Link to original video by Spiderum

ĐEK BIẾT GÌ CŨNG TIẾN – Hành trình từ zero đến doanh thu tỷ đô của FPT Software | Nga Levi

Outline Video ĐEK BIẾT GÌ CŨNG TIẾN – Hành trình từ zero đến doanh thu tỷ đô của FPT Software | Nga Levi

Short Summary:

This video details the journey of FPT Software, a Vietnamese company, from its humble beginnings to achieving billion-dollar revenue in software exports. The core concept is their "Đếch biết gì cũng tiến" ("Don't know anything, still go ahead") philosophy, a relentless pursuit of goals despite lacking experience, resources, or even clear market understanding. The video highlights their initial struggles in the US and India, their subsequent success in Japan through perseverance and adapting to local culture, and their later strategic shift towards digital transformation and M&A activities. Specific technologies like cloud computing, big data, AI, and IoT are mentioned as key drivers of their later growth. The video emphasizes the importance of a "people's war" approach to business, drawing parallels to Vietnamese military strategy, focusing on adaptability, continuous learning, and incremental wins. The implications are a case study in overcoming adversity, building resilience, and achieving global success through a unique approach to business. The video also details the processes of adapting to different markets, learning from failures, and strategically utilizing M&A for growth.

Detailed Summary:

The video is divided into four main sections:

Part 1: The Early Hardships (1998-2003): This section describes FPT Software's initial foray into the global software market, starting with a pivotal "Diên Hồng Conference" where the decision to export software was made, despite significant risks and lack of resources. The initial attempts in the US and India faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of understanding of the market. They secured their first contract for a mere $2500, developing software for a Vietnamese pho restaurant chain. The section highlights the initial failures as crucial learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and possessing the necessary skills and cultural awareness. A key quote from Martin Geiger, a hired Western expert, criticizing the company's initial approach, is included, showcasing the harsh realities faced.

Part 2: Riding the Wave (2003-2015): Success in Japan: After setbacks in the US and India, FPT Software shifted its focus to Japan. This section details the challenges of navigating the Japanese market, including language barriers and cultural differences. Initial success came from smaller projects, demonstrating their commitment to quality and reliability. The role of mentors, like Mr. Ichibasan from Nissan, in guiding and supporting FPT's entry into the Japanese market is highlighted. The establishment of FPT Japan in 2005 marked a significant milestone, leading to substantial growth and market share in Japan. This section emphasizes the importance of building relationships and learning from experienced mentors.

Part 3: From Outsourcing to Digital Transformation (2015-2023): This section covers FPT Software's strategic shift from pure outsourcing to providing comprehensive digital transformation services. The adoption of new technologies like cloud computing, big data, AI, and IoT is discussed. The section details their aggressive M&A strategy, including the acquisitions of RWE IT Slovakia and Intelet, as key drivers of their growth and expansion into new markets and service offerings. This showcases their proactive approach to adapting to changing market demands and expanding their capabilities.

Part 4: The "People's War" Approach: This section draws a parallel between FPT Software's approach to business and the Vietnamese "People's War" strategy. It emphasizes the importance of a decentralized, adaptable approach, where every employee is a "soldier" contributing to the overall success. The concepts of continuous learning, incremental wins, and adapting to challenges are highlighted. The use of the term "fractal" to describe their organizational structure, emphasizing independent but interconnected teams, is explained. The section concludes by summarizing key lessons learned: overcoming fear, starting before being fully prepared, building internal strength, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. The final message emphasizes the importance of vision and perseverance, even in the face of significant challenges.