At Sigma Software Labs, community isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation of everything we do. For years, we’ve been building an ecosystem to fuel innovation, create connections, and provide opportunities for startups across Ukraine. 

At IT Arena 2024 — Ukraine’s largest tech conference, which attracted over 5,000 attendees from 30+ countries — we hosted a dynamic meetup: “Community Power: Myth or Reality?” With more than 60 participants — including developers, founders, marketers, and investors — the event revolved around how a community can drive growth and help startups adapt even in the most challenging times.

The panel brought together experts leading various aspects of community development: founders, strategists, innovators, and ecosystem builders: 

• Anastasia Smyk — CEO & Co-founder at INPUT SOFT
• Jane Klepa — Director of Partnerships and Innovation at SET University
• Anna Kulchytska — Product Strategist at The Gradient
• Ievgeniia Bespalova — Head of Ecosystem at UNIT.City

The discussion, moderated by Kate Stefanovych, Senior Event Manager at Sigma Software, provided practical insights on building impactful communities.

Key Insights on the power of community 

How community helps startups thrive in tough times

Communities offer essential support during times of uncertainty, providing both emotional backing and practical help. Through connections made within networks, founders find mentorship and partnership opportunities that help them navigate various challenges. Ukrainian events that gather IT specialists enable entrepreneurs to discover new collaborations and explore emerging markets, demonstrating the value of active engagement during difficult periods.

“In times of crisis, communities show their true strength. They unite to support each other, help find new opportunities, and adapt to changes. And this is what makes us stronger,” said Yevheniia Bespalova, Head of Ecosystem at UNIT.City

Why specialized communities are key for startup success in Ukraine

Silicon Valley has always been the gold standard for startup ecosystems. Every city there has its own specialization: medtech, AI, fintech, and more. But can Ukraine build something similar?

Ukraine currently lacks narrowly specialized communities focused on specific tech fields, making it difficult for founders to find the right contacts and expertise.

 “In the US, if you’re a medtech startup, you know which city or region to go to because the entire ecosystem is built to support your needs. In Ukraine, we don’t have this kind of clear structure yet, making it a longer path to development,” — noted Anastasia Smyk, CEO & Co-founder of our portfolio startup INPUT SOFT.

However, new initiatives like Cyber Labs at SET University are beginning to address this gap by fostering niche communities in cybersecurity, showing how targeted efforts can accelerate growth. 

Collaborative environments often spark new ideas and solutions. The Sparkle initiative, for example, provides startup founders with a space to connect, share challenges, and work through solutions together. This kind of real-time collaboration helps participants make faster progress and creates a shared knowledge base that benefits the wider ecosystem.

Women — the new leaders of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem

With many men currently involved in the war effort, women have taken on key leadership positions in startups and the tech ecosystem. INPUT SOFT is an example of a startup that has successfully expanded under female leadership, demonstrating how women are shaping Ukraine’s tech sector and building cross-border connections. These leaders are not just maintaining businesses, but actively creating new growth opportunities.

The importance of company involvement in community-building

Many grassroots communities currently operate with minimal resources, often relying on personal efforts and donations. For communities to thrive, companies need to contribute by supporting meetups, offering infrastructure, and integrating independent communities within their networks. These efforts not only sustain community initiatives but also foster a more interconnected startup ecosystem.

Blending global insights with local impact

Rather than imitating models from other regions, Ukraine is developing its own approach by combining global knowledge with local realities. Collaborations with universities like UC Berkeley allow Ukrainian students to access international expertise while staying rooted in the local environment. This blend of global and local perspectives helps the ecosystem evolve in a way that reflects both ambition and practicality.

From local roots to global impact

At Sigma Software Labs, we are committed to empowering startups and building a thriving ecosystem. Through international partnerships and local initiatives, we aim to establish Ukraine as a global hub for innovation.

“We need to find our own path, not just replicate others. That’s the key to building a sustainable ecosystem that fits our realities.”, Anastasia Smyk concluded.

“For us, fostering communities is crucial because it’s all about connections, networks, and meaningful relationships. Initiatives like Synergetic Space provide a collaborative environment for startups, while the UNICORN competition links founders with mentors and investors, opening doors to new opportunities. These communities drive innovation, helping startups grow and thrive by connecting the right people at the right time,” said Daria Yaniieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Labs.

With community-driven initiatives, we continue to shape the future of Ukraine’s startup landscape. Together, we will grow, innovate, and establish Ukraine as a major player on the global tech stage.

Stay tuned for more updates as we expand our efforts and build new partnerships to drive growth in the Ukrainian tech ecosystem!