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





About Investment Accelerator
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.
About Selected Startups
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.
Cohort 2025
B2B2C
Mark
Mark empowers tech companies to lower healthcare costs through prevention tool
Wellness, Healthtech, AI
HR Tech Startup
JobCannon
JobCannon LTD is a HR tech company specializing in AI-driven recruitment and talent management solutions.
HR Tech, Recruitment
B2B
Avataa
Avataa is a Ukrainian IT company specializing in software development and digital solutions, primarily for business process automation and the telecom sector. Our focus is on B2B platforms, SaaS solutions, and enterprise process optimization.
Telco
Healthcare Marketplace
Curify
The simplest way to find and join clinical trials.
Healthcare
SaaS
CONSOLID.AI
CONSOLID.AI is an innovative digital logistics ecosystem t hat enables your business to digitize all logistics processes and integrate them into a single environment for maximum efficiency and control, leveraging AI for decision automation and resource optimization.
LogTech
SaaS model with subscription-based pricing
Mantis Analytics
AI-driven situational awareness & threat intelligence platform to protect company’s reputation, assets, employees and critical infrastructure.
Security Intelligence, Critical Infrastructure Protection
Direct Sales B2B Hardware
Carbominer
Affordable CO2 for the future of food security, captured with solar heat from the air
Agriculture, Cleantech
B2B SaaS
ConnectiveOne
Enterprise-grade AI conversational platform built for support teams serving mid and large businesses
Conversational AI Platform
B2B SaaS
VanOnGo
VanOnGo revolutionizes urban delivery and field service management with an AI-driven, quantum-inspired SaaS platform that cuts delivery costs by 10-20% and boosts logistics productivity 10x, empowering businesses across Europe, Central Asia, and Japan.
Logistics Tech
B2B
YC World
YC World empowers professionals to trace entities, detect compliance risks, and visualize corporate networks.
Cybersecurity, FinTech, KYCC
SaaS as a Product
X-Ray Contact
X-Ray Contact is an all-in-one solution that brings all data about person’s online identity into one place for faster and easier verification.
Cybersecurity
SaaS
xTiles
All-in-one productivity tool, easy, visual and flexible Second Brain for you and your team, the best Notion alternative.
Productivity
LLC
PROFEED
PROFEED is a smart feed management system that helps dairy farms reduce feed waste and boost milk productivity through real-time mobile control.
AgTech
B2B
ECOFACTOR
The EV Charging ecosystem, including hardware and software production and the biggest charging network in Ukraine.
Energy, E-mobility
B2B SaaS (Fintech)
Deeployalty
Deeployalty – Tinder for banks and retailers to seamlessly match, engage, and monetize customers through digital receipts, loyalty programs, and cashback initiatives.
Fintech, Retail, Banking
Limited Liability Company
Nation of Engineers (by Nanit Robot)
Nation of Engineers is transforming engineering education through online courses with hands-on learning and strategic collaboration for entreprizes.
EdTech
SaaS
Buzzabout.ai
Tool for social media research.
MarTech
SaaS
UpLife
UpLife is a holistic mental health ecosystem: a personal growth app for individuals, and a comprehensive platform for therapists, employers, and insurance providers.
Health-Tech
B2C
Verba
Verba is an AI-powered toolkit that helps content creators effortlessly generate and enhance content with subtitles, translations, stickers, voiceovers, denoising, and more.
Content Creation
Buddy Mentors

Aaron Johnston
Co-Founder and CEO at Kintell Limited
Accomplished start-up builder with a track record of commercialising mission-oriented products and emerging technologies. Has extensive industry experience spanning media, digital health and education.

Lloyd Humphreys
Managing Director at Cogniss
Dr. Lloyd Humphreys is the Managing Director of Cogniss, the first no-code platform for digital health. A Clinical Psychologist with a business degree, he has founded and scaled multiple healthtech companies, leading to nine-figure acquisitions. Recognized as a Top 100 Health Tech Influencer, he was an NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and has advised the WHO and Digital Therapeutics Alliance.He has mentored startups through UK-Ukraine TechBridge, specializing in product-market fit, commercial models, investment, and scaling.

Dan Lester
Founder at Ideonate
Dan, a software entrepreneur, co-founded three exited companies, including Conversocial ($50M acquisition). He advises B2B SaaS on AI and strategy, serving as a Fractional CTO. In 2024, he mentored UK-Ukraine TechBridge, supporting FortuneGuard in launching a $50M War Risk Reinsurance Facility.

Gita Kler
Platform & Data Lead at AlbionVC
Gita brings venture and operating expertise from corporate, startup and VC environments. She was an early fintech startup employee and the first hire at Whoppah, an interior design marketplace. Now at AlbionVC, she helps startups scale operations and growth. With her Included VC training, she also supports fundraising preparations.

Col Gabriel Batten
With 20 years in top tech companies and startups,Col Gabriel has led in UK private and public markets across sectors like AI, space, cyber, and defense. He has invested $12M in startups, secured millions in non-dilutive funding, and mentored founders. He has built accelerators, matched cohorts with investors, and driven rapid growth strategies. A connected problem solver, he leverages networks to fast-track results.

David Wickham
CEO at Kooyong Holdings
David is an Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard educated strategic advisor, investment director, angel investor, client portfolio manager, and business developer. He brings 25 years of professional investment experience, and 15 years of angel investing expertise. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in raising more than US$50 billion in assets.

Tetiana Ziatikova
Associate at Blackwatch
With 15+ years in economic development and project finance, Tetiana has led donor-funded initiatives (SECO, GIZ, NEFCO, USAID) and managed €115M+ in energy and infrastructure projects. She pioneered Ukraine’s first financial incentive to cut public-sector energy use and excel in strategic planning, policy, and data analysis.

Owen Keating
VC Investor at Mangrove Capital Partners
Owen helps founders refine investment narratives and fundraising strategies, drawing from experience at Mangrove Capital Partners. He guides startups on UK market expansion and early-stage operations based on my startup experience. His work at Harvard’s Wyss Institute and Oxford University Hospital Trust provides insights into turning scientific discoveries into viable ventures.

Volodymyr Lapin
Investment manager at Skyrora Ventures
Volodymyr is an investment manager at Skyrora Ventures, focused on early-stage startups. He was a mentor at the UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator 2024. He can advise on fundraising and business strategy.

Brian Flanagan
Global Websites lead, Public Websites at HSBC
25+ years for product leadership across a wide array of industries and in companies from startups to large corporations.

Colin Howes
CEO at Series-A
Colin is the founder of Series-A, where he helps founders scale from Seed to Series A with a sharp focus on go-to-market strategy, messaging, and investor readiness.With 30 years of GTM experience, he's an exited founder, former Microsoft exec, and Director at Founders Institute London. Colin brings deep expertise in sales, fundraising,and market expansion—and a passion for mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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
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