Vietnam co-investment programme targets technology firms with up to US$100 million

A five-year partnership involving Touchstone Partners, HCM VIF JSC and VIFC-HCMC will establish investment capacity of up to US$100 million for Vietnamese technology and innovation businesses. VIFC-HCMC will coordinate the Investment Coordination and Co-investment Programme.

Truong Minh Huy Vu, vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and chairman of VIFC-HCMC’s Executive Authority, said the initiative would introduce matching investment at a 1:1 ratio, with the intention of developing a fund-of-funds mechanism. He highlighted the funding needs of startups in fields including biotechnology, life sciences, AI and deep technologies.

The partners will have different responsibilities. Touchstone will contribute connections to overseas investors and strategic partners, as well as expertise in choosing technology investments, supporting corporate governance and helping companies enter foreign markets. HCM VIF JSC will contribute matching funds from domestic sources and business connections within Vietnam.

VIFC-HCMC’s responsibilities include facilitating investment structures under the International Financial Centre framework and helping businesses access sandboxes, pilot schemes, licences and incentives permitted by regulations. It will also link portfolio companies with government bodies, infrastructure developers and operators of industrial parks.

Investment priorities span digital transformation, advanced technologies, green development and climate-related solutions, alongside other technologies offering potential economic, environmental and social benefits. Touchstone managing director Ngo Thuy Ngoc Tu said the programme seeks to bring public- and private-sector partners together across domestic and international markets to manage investment risks and attract further capital.