Investment Accelerator

Application deadline: CLOSED

The UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator pilot scheme offers Ukrainian tech startups an exclusive gateway to invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking avenues. London, the epicentre of 21st-century venture capital, presents unparalleled growth opportunities. In 2022 alone, UK investors poured $1 trillion into startups.

Twenty Ukrainian startups participated in the UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator 2024 program, which aimed to facilitate the launch of their innovative projects into the UK market. After completing an educational program, the cohort underwent an intensive boot camp in London and Demo Day at London Tech Week.

early-stage Ukrainian startups

30+

experts with successful experience in the UK market involved

workshops, lectures, and AMA sessions

~200

hours of personal support from 15 team mentors

The cohort

PLATMA

PLATMA is a 24/7 extreme no-code software development platform — simple English as a code for SMBsto help them scale faster.

Metaenga

Metaenga is XR training platform designed to provide workforce development and safety training for enterprises and educational institutions in the energy sector globally.

PARTNERWAY

Partnerway is the creator of Spendbase —an AI-powered platform for companies to optimize SaaS, cloud, and corporate card spending.

Medvoice

Medvoice enables affordable continuous skills development for healthcare professionals through an online education platform.

NeuCurrent

NeuCurrent is an AI and data-driven customer retention platform for small and midsize retailers.

FortuneGuard

FortuneGuard is an AI-first brokerage revolutionizing high-value insurance for enterprises and high-net-worth individuals by optimizing efficiency and personalizing customer experiences.

Knopka

Knopka provides software solution for care delivery automation in public hospitals with emergency departments.

Cardiomo

AI-based wearable solution for long-term and remote heart monitoring to disrupt the $22B market and set the stage for the connected care model by preventing cardiac complications and reducing hospital admissions.

Wantent

Wantent is an AI powered, SAAS platform designed to deliver better audience intelligence for better business results.

Kuka

Kuka provides a corporate Reading as a Service, empowering companies to support employee development through reading.

Gios

GIOS is an interactive AI-powered Math platform and tutoring marketplace for К12 students and teachers.

Deus Robotics

We automate warehouses with intelligent robots and develop an AI-powered logistics ecosystem linking manufacturers and clients.

Aspichi

Aspichi startup is focused on developing VR solutions for the Mental Health area, providing additional assistance to patients using 360° Video and AI technologies.

FlyAgData™

FlyAgData™ collects agronomic and machine data from the equipment in the field, transforming it into valuable insights for the farmer of any scale, digitizing up to 100% of available data.

CASES

CASES is a comprehensive ecosystem for education, career growth, and the job market in the creative industries.

birb

Birb — AI rental agent, helps you quickly find and rent the perfect flat.

Djooky

Djooky is a global, inclusive, decentralized market-based ecosystem that utilizes cutting edge technologies to support music creators, music services and music lovers.

Interactive Restaurant Technology by Kodisoft

Kodisoft is deep-tech company, with own IP in IC, Physics, and materials. Invented a new principle of touch screen technology and already become #1 worldwide in public places like Restaurants, cafes.

Zibra AI

Zibra AI builds an AI-powered platform for creating high-quality 3D assets for all virtual worlds and experiences.

NLSQL

NLSQL is a SaaS company that specialises in developing Natural Language Processing solutions to facilitate seamless interaction between employees and databases, empowering users with AI data analytics.

Bootcamp

June, 8-13

A 5-day offline bootcamp in London, including visits to key companies such as Google Cloud UK, panel discussions with venture capitalists, and Q&A with UK startup founders.

Demo Day

June, 12

Final pitching at London Tech Week’s Pitch Stage. A platform for startups to showcase their projects to potential investors and industry experts.

Demo Day

Team mentors

Oksana Vodonos

Associate | 500 Global

Oksana has experience in product management and new markets expansion, business and partnership development, fundraising, pitch decks and investor relations.

Daniel Johnson

Managing Director |We Scale Startups

Equipped 8 companies withdata-driven strategies that have helped them secure over $20M in funding and double their key metricsDaniel's expertise spans user acquisition, retention, conversion optimization, and more.

Vasyl Matiy

Venture Partner | Toloka.vc

Vasyl has a strong background in traditional finance and asset management. He thrives at attracting limited partners to meaningful investments and has demonstrated success in strategic investment, asset allocation, and wealth management.

Jane Klepa

Director of Partnershipsand Innovation | SET University

Jane has been supporting technology businesses for about 10 years.She advises product and service companies, focusing on the strategic development of innovative projects.

Oleksandr Bulatnikov

Associate | Presto Ventures

Oleksandr is as a board member of different startups as a VC investor, Has expertise in fundraising, finance and business planning, business development, and growth as well as dealing with quite unusual situations (founders breaking up, rapid decline of revenue).

Dan Lester

Founder | Ideonate

Dan’s experiences include VC-backed, bootstrapped, and agency businesses - the most recent exit saw Conversocial acquired by a US public company for $50M.His role has always been as the technical co-founder, which has also involved much leadership and operations work.He has been an official mentor on the Founder Institute London programme.

Dr Lloyd Humphreys

Managing Director | Cogniss

A leading health tech innovator and NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) alumnus, having scaled and exited multiple digital health companies. He has previously been recognised as one of the top 100 HealthTech Influencers.

Serhii Kudriashov

Venture Partner | ZAS Ventures

Grew from UX to PM and then to Founder and CEO of his own startup and to VC side. Now advising Ukrainian startups full-time.He has worked in UX and product management roles at Parallels Desktop and MacPaw. Since 2014, Serhii has worked in various roles for startups, including as CEO of Softorino and CPO of Raxel Telematics. He also worked for Preply and YouTeam. Recently, he had his own startup where they helped over 6000 people overcome diabetes type 2 and obesity.

Danny Matthews

Founder | Short Story Ventures

Danny Matthews is the Founder of Short Story Ventures, a venture studio that helps early-stage startups build a fundable startup brand. He has invested in 4 companies, advises 2 startups, and helps around 100 startups get to market annually through Founder Institute - the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator.

Daria Dmytrenko

Startup Analyst | Sifted

With a background in launching, scaling, and investing in disruptive startups, Daria guides entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of the business landscape. At Sifted, Daria leads the development and execution of Sifted Pitch Days, building bridges between Europe's leading startups and top VC investors.

Anna Saltykova

Senior Investor Executive | Web Summit

Anna manages relationships with a diverse range of investors, from local angels to representatives of top venture capital firms. Her responsibilities include engaging with influential funds and industry leaders, maintaining a comprehensive database of investors, and collaborating with various teams to implement lead-generation strategies and improve sales processes.

Oleh Zubchenok

Business/Board advisor |Kyiv School of Economics

Goal-oriented MBA professional with proven experience in business growth and operations. His professional focus areas are strategy development, business processes design and improvement, GR investment evaluation and assets management.

Maksym Moneta

CEO | Startupers

Maksym has been working with startups in Nordic and Ukraine since 2010, his recent activity goes mostly to mentoring 1991, SEED, SET University, and other programs.

Igor Bartkiv

Ukraine Project Manager |London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Igor's expertise spans export support, team building, strategic planning, businessdevelopment, project management, policymaking, and sales and marketing development.He leverages these skills to drive growth and success for businesses in international markets.

Brian Flanagan

CPO | Purplebricks

Brian has over 25 years of experience in product management and e-commerce working across a broad array of sectors but mostly in the travel industry with nearly years at Expedia, Travelport and Viator. He is currently at Purplebricks where he led the product and design team through the merger of Strike Ltd. and Purplebricks estate agency and continues to lead their digital transformation.

Expert mentors

Eoin Mc Guinness

Head of Startups CEE, MEA & UK Business Development @Hubspot

Oleksandr Borniakov

The Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Head of the Diia City project

Ulyana Shtybel

Co-Founder, CEO of Quoroom, The Top Fifty Women in European Tech, Capital Markets Executive

Jane Davydiuk

Fractional COO and I automate and structure all the processes that come to my hands. I have been doing this for Acrobator.VC portfolio startups, Fuelfinance, WarmDevs, Places App, UkraЇner, Sensters, Empat and 20+ other companies.

Tim Little

Tim is an experienced senior account manager working within the UK Government sector. Tim has a proven track record of managing the sales cycle for large and complex Government tenders and exceeding ambitious annual sales targets. This is in addition to sitting on BAE Systems’ divisional leadership team, helping to define and drive current and future business strategy. Now a serving Army reservist within the Honourable Artillery Company.

Anthony Rose

Founder & CEO, SeedLegals

Christine Phillips

Corporate Finance Partner advising on cross border M&A, JVs, inward investment, IPOs, secondary fundraisings, other ECM transactions, private equity, growth and venture capital investments/exits, intra group re-organisations, ESG and shareholder activism, proxy solicitation and other regulatory compliance (eg listing rules, disclosure and transparency rules, financial promotions).

Yamit Dattani

Founder FMXA, Start Up Advisor, Investor

Alisha Dattani

Founder & CEO at FMXA, Board Advisor, Public Speaker, Mentor

Salmine Sassi

Venture building, strategic planning, and innovation management.Strategically and methodologically building, testing, and validating new businesses, that are sustainable, scalable, and impactful.

