Have you ever wondered why in Silicon Valley they show investors a vision at the pre-seed stage, while in Ukraine they already have ready-made software that works under fire?
Previously, in our columns, we analyzed complex technical protocols, such as 3RI, that optimize security. But today it's time to talk about what's behind the technologies, about the operational culture, where the price of a mistake is extremely high.
This is a conversation about why it's time for the global investment community to change its glasses and see that the future of fintech and technology is built not on presentations, but on real actions.
Why stress testing has become an advantage
According to Gradus Research, 18% of Ukrainian startups started operating after February 2022. This is not just survival statistics, it's the new mathematics of business.
Ukrainian products like Drill, Anima, or Cusbo were not born from visionary presentations. They emerged from a pragmatic principle, there is a critical problem, so a solution is needed.
“We test the product locally under maximum stress, and then scale it to the whole world. This is the highest form of validation, if the product works in Ukraine during the war, it will work anywhere.”
Artem Lyashanov
Character Formula
What makes Ukrainian fintech and the tech sector special? In the global world, technology is available to everyone, and capital flows to where there are fewer risks. However, Ukrainian startups demonstrate anomalous viability. What sets us apart is an operational culture tempered in conditions where the price of a mistake is business shutdown or physical danger.
Let’s analyze the components of this formula, which I consider critical for the future of the global market.
- Pragmatism
While other startups were spending money on marketing campaigns about environmental friendliness, the ReLeaf team simply started producing paper from fallen leaves. The technology, which uses 15 times less water, became their single and strongest argument. The result was direct contracts with global giants L'Oréal and Samsung.
- Speed
This is an AI solution for diagnosing vision impairment. They didn't spend years on laboratory research of ideal conditions. The team created an algorithm with 93% accuracy, which is already saving the eyesight of Ukrainians in combat zones.
- Sustainability
The receipt of $4.75 million in 2023 is a direct confirmation of this. Investors invest in people who have proven that neither blackouts, closed borders, nor rocket attacks can stop execution.
“What makes our startups special is not technology, but an operational culture tempered in conditions where the price of a mistake is extremely high. Character is more important than charisma, and execution is more important than vision.”
Artem Lyashanov
Why does the world underestimate this?
The global investment community is used to beautiful presentations. When a Ukrainian founder comes with a working product instead of 50 slides about the future, it is sometimes interpreted as insufficient ambition.
In fact, this is the highest form of validation. If the product has survived in Ukraine, it will scale anywhere with incredible efficiency. We offer the world a new model for building a sustainable business: fewer spectacular promises, more concrete results.
The Ukrainian startup formula can become an example for the global ecosystem. It is time for the global community to shift its focus from pitch decks to products. This is not only a way to survive the crisis, but also a model for building a truly sustainable business in 2026.
The full text of the column with detailed arguments is available on the portal.
