The initiative is also expected to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, foster the digital economy, and enhance the city’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The fund will operate under a joint-stock company model, combining state capital with funding from businesses and private investors. This structure separates ownership from management, enabling the fund to operate on market principles with transparency and without administrative intervention in specific investment decisions.

Under the plan, from 2026 to 2035, the fund is expected to invest in 50 to 150 innovative startups and science and technology enterprises, support the commercialization of at least 50 products and technologies, and incubate at least five large-scale technology companies with potential for listing or mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

While investment activities will primarily focus on Ho Chi Minh City, the fund may also co-invest with domestic funds in enterprises located in other provinces if projects commit to technology transfer, establish research and development (R&D) facilities, invest in production, or contribute to the city’s supply chains and socio-economic development.

Eligible investment recipients include innovative startups, science and technology enterprises, high-tech manufacturers, and incubation projects with prototypes or patents.

Priority sectors include digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and blockchain; the semiconductor industry; biotechnology and advanced medical technologies; new materials and renewable energy; and automation and robotics.

According to the plan, the Ho Chi Minh City Venture Capital Fund JSC is expected to begin operations in 2026 with an initial charter capital of VND500 billion, including VND200 billion from the state budget and VND300 billion from private investors. Between 2027 and 2035, the fund’s capital will be gradually increased, with a target size of at least VND5 trillion by 2035.

Several major corporations and investment funds have expressed interest in joining as founding shareholders, including Sovico Group, Vingroup, VinaCapital, Becamex IDC, VNG Group, CT Group, Hoa Sen Group, Lotte Ventures Vietnam, and FPT.

Ho Chi Minh City announces IFC founding investors, shapes operational structure

Ho Chi Minh City has announced the founding members and strategic investors of the freshly launched Vietnam International Financial Centre there (VIFC-HCMC), outlining its market structure and operational direction.