Vietnam secures US$2.3 billion innovation investment: VIPC Summit 2025

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam secured US$2.3 billion in private capital across 141 deals in 2024, defying global trends of slowing investment and tighter capital markets, according to Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Finance.

The announcement was made at the launch of the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Report 2025, held during the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Summit (VIPC Summit 2025) in Hanoi on April 22.

While the report revealed that total investment value fell by approximately 35 percent compared to previous years, investor engagement remained high thanks to continued confidence in Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and economic fundamentals.

Private capital stays the course amid global retreat

Nearly 150 venture capital funds operated in Vietnam last year, with most coming from Singapore, Japan, and the domestic market. Singaporean investors led in capital deployed, with a total of US$529 million. Particularly noteworthy was the sharp 73% increase in deals valued under $500,000, reflecting the renewed momentum of the startup ecosystem.

Buyout transactions totaled $1.7 billion, underscoring investor preference for stable, cash-generating assets. Meanwhile, deals in the $100 million to $300 million range grew by 2.7 times, signaling a clear shift toward more mature businesses with lower risk profiles and stronger foundations.

The NIC director also highlighted that Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for next-generation technology sectors. In 2024, investment in Vietnamese AI startups jumped from $10 million in 2023 to $80 million, an eightfold increase. Similarly, AgriTech funding multiplied nine times, soaring from $8 million to $74 million year-on-year.

The sharp increase in capital flowing into these sectors highlights investors’ growing preference for technology-driven solutions, particularly in precision agriculture, supply chain digitization, and sustainable farming models, he noted.

The report underscored Vietnam’s readiness to attract investment and lead the region’s next wave of growth. In a time of global uncertainty, Vietnam has positioned itself as an anchor of stability and innovation.

The country’s real GDP grew by 7.1% in 2024, outperforming most regional economies, while the economy is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2035, 2.5 times its current size. Foreign direct investment disbursement hit $25 billion, a 9% year-on-year increase. The middle class is expected to account for 46% of the population by 2030, while the digital economy currently contributes 18.3% of GDP, with a goal of reaching 35% by the end of the decade.

“Vietnam has transformed from an emerging market into a nation poised for breakthrough,” said Le Hoang Uyen Vy, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Private Capital Agency (VPCA) and CEO of Do Ventures. “This is the defining decade for Vietnam’s future. In a world of uncertainty, Vietnam stands out as a destination for sustainable growth, deep-rooted innovation, and forward-looking policy. The capital is ready.”

The report also emphasized that investors who deeply understand Vietnam’s macroeconomic landscape and take a long-term view will be well-positioned to help shape the next era of Southeast Asia’s growth.

Ben Sheridan, Global Head of Principal Investors at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), described this moment as a golden era for private capital in Vietnam, calling the report a strategic guide for navigating upcoming opportunities.