Ukrainian Startup Fund’s Post

🚀 Landscape of European Tech Startups 🚀 As someone keenly interested in the European tech startup scene, based on multiple sources including Exploding Topics, Dealroom.co, and EU-Startups, here's some interesting insights into the trends shaping our industry: ➡️ Embracing AI and Emerging Technologies: The integration of AI stands out as a central focus, with 68% of startups currently using it and an additional 58% planning to adopt it within the next 1-3 years. AI's versatility in automation, predictive analytics, and enhancing customer experiences is driving this widespread adoption. ➡️ Generative AI Dominance: VCs are heavily investing in generative AI, with significant funding rounds in companies like Anthropic and Inflection. AI's role in automation, predictive analytics, and customer experiences continues to grow. ➡️ Resilient Tech Investments: Despite economic challenges, many startups are maintaining or even increasing their tech budgets. This resilience underscores a commitment to innovation and leveraging technology for growth. For instance, 47% of startups are maintaining their technology budgets, while 11% have increased their investments. ➡️ Strategic Tech Adoption: Startups are strategically choosing reliable tech providers like AWS and Google for their digital infrastructure, ensuring scalability and robust performance. AWS alone is chosen by 50% of European startups for web hosting. ➡️ Diverse Use of Emerging Technologies: From data analysis to operations optimization and marketing, startups are leveraging emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and performance. Notably, 75% are utilizing data analysis technologies to drive insights and optimize operations. ➡️ Climate Tech and Agtech: There’s a notable surge in climate tech and agtech startups, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. Sectors like regenerative agriculture and green energy are attracting significant investments. For example, European climate tech startups raised over $11 billion in the last year. ➡️ Key Startup Trends for 2024-2025: Emerging sectors include digital health, fintech, and edtech, with startups increasingly integrating AI and blockchain technologies. The focus is also shifting towards personalized user experiences and enhanced cybersecurity measures. The future looks bright for European tech startups as they continue to innovate and adapt. It’s exciting to see how these trends will shape the landscape and drive sustainable growth. #TechTrends #Startups #Innovation #AI #Technology #BusinessGrowth

🇵🇹🇺🇦 24 Ukrainian startups presented their innovations at Web Summit 2024! 🌍 Web Summit is the largest international technology conference of the world level. This year's conference brought together more than 70,000 guests from all over the world, including representatives of 3000+ companies and 1000+ investors. 24 Ukrainian startups were part of the national delegation, including: Beholder, Bliss Brain, Cardiomo, Cartum, EDMAPS Ukraine, Karpatia, FlyAgData, Swapp , The Great Catalog, Hearify, Generect, Streamline, SplineCloud, VanOnGo, tTravel, NewsCatcher (YC S22), Qudi, JustSpeak AI, Pricer24, Metaenga Inc., Verba, Mariya.ai, MedVoice , Misto. What did Ukrainian startups manage to achieve at Web Summit? ✅ Recognition on the global stage: AI startup Bliss Brain entered the TOP 10 finalists of the competition among 2000 startups and presented its product on the main stage of Web Summit. ✅ New project: CodeUA, a marketplace of Ukrainian IT companies that will help foreign businesses find reliable partners among our IT specialists, was officially launched. ✅ Market expansion: startups attracted over 2000 new customers and explored prospects for entering new markets, including the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and European countries. 🖇️ The participation of the Ukrainian delegation was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the co-organisers: Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, the main partner of the Epicentre Group of Companies, and partners - Nova Digital, Nova Poshta, Seeds of Bravery, StrategEast, Digital Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal.

