Ukraine’s Startups Thrive Amid Adversity
▼ Summary
– Ukrainian startups like Preply are continuing to grow and secure funding despite the ongoing war, with some achieving unicorn status.
– Defense tech has been prominent, but engineering talent and innovation are strengthening Ukraine across multiple sectors, including mental health platforms like Aspichi’s Luminify.
– Startups can obtain special status to protect key employees from military mobilization if their work is deemed to support the country’s needs.
– Offices and coworking spaces in cities like Kyiv have become essential refuges, providing reliable electricity, heat, and internet during frequent power outages and attacks.
– Tech hubs in Kyiv and Lviv remain active, hosting conferences and attracting investment, while Ukrainian entrepreneurs continue to participate in international tech events.
Even in the face of relentless conflict, Ukraine’s technology sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth. The recent achievement of edtech firm Preply, which reached unicorn status, underscores this trend. The company celebrated the milestone with cake at its Kyiv office, a small moment of normalcy amid extraordinary circumstances. Preply plans to use its new funding to hire approximately 100 engineers globally, with a significant portion of those roles based in Ukraine, where one-third of its engineering team already works. This story is not an isolated case. While defense technology innovations capture headlines for their rapid deployment to the front lines, the same pool of skilled engineers and creative problem-solving is fueling advancements across multiple industries, all of which contribute to national strength.
The government recognizes this economic and strategic value. With the country confronting a massive military threat, efforts to avoid mobilization are generally frowned upon. However, startups can obtain a special status that protects essential employees from the draft if their work is deemed vital for Ukraine. Aspichi, founded by Victor Samoilenko, is one such company. Originally launched in the United States in 2021, the startup underwent a complete transformation after the invasion. It now operates Luminify, a mixed-reality platform designed for mental health care that is actively helping soldiers, veterans, and civilians cope with widespread trauma. The platform works directly with military units and a network of clinics.
The psychological impact of the war is universal and profound. “Everybody is suffering,” Samoilenko noted, sharing that his own daughter has celebrated multiple holidays in bomb shelters. For the millions displaced internally and abroad, as well as for those who have remained in cities like Kyiv, the emotional toll is immense. Daily life is a constant challenge, especially during winter when attacks on energy infrastructure are frequent. Natali Trubnikova, CMO of Kyiv-based IT consultancy Gart Solutions, explains that residents have adapted with power banks, stoves, and generators, though rising costs force them to use these resources sparingly, often enduring cold indoor temperatures.
In this environment, workplaces have become crucial sanctuaries. “Our office has different generators so we have electricity, internet, and the office is warm and it’s open 24/7 so any Ukrainian team member can come to the office at any time,” said Preply CEO Kirill Bigai. For smaller teams, coworking spaces serve a similar purpose. LIFT99 Kyiv Hub, which sustained damage from a Russian strike last August, reported a significant surge in memberships after reopening just two months ago.
While Kyiv remains the nation’s primary startup hub due to its distance from the front lines, other cities are developing vibrant ecosystems. Lviv, in western Ukraine, has absorbed many displaced people, including tech professionals. Venues like LEM Station, a creatively repurposed tram depot, symbolize the city’s growing tech scene, which benefits from its proximity to Poland. International engagement persists, albeit at reduced levels. The IT Arena 2025 conference in Lviv still attracted over 6,400 participants from more than 40 countries, showcasing both defense tech and broader startup innovation. Venture capital firms, including 1991, Flyer One Ventures, and SMRK, continue to invest actively in Ukrainian companies.
The determination extends beyond the country’s borders. Ukrainian delegations still travel abroad to attend international tech conferences, despite the arduous journey. At a recent event in Stockholm, members of one such group admitted to feeling weary and longing for spring. Yet, before parting ways, they made a point of listing Ukraine’s unicorn companies, a simple, proud act of defiance and normal business, even in the middle of a war.
(Source: TechCrunch)
