In this article, I aim to explore the multifaceted journey of these startups during wartime, highlighting their adaptability, human-centric approach, global expansion efforts, and the emergence of new technological clusters.

Adapting to adversity: navigating challenges in wartime

I work with startups at the early stages – from pre-seed to late-seed. So everything I share here is based on the experience of founders and teams at this stage of growth.

The onset of war led to a significant decline in early-stage funding, including venture and grant-based investments. The Ukrainian Startup Fund, once a key provider of initial investments, faced limitations in its capacity to support startups. Logistical challenges intensified, with many founders, particularly men, restricted from traveling abroad due to martial law.

This limitation hindered their ability to attend conferences, meet investors, and explore global markets. Despite these obstacles, startups demonstrated solid adaptability. Companies like Inputsoft, initially focused on the domestic market, swiftly pivoted to international operations, securing over $500,000 in investments and establishing a presence across multiple continents.

Another example is Elomia, a mental health app developed in Ukraine. During the war, the team successfully launched the app in the US market, generating significant revenue, while simultaneously creating a completely free version for Ukrainians facing psychological challenges. What’s more, their CTO was mobilized into the Armed Forces, yet this did not hinder the team from making substantial progress over three years. This case illustrates how Ukrainian startups can combine global scaling with meaningful social impact even under extreme conditions.

Human-centric leadership: supporting teams amid crisis

Beyond business strategies, the human aspect became paramount. Founders and teams grappled with personal losses and trauma, yet they prioritized the well-being of their members. I know many companies that continued to pay salaries to employees who joined the Armed Forces, providing financial support to their families. This commitment not only showcased solidarity but also strengthened team cohesion and morale. Such human-centric leadership became a cornerstone of resilience, ensuring that businesses remained anchored in their values even amidst the chaos of war.

The role of accelerators

In such circumstances, supportive infrastructure becomes critical – accelerators, incubators, and startup communities. They help founders build globally scalable companies, prepare for fundraising, and connect with mentors, partners, and clients.

At YEP, we’ve built an extensive network across Europe and the United States, including New York, Washington, and San Francisco. We help early-stage founders navigate their path toward validation, investment, and entry into global markets.

Despite all the challenges, we’ve managed to expand our international network even further. Today, YEP collaborates with over 40 venture funds and 50 mentors from Europe and the US who are ready to support Ukrainian teams, make introductions, provide guidance, and sometimes even invest. Over the past two to three years, we’ve also helped our startups raise more than $3 million in investments.

Global expansion: scaling beyond borders

With the onset of war, Ukrainian startups were compelled to seek new markets and partners abroad. This urgency led to an active expansion into international markets, the development of B2B relationships, and increased investment opportunities. According to recent data, in the first half of 2025, Ukraine ranked 42nd in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, reflecting rapid adaptation and growth despite the ongoing conflict. Startups are learning to scale operations internationally, establish partnerships, and raise funding – often while conducting Zoom calls from shelters or during air alerts.

Emergence of new technological clusters

The war acted as a catalyst for the development of new technological clusters. Defence Tech emerged as a prominent sector, and such innovations not only bolstered Ukraine's defence capabilities but also positioned the nation as a hub for defence technology.

Concurrently, sectors such as HealthTech, BioTech, and Mental Health experienced rapid growth. Startups in these domains developed drones, medical systems, and mental health tools at unprecedented speeds, reshaping the technological landscape and demonstrating the nation's capacity for rapid innovation under pressure.

Final message

The journey of Ukrainian startups amidst war offers invaluable lessons in resilience and innovation. Their ability to adapt to adversity, prioritise human wellbeing, expand globally, and foster new technological clusters underscores the transformative power of entrepreneurship in times of crisis. As Ukraine continues its path towards recovery and growth, the experiences of these startups serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation, providing a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges.

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