https://usf.com.ua/en/
The Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) is a state-owned fund established to support the development of early-stage startups in Ukraine. The fund’s primary goal is to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship by providing financial resources and expertise to startups at the seed and pre-seed stages.
The USF offers non-refundable grants to startups, which can be used to develop prototypes, conduct market research, and scale their businesses. The grants typically range from $25,000 to $50,000.
Startups are selected through a competitive process, which includes submitting a detailed application and pitching the business idea to a panel of experts. The evaluation criteria focus on the innovation potential, market viability, and the startup team’s expertise.
In addition to financial support, the USF provides mentorship, access to a network of investors, industry experts, and other resources crucial for startup growth.
While open to a broad range of industries, the USF often prioritizes startups in deep technologies, energy, agriculture, and other high-impact sectors that align with Ukraine’s strategic development goals. Since its inception, the Ukrainian Startup Fund has played a pivotal role in catalyzing the growth of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem, contributing to the rise of innovative companies that have gained international recognition.
The USF is a vital component of Ukraine’s broader strategy to foster a dynamic and globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
Mission
The mission of the USF is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Ukraine by providing early-stage startups with the necessary financial support, mentorship, and resources to grow and scale.
The fund aims to create a vibrant startup ecosystem that contributes to the country’s economic development, technological advancement, and global competitiveness.
Through its initiatives, the USF seeks to empower Ukrainian entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to life, generate high-impact solutions, and position Ukraine as a leading hub for innovation on the global stage.
Budget
The budget for 2024 is about USD 38 million
Activities
The USF engages in a variety of activities designed to support the growth and development of early-stage startups in Ukraine. These activities include but are not limited to:
– grant funding;
– startup competitions (Pitch Days, Demo Days, and other special thematic events);
– mentoring and coaching to connect startups with experienced mentors and advisors to provide guidance on business strategy, product development, marketing, and other critical aspects of startup growth;
– workshops and training sessions on various topics, including fundraising, financial management, and go-to-market strategies;
– capacity building activities (Community events such as conferences and meetups to foster collaboration between startups, investors, corporate partners, and other ecosystem players);
– partnership collaboration (the fund collaborates with international organizations, venture capital firms, accelerators, and other stakeholders to build a robust support system for startups).
– involvement in the European framework programmes by participating in the implementation of the international projects within the programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, European Innovation Council (Wennovate, European Digital Innovation Hubs, Seeds of Bravery);- international exposure where USF helps startups to participate in international programs, exhibitions, and conferences to showcase Ukrainian innovation on the global stage.
This list of activities is not exhaustive but it is the most relevant to describe the wide range of activities aimed at supporting and boosting the startup ecosystem in Ukraine, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and scale their innovative ideas into successful projects.
Staff
56
Contact
info@usf.com.ua
Ukrainian Startup Fund
26 Otto Schmidt St.
Kyiv
Ukraine