After a traffic accident left his father paralyzed from the waist down, a young Vietnamese man named Lê Văn Hóa refused to accept the reality that his father would be bedridden forever. Coming from a poor village in Quảng Trị Province, Hóa didn’t have access to advanced tools, funding, or even formal engineering training. What he did have was a sense of duty, compassion, and a strong will to restore his father’s dignity.
This deep, personal mission gave birth to something extraordinary: a multifunctional electric wheelchair that could help users sit up, lie down, stand, enjoy massages, and maintain hygiene without needing full-time assistance. Unlike imported models that cost several times more, Hóa’s wheelchair was designed to be affordable, repairable, and built with Vietnamese users in mind.
Years later, this home-grown innovation made its way to the spotlight of Shark Tank Vietnam, where it touched the hearts of viewers and investors alike. What started as a simple dream in a backyard workshop turned into a business that is now quietly improving lives across the country.
The Founder: Who Is Lê Văn Hóa?
Born in 1994, Lê Văn Hóa grew up in a farming family in one of the most economically challenged areas of central Vietnam. He was just like any other village boy, resourceful, practical, and full of ideas. When his father became paralyzed, it created a major shift in his life. Suddenly, Hóa had to take on responsibilities he never expected. More than anything, he became aware of how limited and unaffordable mobility support was for families like his.
While most people would rely on outside help or imported technology, Hóa chose to learn and build on his own. He studied mechanical repair through informal training and started experimenting with scrap parts and old scooter batteries. His hands-on approach and deep connection to the problem led him to build the very first version of the VH multifunctional wheelchair.
By 2017, Hóa’s prototype had gone through multiple redesigns. His father was able to sit up, lie back, and even stand again, all thanks to his son’s creation. That moment not only changed his father’s daily life but also convinced Hóa that this could be more than just a family solution. It could become a social enterprise.
Building VH Multifunctional Wheelchair: From Shed to Startup
After seeing how much his father’s quality of life improved, Hóa realized there were many others like his family who needed such a product. In 2017, he officially founded his company, VH Smart Wheelchair, and started producing small batches of the wheelchair to serve local communities.
His design was unique in Vietnam at the time. Most wheelchairs on the market only served a single function, sitting. If you wanted extra features like reclining, standing, or massage, you had to import high-end models from countries like Japan or the United States. These cost anywhere from 50 million to over 100 million VND, which most rural families could never afford.
In contrast, Hóa priced his most advanced model at around 21 million VND, a fraction of the cost. Yet, the VH wheelchair still offered full-body support. It allowed the user to adjust positions with a remote, included massage features to prevent sores, and even had a built-in system for personal hygiene.
To launch production, Hóa started with a 200 million VND loan, working out of a small workshop with a handful of workers. Each unit was made with care, tailored to the user’s weight, height, and specific medical needs. Word spread quickly in local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Demand began to grow, not because of flashy marketing, but because of real results.
The Turning Point: Shark Tank Vietnam
In Episode 10 of Shark Tank Vietnam, Lê Văn Hóa entered the studio with nothing but his story, his prototype, and his passion. Unlike many pitches filled with business jargon and revenue graphs, Hóa simply shared what he had built and why he built it.
He asked for 1 billion VND (about $42,000) in funding in exchange for a stake in his business. But more than money, he wanted partnerships, mentorship, and a way to scale up production so more people could benefit from his invention.
The Sharks were visibly moved. Investor Shark Hưng even paused the conversation to comment on how meaningful this pitch was, saying it was “one of the most emotional and human-centered presentations” he had seen on the show.
In the end, three Sharks, Thủy, Hưng, and Vương, came together to invest the 1 billion VND Hóa had asked for. In exchange, he gave up 36 percent of his company, ensuring he still retained majority control.
“This is one of the most meaningful pitches I’ve seen,” said Shark Hưng during the show.
Source: CafeBiz
This moment was not just a win for Hóa. It was a rare public spotlight on social entrepreneurship in Vietnam, where business and compassion met on national television.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
The deal on Shark Tank gave Hóa’s company both credibility and a financial boost. But growth didn’t come overnight. Like many hardware startups, VH Multifunctional Wheelchair still had to overcome scaling, distribution, and marketing challenges.
