Antler backs five startups with $550,000 Pre-Seed Funding in Vietnam

Backing the best talents in Vietnam to build the most defining companies of tomorrow

Erik Jonsson

Partner
January 31, 2024
Share article

Kicking off the year with a historic milestone, we are proud to announce an unprecedented investment of $5.1 million in 37 Southeast Asian startups, including 5 in Vietnam.

This investment round follows a resounding response from founders, with over 5,000 applications received for our residencies across SEA. Held concurrently in four cities—Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia—from October to December 2023, the applications represented a diverse group of founders. Some in search of the right co-founder and a compelling idea to launch their startups, while others aimed to develop and scale their existing startups.

The selection process was rigorous, with approximately 300 founders chosen from the pool to receive intensive mentorship and guidance during a 10-week residency. This culminated in the launch and funding of the 35 startups, showcasing our commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ideas from inception and backing founders from day zero.

Here in Vietnam, we have backed the following startups:

flaex

A decentralized margin trading exchange leveraging the liquidity of lending protocols to offer competitive rates for traders.

Dung Bui (CTO), Charlie Nguyen (CEO)

Naki

A platform enabling Generation Z to create AI friends tailored to their needs and personalities, offering a unique, personalized interaction experience.

Tram-Anh Nguyen (CEO)

Upbrand

A D2C brand and e-commerce enabler for local fashion manufacturers, to transition into global brands with cutting-edge services and market intelligence.

Doan Chu (CEO), Quang Pham (CTO)

Barely Skin

Provides accessible dermatology-level personalized skin treatment, offering online consultations and bespoke skincare products.

Quan Nguyen (CEO), Sabrina Luu (CMO)

One of the invested startups is in stealth mode.

As a multi-stage investor, we recognize the immense potential of early-stage startups in Vietnam. With over 1,000 portfolio companies globally, we remain steadfast in our mission to back founders from day zero.

Besides being the earliest backer for startups, we are also a long-term capital partner that provides expansion support and scale-up funding to breakout companies from Series A onwards.

Join us to get your startup launched and funded in Vietnam. Find out more here.

Erik Jonsson

Partner

Originally from Sweden, Erik is a seasoned entrepreneur who has founded five ventures, including Zalora in Vietnam. Currently Partner at Antler, he leads the firm's investments and operations in Vietnam. Also known as 'Shark Erik', he is a judge and investor on Shark Tank Vietnam. Prior to this, he was an investment banker at London's Square Mile and Vietnam Investments Group. His entrepreneurial journey has earned him recognition as one of Sweden's tech super talents, as recognised by Dagens Industri. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Erik is also fluent in Vietnamese.

More insights

See all articles
News
5 min read
Private Equity International names Ros Bazany as Woman of Influence 2024

Why Venture Capital Journal picked Ros as one of the most impactful women in private markets.

Insights
5 min read
Voting with Venture

Voting with Venture: Tech Founders are Prioritizing Purpose and ESG Integration

Insights
5 min read
Daria Stepanova: The rocket scientist using data to combat the climate crisis

Meet the spacetech founder tackling climate change by setting the new global standard for precise and continuous greenhouse gas emissions measurements.