⭐🔎 Exploring Montreal's Artistic Innovation: Notable Canadian Startups in the Art Industry 🖼️💼 Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/gJ6827jd This enlightening piece features trailblazing companies redefining the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship. Check out these innovators: Berkindale Analytics - Leaders in AI and Big Data-driven analytics. Bidgala - A vibrant marketplace for art lovers and creators. CEIMIA - Harnessing AI for consulting and information technology. Waverly - Empowering businesses through AI and knowledge management software. Forum IA Québec - A non-profit devoted to advancing AI in Quebec. Stratemia - Pioneers in business development and industrial automation. Solid State of Mind - Developing an AI capable of adapting to environmental changes in real time. 7Square (Acquired by Repliers), founded by Aakarsh Shekhar and Hisham Hawara - Revolutionizing real estate analytics. Sports Ai, founded by Tarik Agday - Reinventing sports performance monitoring using AI. envision.ai, co-founded by René Saint-Pierre and Thomas Jelonek - Enhancing video workflow efficiency. Lia 27 Inc., founded by Jean-Francois Comeau and Alexandre D. - Embracing AI to create a virtual person for digital entertainment. #innovation #startups #art #Montreal Innovation is at the heart of Montreal's thriving startup scene. Be the first to discover these exceptional trailblazers. 🎉

🤔 Did you know? This year, yan.ua/l/Viva-Technology — founded in 2016 by Publicis Groupe and Groupe Les Echos-Le Parisien — will be held for the 8th time. Since then, Viva Technology has evolved into a global community, embracing thousands of forward-thinking startups, investors, corporations, researchers, media entities, and talent, all united in their pursuit of innovation and progress. Year after year, VivaTech organises Europe’s grandest showcase of technology and entrepreneurship, spanning four exciting days in Paris. Here, disruptive tech trends collide with visionary entrepreneurs and monumental breakthroughs, fostering an ecosystem primed for impactful business engagements. 🇺🇦 It will be the third year in a row that Ukraine is represented by a national stand. Each year, Ukrainian organisers, together with the country’s IT ecosystem representatives—of startups and established players alike—prepare in advance. After all, participation in Viva Technology is indeed an excellent opportunity to showcase the level of Ukrainian technological development and the flourishing of its innovations to the whole world. In the previous years, Ukraine was represented by: Avocado AI (2022), MISU (2022-2023), Elai.io (2022), Fruittorg (2022), Mosqitter (2022), Lookerz.me (2022), ClinCaseQuest (2022), Cardio.AI® (2022), Inputsoft (2022), CASES (2022), WheelKeep (2022), Zeely (2022), fprojo by maxidtp (2022), Akurateco Payment Hub (2022), Qudi (2023), Revisior (2023), SkillzRun (2023), G-MAK (2023), Elomia Health (2023), Orderry US & Canada (2023) INVISIONARYBOX (2023), FlightMind AI (2023), Uspacy (2023), Adminix.io (2023), and UGLA ERP system (2023). Rewind the memories: ⏮️ 2022—lnkd.in/eN_UmKPs ⏮️ 2023—lnkd.in/eRsCtrCd Join us at the inflexion point of global business and exciting innovations! ✔️ Registrations open until April 15, 2024: lnkd.in/eu2Taefq The National Stand of Ukraine at Viva Technology 2024 is organised by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Embassy of Ukraine in France, Diia.City, and Ukrainian Startup Fund, together with the #ITUkraineAssociation, CCI France Ukraine, La French Tech Kyiv, Nazovni, Digital Ukraine, Seeds of Bravery and with the support of UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group.

Curious about what these startups are up to? 🚀 Like this post, drop a comment with "100," and follow us to receive a curated list from the Sifted Rising 100 ranking. You'll get insights into similar companies across different funding stages. For all VCs and venture builders - why not take inspiration from proven models and spot early-stage companies worth investing in? Rocket Internet became famous for their strategy of replicating successful business models from the US and other developed markets, especially in tech, and launching them across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Whether building from scratch or investing early, they capitalized on what was already working in other markets. Through our platform we can support investors replicating this model, do you think that still works? #VC #Investments #Earlystage #RocketInternet

