Investment
2025 Activities
The Investment component of the UK-Ukraine TechBridge is designed to strengthen ties between UK investors and innovative Ukrainian small and medium enterprises, and encourage mutual growth in both countries via the shared tech ecosystem.
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is designing a full 2025/26 calendar that will include a brand new Investment Accelerator. Stay updated on open calls, key activities and achievements, or explore collaboration opportunities:
Investment Accelerator
Connecting high-potential Ukrainian startups
with scaling & funding opportunities in UK,
world’s third-largest investment market.
Startup applications are closed
Why Join Our Program
The UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator is a hybrid program that prepares Ukrainian startups for expansion into the UK market. The acceleration is designed to connect high-potential Ukrainian tech startups with the UK’s venture capital network. It aims to equip the cohort with in-depth knowledge of the UK’s investment landscape, refined fundraising strategies, and expertise from influential UK-based VC funds with a focus on securing investment deals.
$7.6M
Real Outcomes: $7.6M raised by alumni in 6 months
Take advantage of a program with proven success and close your $500K-$5M round with us
Direct Access to UK Investors
Get insider insights and firsthand experience from the people who make investment decisions.
World-Class Expertise & Mentoring
From high-impact workshops to one-on-one sessions with experts – learn from the best.
Networking & Visibility
Build connections with UK VCs, tech entrepreneurs, and key ecosystem players.
UK Market Entry Strategy
Gain deep knowledge of the UK’s business landscape and regulatory environment.
Bootcamp & Demo Day at London Tech Week
The 10 most investment-ready startups will join a Bootcamp in London and pitch at London Tech Week 2025.
Startups Selection Criteria
Ukrainian origin
Startup must be founded in Ukraine or maintain operational activities in the country
Strategic Alignment
Applications from startups in various sectors are welcome, while first priority is given to those in AI, MedTech, Cybersecurity, EdTech, and AgriTech; and second priority to FinTech, GreenTech, GovTech, DeepTech, and Semiconductors, with others evaluated accordingly.
Stage of Development and Growth
Seed, Series A, or late Pre-seed with validated market traction, an active user base, and ARR of at least $100K or rapid MRR growth.
Investment Readiness
A funding request of $500K–$5M, with a clear strategy for utilizing the funds.
Strong Team
Founders with relevant experience, a minimum of 2 key team members fully involved in the project’s development, and proficiency in English for investor communications.
Market Potential
A total addressable market of at least $1B or a strong niche positioning.
Project timeline & phases
March 2025
Startups selection
- Application period: March 3 - March 17, 2025
- Application review/interviews: March 17 - March 26, 2025
- Cohort announcement: After March 27, 2025
April – May 2025
Phase 1: Online Acceleration: A 9-week online program
The program entails:
- Navigating the UK VC Landscape
- Legal & Regulatory Frameworks for UK Market Entry
- Effective Pitching & Investor Relations
- Fundraising Strategies & Startup Valuation
- Growth & Scaling: UK Market Penetration
- Mid-Program – Investor Speed-Dating
June 2025
Phase 2: Bootcamp & Demo Day in London
Top 10 startups will participate in an intensive Bootcamp in London to refine their fundraising approach, followed by:
- Private office visits to top VC firms
- Exclusive in-person investor networking
- Final Demo Day at London Tech Week
Open Call for UK-based VCs
As a VC partner, you'll have the opportunity to engage directly with 20 high-potential Ukrainian startups, helping them gain in-depth knowledge and essential skills to secure investment deals and potentially find yourself a portfolio company.
Investment-Ready Startups
You will have direct access to a pre-selected cohort of 20 high-potential Ukrainian startups with ongoing or planned investment rounds.
One-on-One Meetings
Engage in personalized sessions with promising founders to delve into their business models, growth strategies, and funding objectives.
Virtual Office Hours
Participate in online sessions with Ukrainian startups, offering your real-time feedback.
Bi-Weekly Workshops & Lectures
Share insights during expert-led sessions on fundraising, investor relations, and effective pitching techniques.
In-Person Meetings
Connect directly with startups during startups’ Boot Camp in London and Demo Day at London Tech Week.
Pitch Training/Feedback
Provide pitching advice from an investor’s perspective to help refine startups’ decks and presentations.
Register Your Interest
FAQ
Who can apply for the program?
The program is open to tech-driven startups in AI, SaaS, DeepTech, FinTech, HealthTech, and other high-growth sectors. Eligible startups with proven market traction should be at the Seed, Series A, or late Pre-seed stage.
Do I need to have a registered company in the UK to participate?
The startup should only have a straightforward UK market entry and investment attraction strategy. The program will help refine this approach and provide access to relevant investors.
Are travel expenses covered for the London Bootcamp?
The program supports the 10 startups selected to attend the Bootcamp and Demo Day. Upon selection, details on financial coverage and logistics will be provided.
How will startups engage with investors?
Startups will have multiple touchpoints with investors, including:
- Bi-weekly VC Office Hours – Virtual Q&A sessions with investors
- 1:1 Investor Meetings – Tailored feedback and guidance
- Investor Speed-Dating – Fast-paced pitching to multiple investors
- In-Person Networking – Exclusive meetings at the London Bootcamp and Demo Day
Investment Accelerator
2024 pilot
Twenty Ukrainian startups took part in the 2024 pilot of the UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator, designed to support the launch of their innovative projects in the UK market. Within six months of Demo Day at London Tech Week, the cohort collectively raised over $7.6 million in investments and grants.
The Investment Accelerator Pilot, 2024, marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation and collaboration between the UK and Ukraine. This initiative is designed to empower Ukrainian startups by providing them with access to the UK's robust venture capital ecosystem.
The cohort 2024
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
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UK-Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator 2025 is being implemented by 1991 Ventures with the support of the UK Government and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Acceleration Partner – Ukrainian Startup Fund.
Contact 1991: i@1991.vc
Start-up Competition
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is hosting a Start-up Competition to support and spotlight innovative solutions tackling real-world issues. 6 finalists will pitch to a panel of tech-industry leaders in London.
For Start-ups
Are you a start-up with Ukrainian founders, employees, or business activities?
Do you have a solution to a challenge caused by the full-scale invasion?
This is your chance to connect with businesses and investors interested in partnering, adopting, or investing in your solution.
- Deadline to apply: February Wednesday 19th
- Event day: March 6th
Learn more and apply
The Competition Brief
For Cooperation
If you are an established UK business or investor, who may be interested in attending the Start-up Competition event day with the possibility of advising, partnering with, using, or investing in the solutions, please do reach out.
Let’s innovate!
Get in Touch
Want to learn more?
Contact us:
techbridge@businessandtrade.gov.uk