In 2022, a small Vietnamese startup made waves on Shark Tank Vietnam with a unique idea: turning discarded pineapple leaves into eco-friendly textile fibers. At first glance, it sounded unconventional. But for founder Vu Thi Liễu, it was a mission: to reduce agricultural waste, support rural communities, and reshape the fashion industry through sustainability.
Three years later, Ecosoi has grown far beyond that $100K pitch. From product innovation and international partnerships to fashion week appearances and a growing team, the company has evolved into one of Vietnam’s most promising green startups. Although exact financials remain private, Ecosoi’s journey since Shark Tank suggests substantial success by 2025.
Here’s a deep dive into Ecosoi’s remarkable growth, global impact, and what’s next for this rising eco-innovator.
What Is Ecosoi?
Ecosoi is a Vietnamese eco-startup founded in 2021 by Vu Thi Liễu, an environmental engineer and former university lecturer in Hanoi. The company specializes in converting pineapple leaf waste into high-quality textile fibers that are biodegradable, compostable, and suitable for use in the fashion industry.
The idea was born in Thanh Hóa province, one of Vietnam’s largest pineapple-growing regions. There, Liễu witnessed firsthand how 2–3 kilograms of leaves were discarded per pineapple harvested, often burned, leading to pollution and lost value. Instead of seeing waste, she saw opportunity: a chance to transform agricultural by-products into premium fabric while creating additional income for rural farmers.
Ecosoi’s founding team includes diverse backgrounds. From agricultural experts like Nguyễn Văn Hạnh to sustainability advocates from NGOs such as Keep It Beautiful Vietnam, the startup combines grassroots insight with environmental science. With no prior experience in fashion or textiles, Liễu relied on her environmental knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to bring Ecosoi to life.
Ecosoi’s Shark Tank Vietnam Pitch (Season 5 Recap)
Ecosoi appeared on Shark Tank Vietnam Season 5 with a bold vision and a working prototype of their pineapple leaf fabric. During the pitch, Vu Thi Liễu sought $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing her company at $500,000. Her calm, mission-driven presentation and commitment to sustainability struck a chord with several sharks.
Shark Hung Anh responded with a counteroffer of $100,000 for 30% equity, and Vu accepted on the spot. However, like many deals made on air, it’s unclear whether the agreement was finalized after the show. Shark Tank deals often undergo due diligence after filming and sometimes fall through for various reasons. According to Forbes, roughly half of all Shark Tank deals don’t close once the cameras stop rolling.
Regardless of the deal’s final outcome, the episode served as a turning point. It introduced Ecosoi to millions of viewers across Vietnam, generated widespread media attention, and opened the doors to international business opportunities.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
Following the broadcast, Ecosoi experienced a surge in interest not only from curious consumers but also from fashion designers, investors, and potential collaborators worldwide. The exposure allowed the company to expand its production, scale up its research and development efforts, and enhance the visibility of pineapple-fiber-based textiles.
By 2023, Ecosoi was already supplying fiber to clients in Japan, the U.S., and Europe, marking a successful entry into global markets. They also launched new product lines, including pineapple-fiber denim and knitted polo shirts, combining innovation with style. These fabrics were not only sustainable but also breathable, soft, and strong — characteristics that made them attractive to eco-conscious designers.
Ecosoi formed collaborations with notable Vietnamese fashion designers such as Vũ Việt Hà, Phạm Ngọc Anh, and La Phạm (KHAAR) to create high-end fashion collections. Their materials were featured in international fashion shows in Switzerland, Canada, and Greece, adding credibility to the brand and introducing it to luxury fashion circles.
The company also leveraged its momentum to strengthen its digital presence, refining its e-commerce website and conducting global market research to better understand the demand for sustainable knitted fabrics. Their LinkedIn updates reflect this expansion, showcasing a company actively seeking partnerships, customer insights, and broader social impact.
Ecosoi’s Net Worth and Financial Growth in 2025
As a privately held company, Ecosoi does not disclose its official net worth or financial statements. However, the growth trajectory following their Shark Tank appearance provides valuable clues.
During their pitch in 2022, they projected revenues of 4.7 billion VND ($200,000 USD). For 2023 and 2024, they estimated 40 billion VND ($1.6 million USD) and 71.5 billion VND (~$2.9 million USD), respectively. Although these projections were not confirmed through public filings, the expansion of operations, international reach, and increased employee count (reported between 51–200 as of 2025) all suggest these goals may have been met or exceeded.
There is no record of major public funding rounds through platforms like Crunchbase or Tracxn, which implies that Ecosoi’s funding has primarily come from private investors, grants, or reinvested revenue. Still, considering the scale of their growth, it is reasonable to assume their valuation now exceeds the $500,000 initially proposed on Shark Tank.
