Launched during the social distancing period of the Covid-19 pandemic, So Ban Hang was created with an urgent mission: to help small business owners stay operational amid restrictions on in-person sales. Leveraging the shift toward e-commerce and the growing need for digitalization, this startup rapidly evolved into a smart, user-friendly sales management platform tailored for the Vietnamese market, where micro and household businesses dominate.
What sets So Ban Hang apart is not only its intuitive interface but also its powerful multi-channel integration. The app enables users to manage orders, interact with customers, and synchronize data from various platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop—all within a single dashboard. While international software like Pipedrive or Freshsales offers advanced features for large enterprises—often at high cost and complexity—So Ban Hang takes the opposite approach: simplifying technology to serve an often-overlooked user group—those without in-depth tech skills who still need effective tools to grow their businesses.
Although So Ban Hang has not publicly detailed its tech development in phases, a clear trajectory of continuous product enhancement is evident, driven by real-world feedback from a vast user community. With over 500,000 merchants having used the platform and 30,000 new users added in 2024 alone, the startup holds a major advantage in collecting data to optimize user experience and features. The integration of fast payment solutions with BIDV, e-invoicing with VNPT, and the organization of e-commerce training sessions with industry experts are just a few examples demonstrating that this startup is not only offering technology but also building a comprehensive support ecosystem for sellers.
The feasibility and market potential of So Ban Hang have been proven through several successful funding rounds. From August 2021 to early 2022, the startup raised a total of $4 million from investors such as FEBE Ventures, Class 5, AlleyCorp, and Trihill Capital. Beyond capital, the startup also gained widespread public attention through Season 6 of Shark Tank Vietnam, where it secured a convertible loan investment from Shark Erik and Shark Lâm. Winning the Techfest Vietnam 2022 competition further solidified So Ban Hang’s technological position in the national innovation and startup ecosystem.
From So Ban Hang’s journey, several practical lessons can be drawn for founders developing B2B or B2C tech products. First, deeply understanding the specific “pain points” of a target user group and addressing them with minimalist tools can create a competitive edge in crowded markets. Second, simplicity and ease of use in technology do not imply simplicity in development. Creating a “friendly” product requires deep investment in user experience, effective integration, and continuous listening from actual operations. Third, combining technology with supportive systems—such as sales training, banking integration, and accounting services—enhances product value, sustainability, and user loyalty.
In a context where digital transformation is an inevitable trend but still poses accessibility challenges for micro-enterprises in Vietnam, So Ban Hang offers a viable path forward: developing technology not just to boost business performance, but to bridge the gap between traditional sellers and the digital economy. With a highly localized, user-friendly platform and strong connections to related service ecosystems, this startup is helping reshape the way Vietnamese people sell and manage their businesses.
