A $5 million fund allocating equity-free cash awards and Google support for Ukraine-based startups.
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Ukraine has a strong and vibrant startup community. But, as the war extends from days to months, Ukraine’s economy and its businesses are facing a significant challenge. There are countless entrepreneurs across Ukraine working in extraordinary circumstances to ensure that their businesses maintain liquidity, continue operations and incentivize further investment. These startups are often working across borders with staff in both Ukraine and neighboring countries. We believe that these efforts should be supported in any way possible.
The non-dilutive $5 million Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund will be allocated across Ukrainian-founded companies throughout 2022, coupled with Cloud credits and support from Google mentors. This equity-free financial investment and hands-on support are designed to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs maintain and grow their startups, strengthen their community, and build a foundation for post-war economic recovery. The fund is operated by Huge Thing.
Applications are now closed.
The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund was launched in March and accepted applications until September 20. We are working closely with our local partner, Huge Thing, who was part of the selection process and will be responsible for deploying the money. Selected startups were announced in three batches, the last being announced on December 1st, 2022.
The fund is designed to support Ukrainian-founded or co-founded startups (i.e. companies that aim to scale quickly, using technology, like ML or AI, to solve problems). The support will help Ukrainian entrepreneurs maintain and grow their startups, strengthen their community, and build a foundation for post-war economic recovery. Applications are open for all startups founded in Ukraine before February 24, 2022, post-MVP stage with proven traction (product in market/pilots/early revenue).
No two startups are alike. That's why the investment value will depend on each startup's stage and current needs.
Yes, funding will be awarded based on each startup's needs and situation regardless of the funding cycle.
Due to high demand, we announced in August that the last call for applications would run through September 20. The thousands of applications we’ve received reflect both the high caliber of Ukrainian startups and Ukraine’s positive entrepreneurial outlook.
Applications launched in March and were open until September 20. Applications are now closed.
The Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund provides cash awards—without giving up equity in return—and hands-on support to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. That means Google will be an ally in supporting your startup's growth but not a formal partner and will not take any financial return on the funding.
You will be contacted by Google for Startups team within three months of applying. If you are successful, you will be invited to the next stage, which will be an interview after which you'll hear about the decision within a maximum of three months. All startups will be evaluated by Google and the final decision is up to the selection committee consisting of a minimum of five Google experts.
We’re working closely with our local partner, Huge Thing. They'll be a part of the selection process and will be responsible for deploying the money.
The fund is designed to help maintain and grow your startup. Once the funding is awarded to your company, there won’t be any restrictions as to how you can use the money, but we will ask you about your priorities and how you plan to use it.