🌟 Breaking Ground in Startup Growth: How AI is Transforming European Entrepreneurship 🌟 🚀 Good morning LinkedIn community! If you're interested in the unprecedented impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on startup ecosystems, particularly in unexpected corners of Europe, you won't want to miss this insightful article. 🔍 The piece delves into the remarkable surge of startup growth in countries like Belgium and Italy, traditionally overshadowed by tech powerhouses like Germany and France. What's the secret sauce? AI. Yes, you heard it right. AI is not just the future; it's the driving force propelling these economies forward at an unparalleled pace. 🌍 While Silicon Valley has long been hailed as the mecca of tech innovation, Brussels emerges as a new hotspot for understanding tech policy and witnessing the transformative power of AI on startups. 📈 Belgium and Italy's presence among Europe's top-growing companies defies conventional wisdom, challenging the notion of a "winner-takes-all" scenario dominated by tech behemoths. Instead, it celebrates the rise of SME-sized companies leveraging AI to scale at lightning speed. 🔑 Jürgen Ingels, the visionary behind several fast-growing Belgian tech companies, emphasizes the pivotal role of AI in reshaping business models. It's a testament to the democratizing power of AI, transcending geographical barriers and unlocking boundless opportunities for startups worldwide. 💡 On a related note, the article highlights the skepticism surrounding the AI hype cycle, citing Jon Stewart's witty commentary on "the false promise of AI." While the discourse around AI continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: its transformative potential knows no bounds. #AI #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Startup Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dfQ8cM3v

🚀 The Top 100 SaaS Startups to Watch in 2024 🚀 Sifted has just released their 2024 Rising 100 ranking, showcasing the most promising SaaS companies in Europe and Israel. Here are a few key trends from this year's list: AI Dominates: No surprise, AI continues to lead the pack. Seven AI-focused startups made the list, with V7, a London-based GenAI company that automates office tasks, taking the top spot. Other standout AI companies include Parloa (Conversational AI) and Poolside AI (code-writing automation) 📈. Enterprise Software Leads: 45% of the ranked companies operate in enterprise software, catering to the growing need for businesses to streamline processes. Yokoy (ranked #8) exemplifies this trend by helping finance teams automate spend management. Younger Startups, Lower Funding: This year’s cohort is significantly younger, with almost 50% in seed or Series A stages, and their average funding has dropped by 24% compared to previous editions. The youngest company on the list, Adaptive ML, was founded just last year! 💡 Geographic Powerhouses: London continues to dominate with 31 companies on the list, followed by Tel Aviv, Berlin, and Paris. This reflects the sustained strength of London as Europe’s leading tech hub. Diversity Still Lags: Only 17% of the startups have women founders, showcasing the ongoing challenge of diversity in the SaaS sector. While this number is low, it’s crucial to acknowledge the progress and push for more inclusive growth in the future 🌍. 💼 Investors Take Note: VC firms like Balderton Capital and Speedinvest are leading the charge, backing 12 companies each. This indicates where major investors are placing their bets for the future of SaaS in Europe.

🚀 Tech Startups in the Netherlands Are Changing the Game! 🚀 1. OPENAI: THE BILLION-DOLLAR GIANT 🤑 OpenAI now brings in $3.4 BILLION annually. Big names like PwC, Moderna, and Estée Lauder are on board. Microsoft pumped in $13 BILLION, a massive vote of confidence. BUT, here’s the kicker: 👉 Regulators worry. 👉 Experts question AI power and its impact on society. 👉 Massive power consumption stressing the grid. 👀 THE BURNING QUESTION: Are we really ready for AI’s dominance? With Big Tech soaking up all the oxygen, where does that leave women-led startups? 🤔 2. GREENIRON & MORPHO: EUROPE’S GREEN HEROES 🌍 Stockholm’s GreenIron nailed it with its CO2-free metal processing tech. Paris-based Morpho secured $50 million for its decentralized crypto lending on Ethereum. WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? 👉 GreenIron’s tech could be a game-changer for eco-conscious industries. 👉 Morpho’s funding shows crypto isn’t dead, it's evolving. 🌱 REAL TALK: Green and crypto tech isn't just for the big boys. Women-led startups can and should step in. Will you grab the opportunity in sustainable and decentralized tech? 3. ELYSIAN’S ELECTRIC DREAM TAKES OFF ✈️ Dutch startup Elysian introduced the E9X, a fully electric regional aircraft. Aims for a 500-mile range. Seamlessly integrates with current airport infrastructure. BUT THERE’S A HITCH: 👉 Battery charging time is still an issue, 45 minutes max. 👉 Average charging time around half an hour. 😅 CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY? Can we overcome the tech hurdles and make sustainable aviation a reality? This isn’t just for the engineers—females in tech biz, where can you innovate and lead? 🔥 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? Whether it's AI, green tech, or electric aviation, there's space to innovate, disrupt, and lead. Are we ready to tackle the big players head-on? What's your take? Can women-led startups carve out their niche in these emerging fields? Drop your thoughts below 👇! 🫡 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://femaleswitch.app 🔈🔈🔈 🫵 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 #startups #femalentrepreneur #zerocode #ai

