Vietnamese Tech Fund Makes Waves by Closing First Fund to Support Founders Linking U.S. and Vietnamese Tech Worlds

• Ethos Fund closes inaugural fund with $12 million to invest in founders bridging U.S. and Vietnamese tech ecosystems
• Yi and Shin founded Ethos Fund to bridge opportunities and startup communities between Vietnam and the United States
• The fund received capital commitments from various limited partners, including Elite Education Group and Strong Ventures
• Ethos Fund focuses on investing in “third culture founders” in the U.S. and early-stage startups in Vietnam
• Yi and Shin leverage their edtech backgrounds to provide educational programs and events for startup founders, with investments in companies like Oyl and Skola

Investing in Third Culture Founders

Ethos Fund, spearheaded by David Yi and Simon Shin, has made significant strides in bridging the tech ecosystems of Vietnam and the United States. Their focus on investing in “third culture founders,” individuals who embody a blend of multiple cultures and are driven to solve pressing issues, sets them apart in the venture capital landscape. The duo has secured $12 million in capital commitments from a diverse group of limited partners, reflecting a strong vote of confidence in their vision.

Yi emphasizes the importance of founders who go beyond mere cross-cultural experiences, delving into the core ethos that drives their unique perspectives. This approach is encapsulated in the fund’s name, Ethos, signifying a deep commitment to understanding the values and cultural amalgamation that shape each founder’s journey. By identifying and nurturing these third culture founders, Ethos Fund aims to catalyze innovation and foster connections between different entrepreneurial landscapes.

Early-Stage Investments in Vietnam

In addition to their focus on third culture founders in the U.S., Yi and Shin are actively involved in the Vietnamese startup ecosystem. Recognizing the potential for growth and innovation in Vietnam, Ethos Fund is channeling investments into early-stage startups at the pre-product and pre-revenue stages. By supporting budding entrepreneurs in Vietnam, the fund seeks to fuel the emergence of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that can make a lasting impact on the global stage.

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The fund’s strategic approach involves providing smaller initial investments to third culture founders in Vietnam, encompassing returned Vietnamese diaspora, Vietnamese Americans, and expats residing in the country. Upon validating the startup’s potential, Ethos Fund doubles down on its commitment by injecting larger capital infusions to propel growth and scalability. This hands-on investment strategy reflects a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of early-stage support for emerging tech ventures.

Lessons Learned and Educational Initiatives

Yi’s entrepreneurial journey, marked by the founding of multiple tech companies and a keen interest in education technology, has been instrumental in shaping Ethos Fund’s operational philosophy. Drawing from his experiences, particularly the challenges faced in scaling startups beyond a certain threshold, Yi emphasizes the importance of professional management and sustainable growth strategies. By leveraging their collective expertise, Yi and Shin aim to guide startup founders in navigating the complexities of the tech landscape.

Recognizing the educational value of venture capital, Ethos Fund actively engages in hosting live programs and events aimed at fostering learning and collaboration within the startup community. Initiatives such as the New Venture Challenge and Saigon Fest serve as platforms for entrepreneurs and investors to exchange ideas and insights, facilitating cross-border knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. This emphasis on continuous learning underpins Ethos Fund’s commitment to empowering tech innovators with the tools and resources needed to thrive in a competitive market.

Portfolio Highlights and Future Prospects

With a portfolio encompassing diverse tech ventures, Ethos Fund has made notable investments in companies such as Skola, Needle, and Mirrorscape, each contributing to the fund’s overarching mission of supporting innovation and growth. The recent investment in Oyl, a digital wallet platform catering to the burgeoning Bitcoin economy, underscores Ethos Fund’s forward-looking approach to identifying disruptive technologies with significant market potential.

Looking ahead, Yi and Shin remain focused on expanding their investment portfolio and nurturing the next generation of tech pioneers. By staying attuned to emerging trends and fostering a culture of collaboration and learning, Ethos Fund is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the tech ecosystem in both Vietnam and the United States. As they continue to champion third culture founders and drive innovation at the intersection of different cultural landscapes, Ethos Fund stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and cross-border collaboration in the realm of venture capital.