Hi there,

Today, almost a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, we’re sharing the stories of six Ukrainian founders who've learnt how to run their businesses in previously unimaginable circumstances.

Sifted's CEE correspondent Zosia Wanat has spent the past few months speaking to Ukrainian entrepreneurs about how they've adapted to life in a war zone.

Read their stories

Supporting Ukrainian founders

Dasha Kichuk, cofounder of Effa

Despite “unfortunately" emails pouring in from clients and investors — "unfortunately... we have to freeze our contract" — Dasha refused to give up on her business. She pivoted her focus to sales and secured a $150k seed investment.

Read Kichuk's story

Alex Serdiuk, CEO and cofounder of Respeecher

Before the war, Respeecher won an Emmy for work that involved recreating the voice of Richard Nixon. Now, for Serdiuk, it’s important that Ukrainian companies are mentioned in credits, recognised in competitions and on the international stage.

Read Serdiuk's story

Vladyslav Savchenko, CEO of Goodex

It took 14 days to build the business — but it took the war only one day to destroy it. With essential relocations, this last-mile delivery startup distributed its food to those in need, including children and volunteers, before shutting up shop.

Read Savchenko's story

Podcast — Founders on the front line

Plus we have a special episode of Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast where you can hear from the Ukrainian founders themselves. They share their inspiring stories and the battle to keep their business alive amid bombs, blackouts and evacuations.