The Russian invasion of Ukraine was extremely difficult for all Ukrainian startups, including VanOnGo, an AI-powered logistics platform that connects brands and delivery partners. The team quickly pivoted to help deliver humanitarian aid, but felt physically and emotionally exhausted from the war, volunteering and moving the business outside of Ukraine. With hands-on technical support and equity-free funding from the Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund, VanOnGo was able to focus on business development in the EU, almost doubling their yearly revenue and making more than 500,000 successful deliveries. “The Ukraine Support Fund was like a lifebelt that inspired the team to move forward, “ said cofounder Viacheslav Levchenko.

Applications are now open for Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund

To expand our support of Ukrainian companies like VanOnGo, with help from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, we are opening up an additional $10 million Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund. Starting today, Ukraine-based startups can apply to receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as ongoing Google mentorship and product support. Startups are also eligible to receive an additional $350,000 in Cloud credits to help their teams build responsibly and do more with less. To date, the initiative has provided 58 startups with a total of $5 million in equity-free cash awards and hands-on technical support since 2022 to grow their businesses and help lay the groundwork for Ukrainian economic recovery.

In order to apply, startups must have at least one of their entities registered in Ukraine and have a minimum viable product (MVP) with demonstrated business traction. While not a requirement, companies using AI to address a social challenge will be prioritized. Founders will be able to use the non-dilutive cash award to continue growth, resume business operations impacted due to war or pivot product to address new challenges.

New recipients of the Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund will be announced on a rolling basis, with upcoming announcements in June and September 2024 and in early 2025. Learn more and apply here by June 5th 2024.