The Invention Lab Successfully Concludes VKSEN 2025 Vietnam Startup Networking

The Invention Lab, an institution specializing in early-stage startup investments, successfully held ‘VKSEN 2025’, a networking event aimed at creating tangible business opportunities, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with over 50 Korean founders and investors in attendance. Held on June 30th at 'Cloud 12', the rooftop of Oakwood Hotel, this event brought together Korean founders, investors, government officials, and businesspeople active in Vietnam to share their business experiences, discover opportunities for mutual cooperation, and build an active professional network. In particular, for professional investors considering investments in Korean startups entering Vietnam, it provided an important stepping stone for discovering promising investment opportunities and establishing realistic investment strategies. VKSEN, which The Invention Lab informally started in 2019 as an evening gathering for CEOs of its early-stage portfolio companies, has been a regular gathering held more than twice a year, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. This 'VKSEN 2025' aimed for tangible business outcomes beyond simple socializing, featuring a diverse program including 30-second self-introductions, keynote speeches by prominent figures, and a prize draw, and was further enriched by the participation of local sponsors such as Life Vitamin, HommeJet, and Simple Carry. Vietnam is drawing attention as a market with immense potential, expected to achieve a 7% economic growth rate in 2024 despite the global economic downturn. Based on its rapidly growing e-commerce market post-pandemic, consumer spending is expanding, and local consumers' strong preference for Korean beauty, fashion, and food brands is positioning it as the most preferred country for Korean startups expanding overseas. Kim Jin-young, CEO of The Invention Lab, expressed deep respect for Korean founders who have pioneered the Vietnamese market even amidst the pandemic, and stated that The Invention Lab would actively leverage its network of global investors, government bodies, and large corporations to support their growth and contribute to creating new opportunities. Meanwhile, the second half of VKSEN 2025, scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City in October, will expand its scope of participation to include not only Korean founders and investors but also Vietnamese founders and investors, thereby creating an even broader platform for exchange.