The founders of the Defence Builder accelerator — Sigma Software Labs, Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), and Buntar Aerospace — have launched a syndicated investment mechanism for Ukrainian defense tech startups with a minimum check size of $1,000.
"Investors gain access to startups already working with: air defense systems, drones (air, land, sea), electronic warfare, AI and automation, and demining. The Ukrainian defense industry is not just about supporting the front. It’s now about market, production, and jobs," wrote KSE president Tymofiy Mylovanov on Facebook.
According to him, Ukrainian defense startups raised $50 million in 2024 — 10 times more than last year. KSE forecasts $100 million for 2025.
According to information on the accelerator’s website, the platform is currently in closed beta with limited access. To receive investment terms, interested parties must fill out a form, and after verification, information will be provided.
Both legal entities and individuals can become investors. They will have access to startups working with air defense, aerial, ground, and naval drones, electronic warfare technologies, AI solutions and automation, as well as demining technologies.
“Ukrainian defense companies move fast, faster than the capital available to support them. Until now, such deals were only available to niche venture capitalists. Now there’s a way to change that. To keep these technologies inside the country and build a resilient defense economy, we need to significantly invest and support scaling of production and teams here in Ukraine,” explained Sigma Software Labs Investment Director Darya Yanieva.
Mylovanov clarified in replies to questions under his post that the investments involve acquiring equity shares, with structuring taking place outside Ukraine.
Defence Builder is an accelerator for Ukrainian defense technologies, founded in 2024 by Sigma Software Labs, KSE, and Buntar Aerospace. The founders have over 10 years of experience in venture business and technology, more than $55 million invested in 120+ startups, and actively contribute to building an international ecosystem supporting defense innovations.
