans, VinVentures, and TheVentures, alongside strategic and individual investors.

The startup provides solutions to optimise customer experience, including personalised interactions, customer journey analytics and optimisation, and AI tools for automated operations.

With the fresh funding, Filum AI has a clear strategy to make strong investments in a comprehensive and in-depth technology platform with AI at the core.

The startup will expand its research and development team and upgrade technology infrastructure to accelerate the development of AI-powered solutions. Its top priority is to optimise and deeply train AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Vietnamese market and businesses.

Filum AI CEO Tran Van Vien said the government’s strategic emphasis on AI and semiconductors is creating an ideal environment for Vietnamese AI startups.

“This not only makes it easier for startups to access funding and support policies but also enhances their ability to attract top talent from both domestic and international markets,” Vien said. “As more high-quality AI startups emerge, Vietnam’s startup ecosystem will grow stronger, attracting increased interest from venture capital firms and the global tech community.”

According to the latest Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Investment Report released in April, Vietnam is emerging as a leading hub for investment and AI startups in the region. Private investment in Vietnam’s AI startups surged to $80 million in 2024, an eightfold increase from a year ago.

Vietnam’s AI startups are gaining momentum, surpassing regional peers to rank second in Southeast Asia, trailing behind Singapore. AI is projected to contribute over $120 billion to Vietnam’s economy by 2040.

Binh Tran, general partner of Ascend Vietnam Ventures, said that AI is now part of the underlying infrastructure of everything, and is no longer optional.

“Founders who aren’t building with AI risk being left behind. Outside of AI-enabled companies, we’re seeing increased activity in cybersecurity and mobile gaming,” Tran said. “Vietnam is also well-positioned to lead in sectors like blockchain infrastructure and manufacturing tech, where local engineering talent with in-depth sector experience can compete globally. The next wave of breakout startups will be the ones that combine technical depth with practical applications – whether solving problems here in Vietnam or scaling across the region.”

Source: VIR