Is Kyiv a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Kyiv has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Kyiv gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Kyiv

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Kyiv offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Kyiv's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by local and international players despite facing significant challenges. Notable VC firms investing early include AVentures Capital, Digital Future, TA Ventures, and u.ventures. The Ukrainian Startup Fund, a government initiative, provides non-equity grants to early-stage companies. Angel investors are also present, with groups like Ukraimpulse Ventures (ua.ventures) supporting Ukrainian startups. However, the full-scale invasion has significantly impacted the ecosystem, leading to a drop in overall investment compared to the 2021 peak. Challenges include difficulties accessing customers and investors due to travel restrictions and the need for startups to prioritize basic needs and often relocate or focus on global markets to secure funding. While early-stage funding remained steady in 2024, attracting investment is riskier for companies with core teams solely in Ukraine. There's also a recognized need for more experienced business angels and improved business education for founders. Despite this, the ecosystem shows resilience, with increased interest in strategic sectors like defense tech.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Kyiv has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Kyiv has a vibrant startup and innovation culture, ranking highly in Eastern Europe. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces like iHUB Kyiv and LIFT99 Kyiv Hub, fostering community and providing resources. There is an impressive scene of tech events, including major ones like IT Arena and various community-led meetups. Entrepreneurial activity is strong, with Kyiv being home to a significant portion of Ukraine's startups, particularly in tech sectors like software development and IT. The ecosystem supports both early-stage and more mature startups. Numerous accelerators and incubators, such as YEP! and 1991 Open Data Incubator, offer programs with mentorship, funding, and networking, specifically targeting early-stage founders with idea validation and pre-MVP support. While standardized programs exist, there are also initiatives providing tailored support and opportunities for international growth.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Kyiv can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Kyiv, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Kyiv is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Kyiv has a significant talent pool for startups, particularly in the tech sector. The city is home to numerous technical universities like Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, which produce a large number of skilled IT and engineering graduates annually. The prevalent industry-specific skills include web and mobile development, AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Kyiv's talent pool is known for its technical proficiency, commitment to quality, and adaptability. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a vibrant startup community, with many skilled professionals choosing to work in startups. The ecosystem is further bolstered by accelerators, incubators, and a growing number of experienced mentors and investors. Despite challenges, Kyiv remains a key tech hub in Ukraine with a large concentration of IT professionals.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Kyiv can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Kyiv boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Kyiv offers a robust infrastructure for startups, including numerous coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators like UNIT.City, 1991 Open Data Incubator, and Sector X. These provide facilities, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The ecosystem is supported by various professional communities and events. Government initiatives, such as the Ukrainian Startup Fund, offer grants and support programs for early-stage tech startups. The Ministry of Digital Transformation's Diia.City project provides a unique legal and tax framework for IT companies. These resources, along with access to funding and a strong talent pool, help businesses launch and scale in Kyiv.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Kyiv. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Kyiv Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Kyiv provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Kyiv face several challenges. Competition is significant, particularly within the dominant tech sector, including software development, FinTech, and HealthTech. While Ukraine has made efforts to improve the business climate and offers some tax incentives, navigating regulatory requirements and potential changes still requires diligence. The cost of living in Kyiv is relatively affordable compared to major Western tech hubs, which can be an advantage, but labor shortages, partly due to migration and mobilization, can lead to wage inflation and difficulty finding qualified staff. Additionally, the ongoing conflict presents significant risks, impacting business security and operations.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Kyiv or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Kyiv offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash