Pham Chi Nhu (Coolmate)

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Overview

Pham Chi Nhu, the founder and CEO of Coolmate, is a prominent figure in Vietnam's fashion landscape. Born in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, in 1991, Nhu has established himself as an influential entrepreneur in the digital men's fashion sector. Coolmate, under his leadership, has become Vietnam's leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) men's apparel brand. They offer a variety of men's clothing products through an online platform, focusing on high-quality, affordable clothing made in Vietnam. Nhu's journey with Coolmate reflects his innovative approach and commitment to fostering homegrown talent and resources in Vietnam's startup ecosystem.

Recent Developments

  • November 2025: Coolmate announced the completion of its Series C funding round, led by Vertex Growth Fund. This funding round aimed to facilitate the company’s expansion into international markets, particularly focusing on developing women’s activewear and enhancing offline retail presence.
  • October 2025: Coolmate’s revenue from international sales compared to domestic operations saw a significant increase, indicating a successful global expansion strategy primarily through collaborations with major retail platforms like Amazon.
  • March 2025: The company ventured into women’s activewear, marking a pivotal shift that expanded its market reach beyond its traditional men's segment.
  • 2024: Coolmate secured $6 million from a Series B funding round, aimed at enhancing product innovation and solidifying omnichannel retail strategies within Southeast Asia.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NamePham Chi Nhu
Born1991, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
NationalityVietnamese
OccupationEntrepreneur, CEO of Coolmate
Known ForFounder and CEO of Coolmate
Net WorthN/A
EducationForeign Trade University - Finance and Banking

Early Life and Education

Pham Chi Nhu was born in 1991 in Bac Ninh, a province in Vietnam known for its cultural heritage. He pursued his academic endeavors at the Foreign Trade University, where he studied Finance and Banking. His penchant for entrepreneurship was evident from his student days, where he was actively involved in various business initiatives. These formative years laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures, instilling a strong sense of discipline and a knack for strategic planning. Nhu's exposure to diverse business environments broadened his perspective on global markets and armed him with the necessary skills for future business challenges.

Career and Notable Achievements

Pham Chi Nhu began his entrepreneurial journey in the fashion sector by founding Coolmate in 2019. The brand was built on a direct-to-consumer model, focusing on delivering high-quality men’s apparel at accessible prices.

  • 2019: Launched Coolmate, quickly gaining traction for its innovative approach and high-quality products.
  • 2021: Successfully raised $500,000 on Shark Tank Vietnam, expanding production capabilities.
  • 2022: Completed Series A funding with participation from prestigious investors like GSR Ventures.
  • 2024: Raised $6 million in Series B funding, enhancing product development and market reach.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Pham Chi Nhu continues to lead Coolmate as it expands its operations internationally. The company has diversified its product range while maintaining its commitment to quality and affordability. Nhu's vision underscores the importance of sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and business practices. The impact of his work is evident as Coolmate sets the precedent for other Vietnamese startups by showing that local brands can successfully compete on a global scale. Through his leadership, Coolmate has not only become a household name in Vietnam but is also gaining momentum internationally.

Conclusion

Pham Chi Nhu, through Coolmate, exemplifies the dynamic potential of Vietnamese entrepreneurship in the global market. His innovative approach and commitment to sustainable business practices position Coolmate as a significant player in the fashion industry, both locally and internationally. As the company continues its expansion, Pham Chi Nhu’s vision will likely shape the future of digital consumer brands in Vietnam, reinforcing the country's position in the global economic landscape.

References

  1. RocketReach Profile
  2. Coolmate Series C Funding
  3. Vietnam Business Insider
  4. Vietnam Express
  5. Cafebiz
  6. Tech in Asia
  7. DealStreetAsia
  8. Vietcetera
  9. PitchBook
  10. ZoomInfo