In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Valerie Van Vu, Founding Partner at Ansible Ventures shares that they does not only invest in seasoned entrepreneurs, but also in first-time founders who have a strong passion and vision for their business. Ansible Ventures aims to bridge global networks and knowledge to Vietnam by leveraging their international connections and expertise.
Valerie admits that she faced doubters while raising her fund, but she dealt with them by focusing on her vision and building a strong network of supporters. Her areas of interest in terms of investments include e-commerce, fintech, and consumer internet.
The current state of consumer internet in Vietnam is attractive for investment due to the high penetration of smartphones and social media usage in the country. However, investing in fintech poses some challenges due to regulatory issues and the need for strong partnerships with traditional financial institutions.
Valerie is bringing the three Cs - capital, connections, and content - to the Vietnamese startup ecosystem. She uses content creation through her TikTok channel and podcast to change the perception of startups and venture capital in Vietnam and reach a wider audience.
Valerie is also building a community and bridging the gap between Vietnam and the Vietnamese diaspora by organizing events and mentorship programs. She believes that overseas Vietnamese and people of Vietnamese origin are motivated to build startups and contribute to their home country because of their cultural ties and desire to make a positive impact.