Vilasia Year One: Trust Earned, Deals Sealed, Future Unlocked
Vietnam, 17 March 2025 – One year ago, Vilasia started from scratch. Today, we have built a firm that stands on its own: trusted by clients, backed by a strong team, and driven by results.
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Clients: From 0 to 50
For us, the best business development strategy has always been doing the work, whether big or small, high fee or low fee, to the best of our ability with the quickest turnaround possible. Over the past year, we have had the privilege of supporting a diverse range of clients, including well-known multinationals, emerging local businesses, and fast-growing startups across various industries. We engage in every case with a full heart and a sharp mind, ensuring that the legal support we offer is not just effective but also deeply empathetic and aligned with our clients’ real needs.
Our Team: From 1 to 20
Vilasia started with one founder. Now, we are a team of nearly 20. Every member brings expertise, drive, and a shared commitment to delivering results.
The strength of our work comes from collective intelligence, where we challenge ideas, sharpen perspectives, and push each other to think outside the box. AI is a tool, but real legal strategy comes from a team that thinks together.
Working harmoniously, we embody unity: all for one and one for all.
Deals Done
Over the past year, we have closed major deals, structured complex investments, and resolved difficult legal issues. Some highlights:
- Assisted Nguyet Minh 2, a leading aluminum recycling company in Vietnam, in the transaction involving Marubeni’s investment in Nguyet Minh 2.
- Supported advised SmartSolar on its US$1.85 million seed funding round, co-led by Picus Capital and 2degrees, with participation from Iterative.
- Assisted a supply chain management startup in raising equity capital from the Japanese VC firm Reazon Capital.
- Acted for TasCorp in investing in a rooftop solar company and acquiring an office building in Central Vietnam.
- Secured strategic agreements for Performance 54 with the Sports Authority of Vietnam (SAV), the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), and T&T Group to enhance Vietnam’s golf tourism industry and elevate the country’s position as a premier golf destination in Asia, after helping them establish their presence in Vietnam.
- Acted for Vietcetera in its strategic collaboration with SpaceSpeakers, BEAT Network, and Dentsu Redder to launch RadioOnTV, a 24/7 music entertainment channel aimed at shaping Vietnam’s music and culture scene.
- Acted for the counterparty in a strategic collaboration for Joyful Nest to enter the Vietnam market, supporting the establishment of a premium postnatal care and wellness hotel concept that blends modern healthcare with traditional Asian postpartum care.
Every transaction, no matter the size, is handled with the same level of focus and commitment.
What’s on Our Desk?
We are currently working on:
- Advising one of the world’s most recognized beverage companies on a divestment transaction.
- Representing Vietnamese developer in the acquisition of a housing project valued at $80 million, utilizing a sophisticated funding structure.
- Assisting one of the fastest-growing French renewable energy companies in acquiring multiple rooftop solar power projects.
- Supporting a Japan-Vietnam joint venture company in the renewable energy sector with a joint venture partner buyout transaction.
- Representing a Hanoi-based healthcare group in a 25-year joint venture with a Bac Ninh-based hospital.
In addition to these transactions, we are providing ongoing, comprehensive legal support to our retainer clients, assisting them with daily operations, regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and strategic legal matters.
Knowledge Sharing: Bringing Insights to the Market
Over the past year, we have actively shared knowledge to empower businesses, investors, and professionals navigating Vietnam’s dynamic legal landscape:
- Vilasia Deal News: Launched on 3 December 2024, this daily snapshot delivers key M&A, startup fundraisings, major financings, and notable investments, providing clear and concise insights tailored for decision-makers.
- Vilasia Watt Weekly: ince December 2024, this weekly newsletter has been delivering deep dives into Vietnam’s evolving energy policies, fresh regulations, and enforcement trends, helping businesses stay ahead in the low-carbon transition.
- Thought Leadership in Real Estate: In July 2024, Nhung Nguyen authored a six-part series in The Saigon Times, offering one of the first in-depth analyses of Vietnam’s new real estate regulations.
- Supporting Startups’ Fundraising Efforts:
- Podcast Feature: On 11 April 2024, Ngu Truong joined Vietnam Innovators by Vietcetera to discuss creativity in legal practice and Vilasia’s unique approach to M&A and capital mobilization.
- Sharing Expertise: On 6 July 2024, Ngu Truong delivered How to Become a Deal Lawyer, guiding aspiring legal professionals.
- Legal Workshop: On 19 October 2024, Vilasia co-hosted Navigating Legal Issues for Vietnam-based Startups, addressing key compliance challenges.
From legal training to thought leadership, we remain committed to making complex legal matters accessible, insightful, and practical for the business community.
Looking Ahead
One year in, we are just getting started. We will continue to do what we have always done: focus on the work, get results, and keep moving forward.
Stay connected by visiting our website regularly or following Vilasia on LinkedIn for the latest updates!
Vilasia: Full Hearts & Sharp Minds