Viet Nam is increasingly capturing global attention as one of Southeast Asia’s hottest startup hubs. A young, tech-savvy population, a pool of skilled talent, and an unwavering spirit of innovation have turned the country into a magnet for international investors.
According to Golden Gate Ventures’ report titled "Southeast Asia's Start-up Golden Triangle", Viet Nam stands alongside Singapore and Indonesia as part of a growth trio driving investment waves across the region. The report highlights Vietnam’s strengths: a blend of high-quality tech talent, a dynamic entrepreneurial culture, and a rapidly expanding domestic market.
Unsurprisingly, the country has become an "investment goldmine" for global players. Despite facing challenges, Viet Nam’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive. Data from Startup Blink ranks Viet Nam 56th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, a significant leap from previous years. Here are Viet Nam’s five standout startups for 2025, as ranked by Startup Blink.
1. Coc Coc
Launched in 2013 by Coc Coc Company Ltd, this Chromium-based browser is tailored to meet Viet Namese users’ needs, from localized search features to native language support. Within two months of its debut, Coc Coc soared into Vietnam’s top five most popular browsers.
As reported by Vietnamplus, Coc Coc achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024: nearly 10 billion website visits, averaging 67 visits per user. These figures cement its dominance as a strong alternative to Google.
The startup’s success lies in its deep understanding of local culture, such as optimizing searches for traditional music or Viet Namese-language content. Available across platforms like Windows and macOS, Coc Coc now boasts over 25 million active users.
2. KiotViet
Powering Viet Nam’s MSME boom is KiotViet—a sales management platform that has digitized 100,000 small businesses since 2014. Developed by Citigo Software, this cloud-based app simplifies operations through point-of-sale (POS) systems and store management tools.
KiotViet is a go-to solution for retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Features like inventory tracking, sales analytics, and digital payment integration have helped MSMEs boost efficiency by up to 40%.
Beyond tech, KiotViet partners with local banks to offer microloans, reinforcing its role as an "ecosystem enabler" for small-scale businesses.
3. Pharmacity
Pharmacity is revolutionizing healthcare access in Viet Nam. Established in 2011, it pioneered the concept of "convenient pharmacies" with strategically located stores in shopping malls and urban areas, many operating 24/7.
Beyond prescription drugs, Pharmacity offers health products, vitamins, and self-test kits with a self-checkout system. According to Mekong Capital, the company ranked among Viet Nam’s top three pharmaceutical retailers by July 2024, expanding to over 900 stores nationwide.
Backed by aggressive growth and partnerships with global brands like Bayer, Pharmacity also provides free medical consultations via its app, solidifying its position as a health-tech leader.
4. FPT Corporation
FPT Corporation proves Viet Nam’s ability to compete globally. The country’s largest IT firm has expanded to 30 nations, including Japan—where it joined Keidanren (Japan Business Federation).
As reported by Voice of Vietnam, FPT continues to invest in AI, chip development, and collaborations like its Predix platform with GE Digital. It also dominates tech education, with its IT university producing thousands of engineers annually.
5. Sendo
Sendo.vn, an FPT subsidiary, caters to Viet Nam’s booming e-commerce demand beyond major cities. Since 2012, the platform has focused on tier-two regions, offering affordable products from fashion to home appliances.
Sendo’s "hyperlocal" strategy partners with local MSMEs to supply authentic Vietnamese goods like traditional silk and robusta coffee. By 2025, Sendo reached 15 million active users, recording the highest sales growth in rural middle-class segments.
Read also: Vietnam will be the third largest startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia
Viet Nam’s startup progress is fueled by government support through fiscal incentives, streamlined licensing, and programs like the National Innovation Center (NIC). Collaboration between the state, corporations, and academia is key to Viet Nam’s transformation into a "startup nation." With the spirit of Doi Moi (Renewal), the country is poised to shine globally.
