Since the beginning of the devastating war in Ukraine, Google has contributed more than $45 million in cash and $7 million in in-kind donations to support humanitarian efforts to benefit people in Ukraine and those fleeing the war. The company is also committed to using its products to help people affected by the war, such as protecting against cyberattacks and fighting disinformation.
Assistance during the war
“In my work, I have talked to hundreds of startup entrepreneurs who have told me a lot about the successful startup ecosystem. That’s why we were so eager to provide support as soon as possible,” says Agnieszka Grinewicz-Bieniek, Senior Director, Google for Startups.
In March 2022, Google created the Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund, which provided 58 recipients with $5 million in financial support in the form of grants without raising capital. The startups supported by the Ukraine Support Fund received $15.8 million in further funding, achieved 100% revenue growth, and significantly increased the number of jobs despite the war and the difficulties they faced.
Many of them, such as Skyworker.ai and Mindly, use artificial intelligence to create economic opportunities; and several have been recognized by global experts, such as Zeely, whose founders were included in the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list.
The second stage
Today, Google announces the launch of the second round of funding for the Google Support Fund for Startups in Ukraine in the amount of USD 10 million to provide grants without raising capital through 2024.
As in the first phase, the selected Ukrainian startups will be announced gradually throughout the year and will receive up to USD 200,000 in equity funding, as well as Google mentoring, product support, and USD 300,000 in Google Cloud credits.
This practical assistance is aimed at enabling Ukrainian entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their businesses, strengthen their communities, and lay the groundwork for economic recovery after the war. Applications will be open later this year.
“In 2022, Google became the first company to receive the Peace Award, introduced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for its work in support of the Ukrainian people. Since then, the war has taken on new dimensions, but our commitment to being worthy of this award is unwavering,” adds the Google representative.
