Founded by Tran Thi Thuy Quynh and Nguyen Hieu Trieu Vy, the fintech platform Hello Clever enhances the shopping experience by enabling merchants to receive instant payments from credit card transactions, bypassing the typical two- to three-day bank reconciliation process. Customers benefit from rewards such as discount codes and cashback, introducing a new approach to credit card payments in Australia.
In November 2024, Australia Financial Review ranked Hello Clever second on its "Fast Starters List," recognizing its rapid growth and innovation.
"I feel proud that a Vietnamese startup can establish a strong foothold in Australia," Quynh said.
Quynh and Vy, both 33, were classmates in the specialized math program at Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for the Gifted in Vinh Long Province in southern Vietnam.
Describing their friendship as an "unlikely duo," Quynh recalled, "I was carefree and playful, while Vy was a top student, winning national awards in English despite majoring in math."
![]() |
Nguyen Hieu Trieu Vy (L) and Tran Thi Thuy Quynh in a photo they provide, October 2024. |
After graduating in 2010, Quynh pursued Finance and Accounting at the University of Technology Sydney, while Vy earned a full scholarship to study Information Technology at FPT University in Vietnam.
Post-graduation, Quynh worked as an accountant in Australia, and Vy became a software engineer in Vietnam.
Turning an idea into a fintech powerhouse
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Quynh found herself making frequent online purchases, which led to difficulties in managing her transactions. Frustrated with existing financial management apps that required manual input and lacked user-friendly interfaces, she recognized a gap in the market.
"Many apps required me to manually enter my salary and expenses or had poorly designed interfaces that were unpleasant to use," she noted.
Drawing from her professional experience, she realized that Gen Z consumers in Australia prioritized efficient saving through cashback programs, shopping discounts, and micro-investments.
"They expect financial services to understand their spending behavior and offer tailored suggestions, such as saving plans, cost-cutting tips, or personal finance goals," Quynh explained.
This insight inspired her to develop an app that could automate spending categorization and optimize savings. After working on the idea for a year, she reached out to Vy to collaborate.
Through extensive market research, they identified a critical gap in Australia's payment system: credit card payments often took two to three days to process, affecting merchants' cash flow.
"Instant transactions reduce the risk of cash shortages caused by delayed payments," Quynh said. "Receiving funds immediately helps businesses manage daily revenue more accurately without relying on third-party financial reports."
For customers, instant cashback serves as an immediate reward.
"Shoppers should be rewarded for spending, not just burdened with credit interest," Vy noted, emphasizing the startup's innovative reversal of traditional credit card practices.
Overcoming rejection and securing investment
Initially, the duo used personal savings to hire staff, develop software, and attract clients. Establishing a strong company culture was a priority.
"We ensure every team member understands the purpose behind their tasks. When people grasp the meaning and value of their work, they're more committed," Vy said.
However, securing investment was a challenge.
"The first 50 investors rejected us. They didn't know who we were or why our app mattered," Quynh recalled.
One of their most memorable failures was a disastrous pitch meeting due to poor coordination.
"I received a rejection letter a full page long, advising us not to bring too many people to investor meetings," she said.
With experience, they refined their pitch.
"You have to get straight to the point—identify the real problem your startup solves, prove its relevance in the market, and highlight your competitive edge," Quynh said.
Their perseverance paid off. In August 2022, they successfully raised AU$4.5 million from major venture capital firms like Vectr Fintech Partners and Yolo Investments.
Thanks to this breakthrough, Hello Clever has served over 500 small and medium-sized businesses within two years, generating AU$5.5 million in revenue.
Nguyen Phuc Binh, former President of the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Australia, praised the duo’s complementary skills—Quynh’s strategic leadership and Vy’s technological expertise.
"Their success not only showcases their talent and determination but also highlights the potential of young Vietnamese entrepreneurs on the global stage," Binh said.
Reflecting on their journey, Quynh believes that building a team with shared values and a positive work culture is crucial. Adaptability and innovation remain key, just as they pivoted from personal finance management to payment solutions.
Looking ahead, Hello Clever aims to expand into new markets, including Japan, the U.S., and Singapore, where payment systems are similar to Australia's.