Kiddie Shark, an investment pitching reality show similar to Shark Tank for entrepreneurs aged from seven to 11, will start on July 20. — VNS Photo

Kiddie Shark, a reality show for young start-up entrepreneurs, was launched late last week in HCM City to identify and mentor children with a talent for business.

Organised by Apax Leaders, Vietnam Television and TV Hub, and similar to Shark Tank, its first episode will be broadcast on VTV3 on July 20.

According to the organisers, Kiddie Shark will offer children aged seven to 14 the chance to show their start-up ideas, plans and products to investors and seek investment.

Participants will also be taught how to set up goals, develop projects and operate and manage their businesses.

Nguyen Ngọc Thuy of Apax Leaders said: “To me, there are three important factors in investment -- foreign language, technology and leadership capacity.

“In Kiddie Shark, children will get used to the start-up environment where they can study and get more knowledge about start-ups.”

The show will have 11 episodes in each of which three to four children will show their ideas and products and make a pitch for investment. They will have to answer questions from successful and famous people who will mentor them.

The winners will receive investments and assistance to start their business.

Apax Leaders also launched a VND100 billion fund to support childrens start-ups. It will be used for scholarships and investments in Kiddie Shark. — VNS