As part of the course Fundraising for New Ventures, taught by Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh, students of Cohort K62 in the Advanced Program in Business Administration at the School of Business, Foreign Trade University, had the opportunity to participate in an in-depth sharing session with Mr. Ho Viet Hai (Hai Ho), Co-founder & CEO of Alternō, a Vietnamese climate-tech startup.
Alternō develops sand-based thermal energy storage technology, with the aim of replacing fossil-fuel-based heat sources in industrial drying and manufacturing processes. From technology development to engaging with business customers, Alternō’s journey provided students with a practical case study of how a technological solution can be transformed into a commercially viable product, supported by a business model, fundraising strategy, and plans for scaling.
FROM A PRACTICAL CASE STUDY TO A FUNDRAISING MINDSET
One of the key areas of discussion was the range of financial decisions that startups face throughout their development. Students actively engaged with the speaker on topics including cash flow, fundraising timing, patents, expansion strategies, and plans for subsequent funding rounds.
Insights from Alternō allowed students to view fundraising from a broader perspective. Raising capital is not simply about determining how much funding a company can secure. It also involves identifying the right timing, appropriate sources of capital, and suitable partners, while building the operational capabilities required for sustainable long-term growth.
The discussion further highlighted the relationship between finance, business strategy, and startup growth. Capital-related decisions need to be considered within the broader context of a company’s development, from maintaining cash flow and developing products to expanding into new markets and preparing for subsequent stages of growth.
BRIDGING CLASSROOM KNOWLEDGE WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL PRACTICE
Bringing an active startup case into the classroom provided students with an opportunity to connect concepts in startup finance and fundraising with the real-world decisions founders face when building and developing a business.
Through Alternō’s journey, students gained insights not only into an innovative technology supporting the energy transition, but also into the process of bringing technology to market, identifying customer needs, developing a business model, and securing resources for growth.
The session also highlighted the importance of viewing fundraising as part of the broader entrepreneurial process. From technology and products to customers and financial strategy, these elements need to be aligned to establish a strong foundation for a startup’s long-term development.
The School of Business sincerely thanks Mr. Ho Viet Hai for sharing his practical experience and perspectives on building, developing, and fundraising for a startup. His insights contributed to bringing fundraising concepts beyond the classroom and closer to the real-world decisions involved in running a business.
The School of Business also extends its appreciation to Dr. Nguyen Thi Hanh for creating opportunities for students in the Advanced Program in Business Administration to engage with practical startup cases and connect academic knowledge with entrepreneurial practice.
The Guest Speaker Sharing session with Alternō provided students with a valuable learning experience, strengthening their understanding of startup finance, developing their business mindset, and offering further insights into the challenges founders navigate throughout the process of building a venture.