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Ukraine has built the world’s most dynamic defense innovation ecosystem. Nowhere else are technologies conceived, tested, and refined so rapidly under real world conditions. This environment has produced breakthroughs in unmanned systems, autonomy, electronic warfare, and advanced manufacturing that are reshaping the future of warfare. As NATO and allied nations increase defense spending, Ukraine offers a uniquely powerful platform for building the next generation of defense companies.
We back early-stage companies from Pre-Seed to Series A in defense, dual-use, and advanced manufacturing. Our focus is on bold founders building in Ukraine or tapping into Ukraine’s unique defense innovation ecosystem to scale globally.
Founders may connect with us through the contact button or through email at info@ua1.vc. We move fast, first calls often happen within days, and we aim to give founders clear, direct feedback within 2 weeks.
Our diligence is streamlined but rigorous. We focus on strength of the team, real-world validation of the technology, and clarity of the go-to-market strategy. Because we operate in defense-tech, we also evaluate whether the team can navigate export controls and government procurement. This includes technical and market reviews, customer references, background checks, and a legal check. The goal is to build conviction quickly and move forward with speed and confidence, without slowing founders down with unnecessary process.
We are long-term partners, not just capital providers. We help founders navigate defense and government procurement, connect with strategic partners across NATO and allied countries, and facilitate introductions to top-tier investors for growth capital. We also provide support on hiring, go-to-market, and scaling operations beyond Ukraine.
Ukraine has built the world’s most dynamic defense innovation ecosystem. Nowhere else are technologies conceived, tested, and refined so rapidly under real world conditions. This environment has produced breakthroughs in unmanned systems, autonomy, electronic warfare, and advanced manufacturing that are reshaping the future of warfare. As NATO and allied nations increase defense spending, Ukraine offers a uniquely powerful platform for building the next generation of defense companies.
We back early-stage companies from Pre-Seed to Series A in defense, dual-use, and advanced manufacturing. Our focus is on bold founders building in Ukraine or tapping into Ukraine’s unique defense innovation ecosystem to scale globally.
Founders may connect with us through the contact button or through email at info@ua1.vc. We move fast, first calls often happen within days, and we aim to give founders clear, direct feedback within 2 weeks.
Our diligence is streamlined but rigorous. We focus on strength of the team, real-world validation of the technology, and clarity of the go-to-market strategy. Because we operate in defense-tech, we also evaluate whether the team can navigate export controls and government procurement. This includes technical and market reviews, customer references, background checks, and a legal check. The goal is to build conviction quickly and move forward with speed and confidence, without slowing founders down with unnecessary process.
We are long-term partners, not just capital providers. We help founders navigate defense and government procurement, connect with strategic partners across NATO and allied countries, and facilitate introductions to top-tier investors for growth capital. We also provide support on hiring, go-to-market, and scaling operations beyond Ukraine.
Artificial Intelligence I Electronic Warfare I Advanced Manufacturing I Unmanned Systems & Robotics I Dual Use & Critical Infrastructure Technologies I Cybersecurity I
We invest in bold founders creating technologies
that will defend democracy worldwide
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, we felt a duty to stand with our allies who fought alongside America in Iraq and Afghanistan. Within days, we liaised with Ukraine's Armed Forces and founded White Stork, a charity providing critical non-lethal military aid to embattled defenders.
White Stork became the largest supplier of combat first aid kits (IFAKs) and anti-drone jamming systems to Ukraine's armed forces and emergency services. That frontline vantage point revealed a stark truth: legacy defense systems fail where rapid, battlefield-driven innovation prevails. UA1’s mission is to transform Ukraine’s battlefield innovations into the arsenal of the free world.
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