The Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit 2025 (DAVAS 2025) is emerging as a key strategic platform for venture capitalists, angel investors, and the innovation-driven startup community. More than just a networking event, the summit aims to strengthen the investment landscape in Central Viet Nam by positioning Da Nang as a compelling destination for both domestic and international capital.

Startups and entrepreneurial projects have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings with investors and investment funds to raise capital at DAVAS 2025.

Taking place May 29 - 30, DAVAS 2025 is organised by the Centre for Innovative Startup Support under the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Quest Ventures and HVA Investment JSC.

Strengthening startup ecosystem connectivity in Da Nang

According to the Da Nang Centre for Innovative Startup Support, under the Department of Science and Technology, the inaugural Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) in 2024 marked a significant milestone in the city’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Since its debut, DAVAS has steadily fostered the formation of a vibrant community of angel investors and venture capital funds based in Da Nang. It has also played a pivotal role in supporting innovative startups and early-stage projects in connecting with both local and international investors, funding bodies and leading industry experts.

In 2025, DAVAS returns with an expanded scope, welcoming over 20 prominent investors and venture capital firms from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (China), Viet Nam, and other countries.

Key participating names include Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, ThinkZone Ventures, Genesia Ventures, Vertex Ventures, FundGo, WeAngels Capital, Trive, Sunwah Innovation Center, Daiwa Corporate Investment, Makara Capital, JN Capital & Growth Advisory, Dream Incubator, and Lean Ventures, collectively managing assets totaling more than US$3.5 billion.

This year’s event also features over 60 domestic and international experts and speaker, more than 30 partner organisations supporting startups, 40 innovative startups and projects across sectors such as technology, education, agriculture, and healthcare

As part of the summit, a diverse lineup of high-impact activities will be held, including pitching sessions for 40 startups and innovation-driven projects to present their business models to both domestic and international investment funds; one-on-one matchmaking sessions between investors and startups; and the official launch of the Da Nang – Greater Bay Area Innovation Center, aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration in innovation.

The programme also features a series of investment-focused panel discussions, the signing of strategic innovation partnerships, and the launch of the SOCIAL IMPACT CATALYST (SIC) student startup network in Da Nang, designed to empower the next generation of changemakers.

In addition, the event marks the inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Young Business Association (YBA)’s Startup and Investment Club, alongside an innovation exhibition featuring more than 40 booths showcasing products, services, and initiatives from startups and ecosystem enablers.

The BINKS project, a plant-based ink initiative representing a new direction for sustainable agriculture, is currently seeking investment from investors at DAVAS 2024.

Positioning Da Nang as strategic innovation and startup hub

Having long supported the local startup and innovation landscape, Nguyen Van Chuong, Da Nang-based Program Manager of the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program Vietnam, describes DAVAS 2025 as a pivotal milestone for Da Nang’s innovation ecosystem. His comments come as the city jumps 130 positions to rank 766 in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index (GSEI) 2025 by StartupBlink, a notable advancement on the global map of innovation.

According to Chuong, DAVAS serves as a strategic platform for Da Nang to improve key GSEI metrics: Quantity (reflecting the city’s growing number of events, innovation spaces, and international linkages); Quality (marked by increased investment activity and high-profile events); Business Environment (including regulatory frameworks and supporting infrastructure)

Specifically, DAVAS plays a critical role in enhancing international connectivity by bringing together investment funds that create fundraising opportunities for startups and facilitate one-on-one meetings between startups and investors. This approach helps increase the volume of private venture capital investment and the likelihood of successful exits, thereby improving the overall quality of the ecosystem.

As a high-impact international forum, DAVAS also contributes to reinforcing Da Nang’s brand positioning as a regional innovation and startup hub. Its ability to attract top-tier investors and global partners helps boost the city’s visibility and aligns with StartupBlink’s evaluation criteria for ecosystem strength.

The event also promotes sector-focused innovation clusters, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, through initiatives at the Software Park No. 2.

Meanwhile, the launch of new innovation platforms, including the SOCIAL IMPACT CATALYST (SIC) student startup network, the YBA Startup & Investment Club, and the Da Nang - Hong Kong Innovation Space, is expected to expand the city’s base of coworking spaces, increase startup density and catalyze growth-oriented clusters.

In parallel, startup pitching sessions and engagements with international mentors will help elevate the capabilities of local founders, enhancing skills, growing team sizes, and laying the groundwork for future unicorns.

According to Aaron Everhart, Viet Nam Country Director at the Draper Startup House, part of the global network affiliated with Draper Venture Network, events like DAVAS are critical for cities like Da Nang to attract more investment capital, elevate local talent, and accelerate innovation-led growth.

To further boost the long-term impact of DAVAS, Everhart suggested Da Nang should focus on tightening linkages between startup enablers (incubators, accelerators, support organisations) and the corporate sector, from multinationals to SMEs.

The city should create a centralised innovation portal where businesses can post real-world problem statements. Startups can then co-develop prototypes tailored to actual market needs and pitch viable solutions to corporate partners.

He also emphasized the importance of sustained support beyond the event: “Da Nang should also facilitate easier access to capital and expert mentorship for startups, not only during the event but also through ongoing support programmes such as regular training courses in technical skills, business development, soft skills and foreign languages. With the partnership of organisations like the Draper Startup House and the Kilsa Global, Da Nang has the potential to emerge as a leading innovation and startup hub in Asia,” proposed Aaron Everhart. 

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by ANH THU