(VOVWORLD) - Held annually since 2019, Vietnam Venture Summit (VVS) brings together both domestic and international investment funds, government advisory bodies, and the startup and innovative business community of Vietnam. The event was initiated by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) and has been co-organized by Golden Gate Ventures. In this week’s “Digital Life”, Vinnie Lauria, a founding partner of Golden Gate Ventures, will give us the highlights of the 5th edition of the Vietnam Venture Summit.
 Golden Gate Ventures’ founding partner Vinnie Lauria (R) and Vu Quoc Huy, NIC Director, sign a partnership agreement in Hanoi on May 30, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Planning and Investment)
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Bao Tram: Welcome, Vinnie Lauria, to VOV24/7’s “Digital Life”. Thank you for giving us this interview.
Vinnie Lauria: Thank you for having me on the show.
Bao Tram: Vietnam Venture Summit 2023 is held when Vietnam is shifting into high gear in innovation. Why did you choose the theme “Innovating through adversity: strategies for a transformative Vietnam” for this year's event?
Vinnie Lauria: This year's theme is “Innovating through adversity” because that’s something that has persisted in Vietnam for decades. When you look at the ecosystem, you see that the global macroeconomy is trending down, while Vietnam is a shining beacon on the global stage in terms of GDP growth and manufacturing. It's Golden Gate Ventures’ view that Vietnam, over the next 5 to 10 years, will see massive growth in innovation technology and startups.
Bao Tram: What will be the highlights of this year’s Summit?
Vinnie Lauria: I think the highlight of this year's event is putting Vietnamese founders on stage before a global audience. We have more than 200 people flying in from Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the US. These are investors looking to invest in Vietnam. And we're highlighting some of the best-known apps in Vietnam. We have the CEO of VNG, we have the co-founder of Momo, the CEO and co-founder of Tititada. We put these founders on the stage alongside international investors. It's going to make an impressive event.
Bao Tram: What should tech businesses including startups expect from this Summit?
Vinnie Lauria: There are a lot of activities and it's part of a larger week-long Summit. Companies should come to the Vietnam Venture Summit on Monday, October 30, looking to get inspired – inspired by fellow CEOs and inspired by some of the investors on the stage, new strategies, new directions, and opportunities for innovating here in Vietnam. If I were a Vietnamese founder, I would think the top priority for me would be networking, meeting with international investors and VCs and having the opportunity to talk to them about what they’re looking for and even pitch to them during the business showcase.
Bao Tram: This year will mark the fifth year Golden Gate Ventures has worked with the National Innovation Center to hold the Summit. Why did Golden Gate Ventures choose the NIC to be its partner in Vietnam?
Vinnie Lauria: The National Innovation Center has been a great partner for Golden Gate Ventures. We have been working with them for many years – before COVID, during COVID, and after the pandemic. The regional DC fund looks to back Vietnamese entrepreneurs we can take international. It's been a great partnership to plug into the local ecosystem with a government support group that's actively looking both inside and outside of Vietnam.
Bao Tram: Thank you for spending some time with us.
Vinnie Lauria: Thank you very much for inviting me. It’s my honor to be on the show. Thank you.
Vietnam Venture Summit 2023
Time: 15:30 - 17:00, October 30, 2023
Venue: Vietnam National Innovation Centre, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, Thach That, Hanoi
The highlight of VVS 2023 will be Business Matching, jointly organized by NIC and Amazon Web Service (AWS). This activity is designed to let every startup in the Accelerator to Series B stage meet with more than 20 domestic and foreign investment funds, Fintech, Edtech, and Healthtech advisors, and potential partners from large corporations. Business Matching offers:
📌Mentor Office Hour to receive direct advice from leading industry experts and strategic advisors of large corporations in their industries.
📌Investor Office Hour to present ideas, and ask for capital directly from domestic and international investment funds.
📌Business Partner Matching to connect and expand markets and supply chains while sharing visions and development orientations and strengthening cooperation in the industry ecosystem.