Tilly Fleming

First Cheque Fund at Octopus Ventures

Lyubov Guk

Investing and supporting the UK's early-stage international founders with a global vision. Principal organiser of UK's International Office Hours 1.0 and 2.0 (working on version 3.0, watch this space!). The UK Global Talent Visa Recipient and Ambassador

Emin Can Turan

Serial entrepreneur and published all-round Marketing Strategist with first-rate leadership background with various Fortune 500 companies. A solid 10 years of experience across strategic fields of marketing. Previously worked at Google, Cisco and Walmart in product marketing, data insight, and B2B pricing, driving performance by the millions.

Jari Worsley

GM at The Adaptavist Group | Founder of UpscaleHas a broad technology experience in a range of technology settings, from end user IT, to consultancy to product led technology across the last 25 years. He has spent the last five years building a portfolio of products that extends the Atlassian platform.

Edward Starkie

Cyber Security Risk, M&A

Benefits for Tech Startups

Enhanced proficiency and expertise in areas crucial for the successful development of a startup.
Tailored mentorship from seasoned industry experts.
Assistance with investor relations, encompassing fundraising support and pitch refinement.
Access to partner perks and resources to bolster your startup's growth trajectory.

Legal guidance to navigate complexities in contracts, IP and compliance.
Engagement with a dynamic community of like-minded individuals, fostering enduring relationships and collaboration opportunities.
Pitch at a Demo Day at London Tech Week to attract funding and enhance visibility.
Ongoing post-programme support, including access to alumni networks and mentorship.

Programme schedule

Embark on a transformative journey where innovation converges with guidance across six immersive pillars.

Customised workshops to address your startup's distinct needs, ranging from mastering market entry strategies to navigating international expansion.
Mentors guide you through weekly check-ins, ensuring alignment with your goals and providing wisdom and support.
Networking grounds you in a vibrant community of like-minded innovators and industry connections, fuelling your aspirations.

Practical application transforms goals into tangible milestones, culminating in a Demo Day during London Tech Week where you pitch to investors.
Continuous evaluation and adaptation refine your strategies, guided by feedback loops and an adaptive curriculum.
Post-programme support, guidance and networking, ensuring your journey continues purposefully.

In this dynamic ecosystem, structured learning, personalised mentorship and extensive networking opportunities converge to propel your startup towards sustained success and innovation.

Thematic Modules and Topics

The Investment Accelerator revolves around thematic modules tailored to propel startups towards growth, funding and operational excellence.

International Marketing

Strategies for global expansion, from market research to branding.

Sales & Business Development

Critical sales strategies and revenue growth tactics.

Operations and Supply Chain

Address operational challenges and optimise resource allocation.

Investor Relations & Funding

Prepare for fundraising rounds and refine investor pitches.

Demo Day Preparation

Hone pitch decks and presentation skills to impress investors during Demo Day.

Who Could Participate

Eligibility Criteria

We were seeking to engage between 15 and 20 tech startup companies at the seed and growth stages.

The founders of these startup companies should have been Ukrainian nationals or had a primary affiliation with Ukraine.

Insight into how team members came together provided valuable indications of their cohesion, shared vision, and complementary skill sets, all of which were crucial for the success of a startup venture.

This criterion encompassed the historical performance and accomplishments of the startup since its inception, including the execution of milestones, iterative product development, customer acquisition and retention, partnerships and collaborations, financial performance, as well as recognition and awards.

Selection Criteria

Tech startups had to deliver a coherent and concise overview of their business concept, target audience, value proposition, and growth plan during their pitch deck presentation or additional interview sessions.

Priority was given to startups that offered original and inventive solutions to prevalent issues or catered to underserved markets. Possessing unique insights showcased the startup's ability to revolutionize industries or uncover new market prospects.

Each startup should have developed a Minimum Viable Product, indicating that they had progressed beyond ideation and had a tangible offering ready to bring to market or already undergoing testing with users.

Startups were expected to articulate their rationale for selecting the United Kingdom as a target market for their business expansion or operations.

The presence of a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) with a strong technical background within the team was essential. This ensured the startup had the technical expertise to develop and scale its product efficiently.

Startups should have generated a minimum of £3,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue. This demonstrated that they had achieved a level of commercial traction and were consistently generating revenue from their product or service.

We required each startup to have received a minimum of £50,000 in funding. This reflected investor confidence in the viability and potential of the business idea.

Timeline

Application period

February 22 — March 14, 2024

Deadline of submissions

March 14, 2024

UK-UA Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator First Meetup

March 7, 2024

Application review/interviews

March 14 — March 22, 2024

Online Acceleration Program

March — May, 2024

Offline Startup BootCamp

June, 2024

Demo Day (London Tech Week)

June 10 — June 14, 2024

The UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator is being implemented by 1991 Ventures with the support of the UK Government, the Ministry of Digitial Transformation of Ukraine and Ukrainian Startup Fund.

Contact 1991: i@1991.vc

Want to learn more?

techbridge@businessandtrade.gov.uk