Drone interceptors, a training app for soldiers, and automated anti-drone turrets are just some of the Ukrainian startups that caught the eye of a diverse group of international investors at the Invest in Bravery conference in Kyiv.
Up to dozens of millions of euros have been earmarked for their support and potential investment. While the conference was not specifically focused on the defense sector, dual-use technologies played a significant role in this year’s event.
The Ukrainian startup Falcons is developing an anti-radiation autopilot system for drones and testing it on the frontlines. The project aims to optimize the use of Ukraine’s air defense by deploying cost-effective drone interceptors to counter small, lightweight enemy drones. This approach enhances the efficiency of Ukraine’s defense arsenal.
Additionally, the Frontline project seeks to protect Ukrainian soldiers and equipment with automated robotic turrets. Drill, a training app already downloaded by 120,000 users worldwide, uses interactive lessons to simplify access to quality training for both military personnel and civilians.
Investors at the conference emphasized that their support of and engagement with the Ukrainian startup community holds a deeper significance, beyond a promising business opportunity. Ukraine has been resisting Russian aggression for nearly three years, and technological innovations – such as drones and advanced artificial intelligence – are playing a critical role in the country’s defense.
The Ukrainian tech and startup ecosystem has been at the forefront of the rapid development of defense and security technologies, which can benefit the entire civilized world in defending its values.
That’s also the reason why several awarded projects received invitations to Prague, along with other valuable prizes. Nonetheless, the key benefit was the opportunity to meet directly with representatives of Czech investment funds.
Along with countries like Finland and the Baltic states, the Czech Republic plays a leading role in supporting the Ukrainian innovation ecosystem. This collaboration provides access to cutting-edge advancements in defense technologies, bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and offering valuable opportunities for the international defense industry at large.
One of the main sponsors of the conference is the Presto Tech Horizons fund. Vojta Roček, Partner at Presto Ventures, comments on the event’s mission: “Investors and startup founders in the Czech Republic and across Central and Eastern Europe realize that if Ukraine loses, their countries could be next in line. There is an incredible level of motivation among Ukrainian entrepreneurs. We want to experience the local ecosystem firsthand and invest in the most promising projects. It’s the right thing to do, it’s moral, and in the future, it may help protect our lives.”
Brent Christiaens, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Seven Capital, agrees: “The Invest in Bravery event in Kyiv showcased the remarkable resilience and innovation of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem. As a Belgian investor, I’m impressed by the dual-use potential of many Ukrainian startups, which are developing technologies with both civilian and defense applications. Supporting these ventures isn’t just a smart investment; it’s a way to contribute to Ukraine’s technological sovereignty and, by extension, Europe’s security. At Seven Capital, we see immense opportunity in bridging Ukrainian innovation with Western European markets, fostering a stronger, more integrated tech ecosystem across the continent.”
The Invest In Bravery conference, which took place in Kyiv on Oct 18, 2024, was sponsored by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, VC fund Presto Tech Horizons, nonprofit development organization Helvetas, the innovation community hub MacPaw Space, and Techosystem, a civic union of Ukraine’s tech ecosystem players.
