As part of “TechChill Kyiv”, 20 startups from Ukraine will be coming to Riga.

In cooperation with “Techosystem”, a non-governmental organization that unites members of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem, Latvia’s startup and technology conference “TechChill” is organizing a special startup growth program. Its goal is to provide startup founders in Ukraine with tools, contacts, and also the confidence needed for international growth. The first meeting in Kyiv brought together 31 investors from all over the world. In March, during the “TechChill” conference in Riga, 20 startups from Ukraine will come to Riga.

“Behind the media headlines there is an incredibly strong country with many talents specifically in the field of technology. They are creating products that are needed by the whole world. Their willpower is indescribable - teams are working in conditions that most of us cannot even imagine. Since the beginning of the war, Latvia has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We, the TechChill team, wanted to show our support not only in words, but also in actions,” is how TechChill CEO Annija Mežgaile describes the idea behind the program.

On their long two-day journey, the TechChill team, of course, travelled in a convoy, delivering both cars and other items useful in the war to Ukraine. The “TechChill Kyiv” event took place in person. Around 150 participants took part - both locals and international guests from all over the world. The event was organized as a small conference with inspiring speakers and the opportunity for local startups to meet face-to-face with investors representing the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland and, of course, the Baltic states. The total capital managed by the funds these investors represented exceeds 500 million US dollars.

“From the very first day when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Latvia has supported Ukraine, including specifically small and medium-sized enterprises. This event organized by TechChill is a unique example of international cooperation. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of any economy. In Ukraine they make up more than 90% of all companies and employ millions of people. Supporting Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises is not charity - it is an investment in peace, stability, and the rebuilding of a democratic state. We must listen to the voices of Ukrainian entrepreneurs, their ideas, and help bring their innovations to life,” says Latvia’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Andrejs Pildegovičs.

On the “TechChill Kyiv” stage, 20 Ukrainian startups presented themselves; in addition to the conference program, they worked on improving their pitching skills within the growth program with the help of experienced coach Gļebs Maltsevs (Gleb Maltsev). These will be the ones who will attend the TechChill event in Riga from 25 to 27 March 2026. A special program is planned for the Ukrainian startup founders, giving them the opportunity to meet other experienced technology startup founders, take part in mentoring sessions, and meet investors face-to-face. They will be able to showcase their technologies in a special stand dedicated to Ukraine at the event venue, Hanzas perons.

The “TechChill Kyiv” startup growth program is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Development Cooperation program.