Sigma Software Labs, Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and Buntar Aerospace, which founded the Defence Builder accelerator, announced a mechanism for syndicated investments in the most promising Ukrainian defense tech startups. Who will be the first deals with?
Sigma Software Labs, Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and Buntar Aerospace, which founded the Defence Builder accelerator, announced a mechanism for syndicated investments in the most promising Ukrainian defense tech startups. Who will be the first deals with?
For the first time, investors can invest in proven defense companies, previously available only to a narrow circle of venture capital funds, with a minimum check of $1,000 in syndicated deals, the press release says. The accelerator notes that this model allows you to share risks and become a co-owner of technology companies working to win.
«The defense industry in Ukraine is already competing for IT talent — and this is the best proof of how fast it is growing. To keep technology domestically and build a sustainable defense economy, we need to scale now. And for the first time, there is an opportunity to do it together. This is not charity. This is a new winning strategy», — notes Darya Yanieva, Investment Director at Sigma Software Group.
Syndicated investments are a format in which several investors come together to jointly finance a startup or project that would be unaffordable on their own. This model not only reduces individual risks, but also opens the way to investing in promising companies for a wider range of people. Syndicates have already become standard practice around the world.
It is noted that syndicated investments will work for both Ukrainians and citizens of other countries who want to support the development of Ukrainian defense technologies. Funds raised during joint rounds will be mainly directed to production and expansion of teams in Ukraine.
The first wave of syndicated deals will include startups from the accelerator’s founder network that have passed basic battlefield validation and have the potential to scale.
Among them are companies founded in Ukraine and developing:
The syndicated investment platform is currently in closed beta. The official launch will take place in the near future. Applications for participation in the first syndicated deals can be submitted on the initiative’s website.
Recall that the accelerator for Ukrainian defense startups, Defence Builder, was launched last year. The program, which provides mentoring support and attracting initial investments, is open to defense-tech developers who already have an MVP and are looking for ways to raise funds and test their developments.