Technology and Sustainability Impact
At the heart of Ecosoi’s value lies its proprietary fiber extraction technology, which relies on mechanical, chemical-free processes. This ensures the production of environmentally safe, biodegradable fibers that do not contribute to water pollution or microplastic waste, unlike many synthetic fabrics such as polyester.
One of the startup’s core missions is to reduce carbon emissions caused by burning agricultural waste. With millions of tons of pineapple leaves discarded annually, Ecosoi’s model provides an alternative that transforms waste into wealth. Farmers who previously discarded or burned the leaves can now sell them to Ecosoi, generating a new revenue stream.
Additionally, Ecosoi employs ethnic minority women in Vietnam to weave traditional fabrics using the pineapple fiber. This initiative not only supports local economies but also preserves cultural craftsmanship, which aligns with the goals of organizations like UNESCO.
Their fabric is breathable, soft, and durable, offering a strong alternative to traditional fibers like cotton and linen. While detailed lifecycle assessments have not been publicly released, Ecosoi’s materials are fully compostable and break down naturally without toxic residue.
Partnerships and Market Expansion
In recent years, Ecosoi has developed strong relationships with fashion designers, ethical fashion brands, and textile innovators across continents. While many of these collaborations are under NDAs or not yet announced publicly, Ecosoi’s fibers have already appeared in several limited-run fashion collections and sustainability showcases.
On the business-to-business (B2B) front, Ecosoi supplies textile fibers to designers and manufacturers looking for sustainable alternatives. Simultaneously, they have built a direct-to-consumer (B2C) offering through their official website, where individuals can purchase select fabrics and ready-made products.
Their growing reputation has also prompted market research and prototype development for knitted fabrics. This move could place them in broader fashion markets, including sportswear and casual apparel. They are currently conducting international surveys to better understand designer and customer needs, signaling an intent to become a versatile supplier in the sustainable design ecosystem.
Public Perception and Industry Credibility
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Ecosoi has been widely covered by local and international media for its unique model and green innovation. They are regularly mentioned in Vietnamese startup publications and sustainability blogs, with their story often referenced as a benchmark for impact-focused entrepreneurship.
Industry experts have pointed to Ecosoi as a case study in sustainable entrepreneurship, especially in the Southeast Asian context. Their success story is frequently shared at startup events and pitch competitions to inspire new founders, particularly women entrepreneurs and those working in climate-focused industries.
On social media, Ecosoi maintains a professional presence with updates about product lines, surveys, behind-the-scenes development, and collaborations. This consistent engagement helps keep the brand relevant in both consumer and investor circles.
Conclusion: Ecosoi’s Remarkable Journey
From the fields of Thanh Hóa to fashion showrooms in Europe, Ecosoi has proven that sustainability and business success do not have to be at odds. Their transformation from a $100K startup pitch to a global brand in just three years highlights the power of purpose-driven innovation.
What sets Ecosoi apart is not just its green product but the ecosystem it creates—empowering rural communities, reducing waste, preserving culture, and introducing eco-friendly textiles to the world stage. While the public may not know the exact numbers behind their success, their impact is tangible and inspiring.
As the fashion industry continues to face scrutiny for its environmental impact, startups like Ecosoi remind us that the future of fashion might be found not in synthetic labs but in the forgotten leaves of a fruit plant.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Ecosoi, a Vietnamese eco-startup, turned a $100K Shark Tank pitch into a growing global brand by transforming pineapple leaf waste into sustainable fabrics. In 2025, they continue to expand internationally with new products, strong environmental impact, and growing credibility in the fashion industry.
FAQs
Is Ecosoi still in business in 2025?
Yes, Ecosoi is actively operating in 2025. The company continues to expand its product lines and serve international clients in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.
Did Ecosoi get a deal on Shark Tank Vietnam?
Yes, Ecosoi received an on-air deal from Shark Hung Anh for $100,000 in exchange for 30% equity. However, it is unclear if the deal was finalized after the show.
What is Ecosoi’s net worth in 2025?
While Ecosoi’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, projections and business growth suggest the company is valued well above the $500,000 valuation presented during its Shark Tank pitch.
Who is the founder of Ecosoi?
Ecosoi was founded by Vu Thi Liễu, an environmental engineer and former lecturer from Hanoi, Vietnam. She launched the company in 2021 to turn pineapple leaf waste into sustainable fabric.
Where can I buy Ecosoi products?
You can purchase Ecosoi products or connect for B2B inquiries through their official website at en.ecosoi.com.