If Silicon Valley is the place to be to learn about AI and its Big Tech owners, Belgium is a great place to understand tech policy and AI impact. This week, Microsoft felt the long arm of European tech competition authorities. In what looked like a blast from the past, the world’s largest company by market cap decided to stop bundling its Teams app and its Office software globally. That decision followed its unbundling of the offerings in Europe last year, which headed off an EU antitrust action. But there are other lessons for tech companies to learn in Brussels, and more broadly, in Belgium. The Financial Times reported last week that Belgium was among the 10 most represented nations in its ranking of Europe’s 1,000 fastest growing companies for the first time, led by BeInfluence Europe, Logistics Capital Partners, and Techwolf. In the same ranking, Italy, often seen as an economic laggard and home to many geriatric CEOs, had by far the most fast-growing companies in Europe, beating out the U.K., Germany, and France. Italy’s cohort is led by BidBerry, The Sense Experience Resort, and WECO. The surprising dominance of Belgium and Italy defies the assumption that the AI era is a “winner-take-all” business landscape, in which only behemoths like Microsoft, Alphabet Inc. and other “Magnificent Seven” tech firms will succeed. Belgian and Italian companies are typically SME-sized, as opposed to the large multinationals often found elsewhere in Europe. I asked Jürgen Ingels, founder and funder of several fast-growing Belgian tech companies—payments company Clear2Pay, game developer CrazyGames—to explain the success of his (and my) home country. He pointed to classic components: a government that gets out of the way and entrepreneurs that create not just one firm but an entire startup ecosystem. And he talked about how AI was allowing startups to scale at an unheard-of pace. “Business models are changing,” he said. “I see tech companies with 10, 20, 30 people and a high EBITDA automating their back office. It’s not about capital anymore. It’s about creativity. That’s what makes it interesting. You don’t have to be in Silicon Valley anymore.” 4/04/03/ai-startups-scale-europe-fastest-growing-companies-italy-belgium/

What Key Factors Drive Investor Interest in AI Startups? Answers: https://lnkd.in/gEi3rfxV #InvestingInAI #StartupInvestment #AIStartups #OpenSourceAI #VentureCapital Hey there! 👋 It's fascinating to see how much buzz there is around investments in AI startups these days, but it leaves many of us wondering: what exactly are investors looking for when they put their money into these emerging companies? 🤔 Sure, the classic answer is that **investors want a solid return on investment**. But let’s dive deeper. Take Mistral, for instance. They managed to rake in over **$100 million in seed funding**—all while being part open source! 🚀 So, how do they plan to make that investment worthwhile, especially with a model that includes open source components? Are traditional revenue streams like APIs, ads, and subscriptions enough? Consider these points: 🤨 **Why invest in open source?** Investors may appreciate the community support and innovation that open-source projects often foster. They see potential in collaborative development. **Talent matters!** Investors are definitely on the lookout for **experienced AI scientists**. A strong team ...