In 2015, SuperShip began as a tiny startup in Ho Chi Minh City with only 40 million VND, roughly $1,700 USD. It was founded by a small team of young Vietnamese entrepreneurs who believed they could fix one of the biggest problems in the country’s booming e-commerce market: fast, reliable last-mile delivery.
At a time when many online orders took days or even weeks to reach customers, SuperShip aimed to change that. They promised same-day delivery within city limits and focused on serving online shops that needed quick turnaround. But just three months into operations, the founders were already facing serious trouble.
This is the full story of how SuperShip bounced back from the edge of collapse, made a bold pitch on Shark Tank Vietnam, and grew into one of the country’s leading delivery companies, now aiming for global expansion.
SuperShip’s Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
SuperShip was founded by Lê Thanh Hoài and a small team who saw that Vietnamese e-commerce was growing fast, but delivery services hadn’t caught up. Most packages were late, tracking was poor, and customers didn’t trust the system. SuperShip wanted to be different. They built their own platform, hired local delivery riders, and tried to provide the kind of service that online businesses desperately needed.
But like many startups, the early days were rocky. Despite having a good product, the company didn’t have enough marketing or brand awareness to gain traction. Only a few stores signed up. Revenue stayed low, and the operational costs of running a delivery network added up fast.
By the third month, SuperShip had nearly spent all its startup capital. The founders even considered shutting it down. There were moments of real doubt, where it seemed the business might never grow beyond its first district.
Instead of quitting, they took a big risk. They decided to take their idea to Shark Tank Vietnam in hopes of saving their dream.
What Happened on Shark Tank Vietnam?
In 2017, SuperShip appeared on Season 1 of Shark Tank Vietnam. It was a make-or-break moment. Lê Thanh Hoài pitched the business to a panel of investors, asking for 2 billion VND (around $85,000 USD at the time) in exchange for 20% equity.
He explained how SuperShip was different from other courier services. They offered faster service, a digital platform, and had already begun experimenting with regional expansion. But what truly caught the Sharks’ attention was the bold plan to grow through franchising and tech automation — something new for Vietnam’s delivery space.
Shark Trần Anh Vương, a well-known businessman in logistics and investment, saw potential. He agreed to the deal. More importantly, his involvement gave SuperShip the trust and credibility it needed in the public eye.
After the episode aired, SuperShip’s brand awareness exploded. The company was featured in newspapers, on business blogs, and on social media. New clients started calling. Startups and small businesses wanted to partner. The deal was more than just money — it was a public endorsement that changed everything.
The Smart Pivot: Turning to Franchising
One of SuperShip’s smartest decisions was to switch to a franchise model. Rather than trying to open branches themselves, which would have required massive capital and operational oversight, they allowed entrepreneurs across Vietnam to open and run their own SuperShip offices using the brand’s name, technology, and systems.
Franchisees paid a fee and followed strict service guidelines. In return, they got access to SuperShip’s growing platform, route optimization tools, and marketing support. This model allowed SuperShip to grow rapidly without building out costly infrastructure in every city.
In just a few years, the company expanded from a handful of locations to over 270 franchised branches across major cities and rural areas. This wide coverage gave them the ability to serve even the most remote areas — something few logistics startups could manage at the time.
The franchise system also gave SuperShip local insight. Because each branch was run by people who lived in those communities, they could offer better service, respond faster to issues, and build stronger customer relationships.
The Fight to Survive During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic hit logistics businesses worldwide, and SuperShip was no exception. Many of their partner stores had to close or pause operations. Delivery restrictions and safety protocols slowed down services, and some franchise branches temporarily shut down due to staffing shortages or low volume.
The company took fast action. They improved communication with franchise owners, helped train delivery staff on safety rules, and added contactless delivery options. They also invested in digital tools to help stores manage orders remotely.
Although some branches struggled, the network remained strong overall. SuperShip’s leadership used the crisis as a chance to test the strength of their franchise model. They learned to manage risk better and built contingency plans to support branches during future emergencies.
By late 2021, the company had recovered and even grown stronger, thanks to a more resilient and flexible system.
The Tech Boost: SuperAI and Smart Logistics
As Vietnam’s delivery industry became more competitive, SuperShip knew it had to use technology to stand out. They introduced SuperAI, a proprietary tech platform that powers everything from order placement to delivery tracking.
SuperAI lets customers place orders online and track them in real-time. Delivery riders receive optimized route instructions that reduce delivery time and fuel costs. Franchise owners can manage bookings, inventory, and staff schedules from one dashboard.
SuperShip also integrated AI features that help predict package delivery times and avoid traffic hotspots in busy cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
While the system brought major improvements, it wasn’t perfect. In the early stages, users reported bugs in the app, delays in updates, and occasional confusion with route mapping. But SuperShip responded quickly by collecting feedback and pushing regular updates to improve the user experience.
This focus on smart logistics gave the company an edge as more Vietnamese shoppers turned to e-commerce for daily needs.
SuperShip’s Growth in Revenue and Investment
The company’s revenue took off after its Shark Tank appearance and the rollout of its franchise model. By 2020, SuperShip reported revenue of over 60 billion VND, which equals more than $2.5 million USD.
That same year, the company was handling over 20,000 daily orders, serving both small online stores and large retail brands. With 270 franchise partners, SuperShip had created a national delivery network that rivaled major players in the region.
In 2021, SuperShip raised another 25 billion VND from HeadWay Holding, a strategic investor in logistics and retail tech. This round of funding helped SuperShip upgrade its technology and offer better support to its franchisees.
By 2023, SuperShip was estimated to have crossed $6 million USD in annual revenue, based on updated franchise numbers and total delivery volume. Though the company has not publicly released its valuation, experts in the logistics space believe it could now be worth more than $25 million USD.
What’s Next for SuperShip? Aiming for IPO and Going Global
SuperShip isn’t stopping with Vietnam. In multiple interviews, CEO Lê Thanh Hoài has said the company plans to go public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) after 2024.
Going public will allow SuperShip to raise more capital, attract institutional investors, and expand into other Southeast Asian markets. The team is already researching opportunities in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where e-commerce growth is strong but logistics services are still developing.
SuperShip also plans to introduce more automation, including warehouse robotics and AI-powered customer service tools. These improvements will help the company handle even larger delivery volumes while keeping costs low.
The company is working closely with international partners to test cross-border shipping models and hopes to become a trusted regional name in last-mile delivery.
Lessons from SuperShip for Young Startups
SuperShip’s journey proves that even the smallest companies can compete with giants — if they stay flexible and focused. They started with under $2,000, nearly failed, and still managed to create one of Vietnam’s top logistics brands.
The biggest lesson is that failure isn’t final. When their original plan didn’t work, they pivoted, sought help, and found a new path through franchising and investment.
Another key takeaway is the power of media. Shark Tank didn’t just give them cash — it gave them exposure. That exposure built trust, which brought in customers and partners they could never have reached alone.
SuperShip also showed the value of listening to users. Their SuperAI platform wasn’t perfect from the start, but regular updates based on feedback made it better. This kind of customer-first approach is why people keep coming back.
And finally, by turning franchisees into long-term partners rather than just employees, SuperShip built a strong, loyal network that could grow with them.
Final Thoughts
SuperShip’s rise from a cash-strapped startup to a multi-million-dollar logistics company is a powerful example of resilience, smart strategy, and creative thinking. They faced major hurdles, made bold choices, and stayed committed to their goal of transforming delivery in Vietnam.
Today, SuperShip is more than just a delivery service. It’s a national network of entrepreneurs, powered by smart technology and built on a shared mission to serve e-commerce better. And with IPO plans in motion, the next chapter might just be its biggest yet.
If you’re a startup founder facing tough times, remember this: SuperShip almost failed after three months. Now, they deliver 20,000 packages a day.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
SuperShip started with just $1,700 and nearly collapsed within three months. But after a Shark Tank Vietnam deal, it scaled nationwide through franchising and smart tech, becoming a major force in Vietnam’s delivery industry by 2024.
FAQs
Is SuperShip still operating in Vietnam as of 2024?
Yes. SuperShip continues to operate with over 250 active franchise branches across 32 provinces in Vietnam, serving thousands of orders daily.
What was the result of SuperShip’s Shark Tank Vietnam pitch?
SuperShip secured a deal in 2017 with Shark Trần Anh Vương for 2 billion VND in exchange for 20% equity. The full investment was disbursed, and the deal helped accelerate its growth.
How did SuperShip expand so quickly across Vietnam?
After Shark Tank, SuperShip shifted to a franchise model—partnering with local operators who used its brand, tech, and processes—which enabled rapid, low-capital expansion.
What is SuperAI and how does it help SuperShip?
SuperAI is SuperShip’s proprietary technology platform that optimizes delivery routes, enables real-time order tracking, and helps franchisees manage operations efficiently.
Has SuperShip secured funding since the Shark Tank deal?
Yes. In addition to the 2 billion VND from Shark Tank, SuperShip raised 25 billion VND in 2021 and formed a strategic investment partnership with HeadWay Holding in 2023.
Is SuperShip planning to go public or expand internationally?
SuperShip is targeting an Initial Public Offering (IPO) after 2024—possibly in 2025—and plans to explore expansion into other Southeast Asian markets.