Welcome to our November digest! This month, Ukrainian startups made strides in funding, partnerships, and international recognition. Read about our first Demo Day for Defence Builder startups, €1.4B in new EU funding, and global recognition for Ukrainian women in VC.
Here are the top six stories you need to know:
Daria Yaniieva Among Ukraine’s Top Women in VC
Our Investment Director, Daria Yaniieva, was named one of Ukraine’s top women in venture capital by Vestbee. Daria manages a $2.2M portfolio across 20 companies and works closely with startups, providing them with guidance and access to a vast network of 250+ business contacts across 30+ locations worldwide. Her leadership and dedication have been invaluable to our portfolio’s growth. See the honourers.
€1.4B EU funding for Deep Tech in 2025
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced a €1.4 billion investment in deep tech for 2025. This substantial funding will support cutting-edge startups in AI, biotech, clean energy, and other high-impact fields. The EIC aims to fuel Europe’s tech landscape and is particularly focused on advancing strategic technologies, which will create new opportunities for growth and innovation in the region. Explore EIC funding.
Endeavor Launches in Ukraine
Endeavor, the global network of top entrepreneurs, is now in Ukraine. With support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, Endeavor’s Ukrainian office aims to empower local tech companies by connecting them with Endeavor’s network of mentors, investors, and resources worldwide. This expansion reflects confidence in Ukraine’s entrepreneurial potential, enabling founders to scale faster and enter new markets. Learn about Endeavor Ukraine.
Apply to Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 Batch
Y Combinator, the prestigious accelerator that helped launch global giants like Airbnb and Stripe, is now accepting applications for its Winter 2025 batch. Our portfolio starship AiSDR and Datrics are among YC alumni. YC offers a three-month program in San Francisco, where founders receive mentorship, funding, and access to YC’s extensive network of successful startups and investors. The deadline for early applications is November 12. Apply now.
€1.25M grants has invested from Seeds of Bravery
Seeds of Bravery, an EU-funded initiative, awarded €1.25 million to 38 Ukrainian startups this month. This funding will help startups in diverse fields such as tech, healthcare, and social impact, providing crucial support for their expansion into European markets. Seeds of Bravery has become a key resource for Ukrainian innovators seeking growth and market integration in the EU. See details.
Defence Builder’s first Demo Day with Ukrainian startups
Our Defence Builder accelerator, co-founded with partners from the government and military sectors, held its first Demo Day this month. Seven projects presented defence solutions ranging from drone guidance systems to optical fiber communication tech. The Demo Day saw real-world testing of technologies and the start of investment discussions, marking a significant milestone for defence startups in Ukraine. See Demo Day results.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward!
Every achievement builds a stronger, more innovative Ukraine. Keep pushing, keep believing, and let’s make history together!
