The owner of MyStorage, the first self-storage facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, recently appeared on the reality-TV program “Shark Tank Vietnam” to request funding for business expansion, marketing and technology. The show features six investors who help startups raise capital in exchange for a percentage of business profit. Aric Austin appeared in season four, episode eight, requesting about $175,000 for a 10% share of the company.
To demonstrate how quickly a small apartment can become cluttered, Austin filled the presentation area with furniture, clothing and other items, then invited the “sharks” to attempt to get comfortable in the space. He explained how self-storage can benefit people who live in small homes as well as those undergoing a renovation or launching a business. He closed by explaining the services MyStorage offers, including traditional self-storage and valet storage.
Following some discussion, Pham Thanh Hung agreed to invest the requested amount in exchange for a 25% share of MyStorage profit.
MyStorage opened in a refurbished building of District 2 in 2019. The business later opened two sites dedicated to valet-style pick-up and delivery services.
Austin moved to Vietnam from Germany about three years ago to pursue business opportunities, he told the investors. He began researching self-storage after he was unable to secure a place in Germany to store his own belongings. He shared his story in an article titled “Blazing a Trail in Southeast Asia: The Launch of Vietnam’s First Self-Storage Provider,” published by Inside Self-Storage in February.
