Startup Wise Guys and EBRD launch Growth Ukraine programme

Startup Wise Guys, a long-standing startup accelerator in Europe, announced the launch of Growth Ukraine programme to empower private sector innovative companies and entrepreneurs who are active in Ukraine. The first cohort of startups will begin the programme on October 30. 

Over the past decade, Ukraine developed a vibrant digital startup ecosystem. Its companies have remained robust in the face of the ongoing war, despite experiencing significant challenges in growing and expanding their businesses. Through investment in human capital and innovation, this programme forms part of the EBRD’s work in supporting the recovery in Ukraine. Growth Ukraine programme stands out as one that provides existing Ukrainian companies equity-free support, tailored scaling strategies, and European exposure. It is one of the first no-fee programmes to offer extensive in-kind support to later-stage startups.

Alex Pivovarsky, Director of Capital and Financial Markets Development, EBRD: ''We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Startup Wise Guys, this time around an acceleration programme specifically designed for Ukrainian startups. With the backing of Taiwan Business – EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, we have successfully encouraged growth and innovation in the private sector across EBRD’s countries of operations. Ukraine’s IT sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in wartime. Therefore, supporting Ukrainian startups is important at this difficult time and will be crucial to the post-war recovery and reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy.''

The programme is delivered online and managed by Mariia Tintul, the ambassador of Women in Tech Ukraine and Head of Business Development at Startup Wise Guys. Growth Ukraine will run in two parts, dividing the startups into two cohorts of 6 to offer personalised support to each participant. Applications are checked on a first come first serve basis and potential candidates are evaluated by an experienced team.

Growth Ukraine will take the selected startups through an elaborate four-month programme, focusing on the four main points of growth: strategy assessment; sales and marketing; people strategy; finance and fundraising.The programme particularly focuses on providing support for sales and fundraising activities to help startups reach investors and customers in the European countries of interest.

The participants will work closely with Startup Wise Guys’ extensive network of 200+ international mentors, investors, industry experts, and first-rate founders. The programme’s promoters and implementers aim to initiate active growth of startups, currently struggling to reach a point of active growth. This will be achieved through intensive 1:1 mentoring and targeted European exposure,amplified by online matchmaking and an on-site event in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Cristobal Alonso, Global CEO, Startup Wise Guys: ''Ukraine has received much appreciated humanitarian aid and a lot of support for military tech. What we want to focus on with this program is non-military help to existing businesses who are now struggling to break the glass ceiling caused by the war that prevents them from taking the crucial step into the European startup ecosystem. We believe that supporting growth-stage startups will pave the way for more jobs, business opportunities, and investments in the ecosystem, thus strengthening the economic environment in Ukraine.''

The first application period is open until October 22, 2023. Applications can be submitted here.

www.startupwiseguys.com
www.ebrd.com