Through programmes and support activities organised by the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, many projects and startups across the city have the opportunity to connect with one another, pitch for venture capital from investment funds, angel investors, complete projects and accumulate experience to become startup ‘unicorns’.

Businesses join 1:1 connections at DAVAS 2024.

‘UCTalent - Web3 Talent Recruitment Platform’ developed by UCTalent Labs LLC is a project that solves problems in the technology recruitment market, applying Blockchain technology and Web3 technology. This is a specialized platform, connecting Web3 companies with a group of highly-qualified programming experts.

The project’s outstanding feature is the use of smart contracts in the recruitment process. The platform currently has about 600 customers in the technology sector and three recruitment companies are currently using the product.

At the Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) 2024, themed 'Reaching Creativity - Global Connection’, held at the end of May, the UCTalent project attracted the attention of many potential investors, opening up opportunities for cooperation and accessing important capital sources for development.

Recently, at the Da Nang Startup Festival and Innovation Festival - SURF 2024, the project won the first prize in the startup competition and had the opportunity to connect with prestigious Blockchain enterprises.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Duong, the CEO of UCTalent Labs LLC, said that the city-organised startup connection events bring many opportunities for startups to approach and seek investment sources for sustainable development in the future. “At SURF 2024, the company received support in training, completing documents to pitch for venture capital and contacting potential investors.

Successfully connecting with investors and angel investment funds is the basis for the project to be more successful in the coming time,” said Mr. Duong.

Similarly, the Tripin project was created with the desire to break down language barriers and be an attractive travel tool for tourists, especially foreigners, contributing to supporting the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s tourism industry.

Investment presentation or pitch is a tool to help startup founders share their company stories and visions with investors. Photo: VIET AN

With the message of ‘Discovering local culture in your mother tongue, turning every trip into a game of discovery’, the application uses AI (artificial intelligence) to provide explanations in 32 languages and AR (augmented virtual reality), creating an intuitive experience, solving information problems and language barriers facing foreign tourists during their trips to local relics and scenic spots.

Mr. Le Duc Quang, the Founder of the Tripin project, shared that through the connection of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, especially the Da Nang Entrepreneurship Support (DNES), the project has connected more than 10 investment funds and investors. Within the framework of the SURF 2024 event, the project received an offer to contribute capital from an investor.

“Previously, startups in Da Nang had to go to the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the capital city of Ha Noi to connect with investors. Now, through events such as SURF and DAVAS, startups in Da Nang have more opportunities to meet with investors and investment funds; and at the same time, receive training support and advice from experts so as to promote strengths, overcome limitations during their startup development journeys” said Mr. Quang.

According to the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, in 2024, DAVAS will be held in Da Nang for the first time and become a highlight for connecting, pitching for capital, and supporting innovative startups thorough the city. Through the workshop, startup projects can approach venture capital funds and angel investors.

This is also an opportunity for startups to review and re-evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their projects and perfect their solutions and products to be able to access and attract even more potential investment from capital sources.

The municipal department also supports projects and investors that have been connected on the 1:1 basis to be able to boost cooperation in the coming time.

Most recently, within the framework of SURF 2024, the department organised the programme ‘Idea Presentation - Investment Connection in Startups’ to create opportunities for projects/startups to call for capital and connect with international investment funds.

In addition, the department also organised delegations that connected with international creative startup ecosystems, formed innovative startup spaces such as Da Nang - Seoul (South Korea) and Da Nang - Singapore to support startups, thus promoting the development of the Da Nang innovative startup ecosystem.

Reporting by VIET AN - Translating by A.THU