By March 2024, the business had grown modestly but steadily. Hóa reported that the company had expanded to two production sites, with a small but committed team of four full-time employees. The company was generating around 360 million VND in annual profit, showing that the model was sustainable even at a small scale.
They focused primarily on custom-built orders, often working directly with families or small medical centers. While larger sales contracts remained rare, Hóa’s team ensured every product delivered was tailored, tested, and well-supported after purchase.
VH did not yet have a large online presence or formal marketing strategy, but its impact was visible in the homes of families it served. Each wheelchair was a quiet revolution.
A Personal Touch: One Customer’s Story
One customer, Nguyễn Văn Thưởng, lived on the outskirts of Hanoi and had been bedridden for over three years following a stroke. Before discovering VH’s wheelchair, he required constant care just to change positions. His muscles were weakening, and his mood was often low due to his limited mobility.
When his family installed the VH multifunctional wheelchair in their home, it was life-changing. Thưởng could now sit up on his own, stand for brief moments, and even enjoy the massage feature. More than comfort, it gave him back a sense of control over his body and independence.
“I cried when I first stood up in it,” he told a local paper. “It was like getting a piece of my life back.”
These stories became VH’s best marketing tool, not flashy ads, but real transformations.
Challenges the Business Still Faces
Even with heartwarming stories and Shark Tank backing, VH still faces significant barriers to long-term growth.
First, the company does not hold global medical certifications, such as FDA or ISO standards, which limits its ability to sell to hospitals or export internationally. These certifications are costly and require legal expertise, which a small team like Hóa’s may struggle to manage.
Second, there’s no patent protection for the unique wheelchair design. Without it, competitors, especially those with more resources, could easily copy the product and undercut VH in price or quality.
Third, the company has no official website, making it hard for new customers to find information or place orders online. In an increasingly digital economy, this remains a major gap.
Lastly, foreign competition is rising. High-tech wheelchair models from China, Japan, and the U.S. are entering the Vietnamese market, often with better branding and bulk pricing deals.
But despite these challenges, VH survives because of its community roots, flexibility, and human-centered design.
How VH Can Grow Stronger
To ensure VH thrives in the future, several steps could help.
First, applying for intellectual property rights in Vietnam and potentially abroad would protect its unique design and engineering. This would make it easier to partner with health NGOs or government agencies.
Second, certifications like ISO 13485 (for medical device quality) could unlock hospital contracts and even global sales opportunities.
Third, the business could launch a website with an ordering system and customer support, making it easier for people nationwide to access its products.
Lastly, building partnerships with rehab centers, disability rights groups, or even crowdfunding platforms could provide a stable source of new users and advocates.
Conclusion: A Wheelchair Built From Love
The VH Multifunctional Wheelchair didn’t start in a lab or a corporate office. It was born in a shed, crafted by the hands of a son who couldn’t watch his father suffer in silence.
Its parts may be made of metal, motors, and wires, but its soul is made of love. Today, that same compassion powers a growing business, one that gives people across Vietnam a chance to move, heal, and stand again.
It proves something simple yet powerful: real innovation doesn’t always come from big companies. Sometimes, it starts in a village, with a problem, and someone who cares enough to solve it.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
After his father became paralyzed, Lê Văn Hóa turned heartbreak into innovation by creating an affordable, multifunctional wheelchair in Vietnam. Backed by three Sharks, his business now quietly helps people across the country regain independence.
FAQs
Is the VH multifunctional wheelchair still available in 2025?
Yes, the VH multifunctional wheelchair is still available. It continues to serve patients with mobility challenges in Vietnam, although scaling to international markets has proven difficult.
Who invested in VH multifunctional wheelchair on Shark Tank Vietnam?
Three Sharks — Thủy, Hưng, and Vương — invested in VH wheelchair during Season 5, Episode 10 of Shark Tank Vietnam. They collectively acquired about 36% of the company.
How much does the VH wheelchair cost?
The premium multifunctional model costs around 21 million VND, which is significantly lower than imported models offering similar features.
What features does the VH multifunctional wheelchair offer?
It includes sitting, standing, lying, massage, and hygiene functions, all powered by electricity. The goal is to improve comfort and independence for users with severe disabilities.
Did VH wheelchair succeed after Shark Tank?
VH wheelchair received praise and investment but still faces challenges with mass production, stable revenue, and market expansion. However, its humanitarian mission continues to gain attention.