A. Mežgaile: We must help Ukrainians believe in themselves

Looking through the media and social networks every morning, it almost feels like the only thing happening in Ukraine is drones flying, something being blown up, and something being blown up by Ukrainians. But in reality, here in Latvia we can’t even imagine how big this country is. Nor do we fully grasp that life there is still going on. In a large part of the territory, people’s daily routines continue. The Ukrainian nation’s will to live and work is admirable. Despite the circumstances, around 30 million people still live there. Right now is exactly the right time to cooperate - we can both help them and also learn from them. The skills Ukrainians have been forced to acquire are unique, stresses TechChill CEO and author of the idea for the “TechChill Kyiv” startup growth program, Annija Mežgaile.

Having visited Ukraine several times, I can confidently say that “Ukraine” today is not only the name of a country, but a global brand. Everything connected with Ukraine attracts media attention. Ukrainians themselves are very aware of this and also make use of it. And yet – at what price? Would you be ready for such a deal?

Of course, none of us is ready for that. Ukrainians have ended up in this situation. They did not choose it. But we can learn from how skilfully they use the opportunities they have. Or rather – how skilfully they use their opportunities directly affects their chances of survival. Both in the literal sense, and also when it comes to the country’s economy. In wartime, expenses grow many times faster.

We have to learn

Ukraine is a centre of defence technologies. Their main advantage is a unique opportunity to test solutions in real wartime conditions and to do so immediately, quickly and effectively. As a result, Ukrainians are currently much more advanced than most Western countries, because they are solving problems that the West cannot even imagine. And for many, the opportunity to solve such problems in Ukraine has become an exciting challenge.

Right now they are actively creating startups that focus on developing technologies useful in war. Because it is precisely technology that currently plays the biggest role in modern warfare.

At the same time, startups are once again proving what an important part of a country’s economy they are. That, by the way, is a good reminder for Europe as well, when thinking about where to invest for the economy of the future.

Strong support from the diaspora

Many startup founders left the country before the war or at its very beginning. Attitudes toward this differ, but I would like to support the view that this has given Ukraine a strong diaspora that can play a huge role in rebuilding the country. In fact, many of them are active even now, for example by becoming co-founders of Ukrainian startups and working from abroad. This benefits investment attraction because, for example, venture capital funds often consider investing only if the startup’s market strategy foresees at least 50% of its business in export markets. They are not willing to rely solely on expansion within Ukraine, despite the fact that it is a huge market. Co-founders who are based abroad are the biggest help in achieving this goal.

Another interesting aspect is that more and more women are finding work in startups, which in the tech sector is still not always the norm. Under wartime conditions, they can travel relatively freely, which is a big advantage for a startup that aims to attract foreign investors or grow globally.

Our task is to find ways to help

Latvia and Ukraine are connected not only by geographic proximity. We are united by values – independence, resilience and conviction. We believe that by helping Ukrainian startup founders to grow their companies, we are helping to rebuild Ukraine. And let this stand here as a promise that Latvia will continue to be by their side not only in times of crisis, but also in times of growth.

The idea for the “TechChill Kyiv” startup growth program was born two years ago together with startup founders from Ukraine. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, we were able to make this idea a reality. TechChill is a non-profit organization that does not have the means to provide financial support. But I am convinced that money is not the only way each of us can help.

The goal of the “TechChill Kyiv” startup growth program is to help Ukrainians believe in themselves and to make their path to international markets easier. I truly believe that this kind of investment has real potential. I have met many Ukrainians in person, listened to their visions and seen the spark in their eyes when they talk about the future they are determined to create.

I genuinely believe that the bridges we are building today will bring us shared ideas, partnerships and friendships for decades to come. A message to all Ukrainian startup founders – we see you, we believe in you, and we are eagerly waiting to see which technologies you will create in the future.