The founders of the Defence Builder accelerator are offering private individuals the chance to invest in defense startups alongside them through syndicated deals. The minimum investment is $1,000.

What’s Known

• The founders of the Defence Builder accelerator — Sigma Software Labs, Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), and Buntar Aerospace — will participate in these syndicated deals. Together, they bring over 10 years of experience in venture business and technology, with more than $55 million invested in 120+ startups.
• According to them, the syndicated model will not only help scale Ukrainian defense technologies faster but also let a broader range of investors share in their future success. In their words, it’s like donating to strengthen the country’s defense, but with a stake in the company and a chance to earn a profit.
• The first wave of syndicated deals will include startups from the founders’ network that have passed initial battlefield validation and show strong potential to scale.
• Among the startups are Ukrainian-founded companies already gaining global traction:
  • air defense systems to protect cities from drones and missiles,
  • air, ground, and sea drones,
  • electronic warfare technologies,
  • AI solutions and automation,
  • demining technologies, and more.

How to Become an Investor

• Applications for the first syndicated deals can be submitted through the initiative’s website.
• Both Ukrainians and citizens of other countries can join the syndicate to help advance Ukrainian defense technologies and benefit from their growth.
• Funds raised during these joint rounds will mainly go towards production and team expansion inside Ukraine.
• The syndicated investment platform is currently in a closed beta with limited access. The official launch is expected soon.

Why it Matters

Syndicated deals lower the barrier to entry for individuals in venture investing while spreading the risk. Amid a shortage of investment from traditional investment firms, syndicates are gaining popularity in Ukraine — with platforms like Toloka.vc, Network.vc (Startup.Network), and TA Ventures (iCLUB) already offering such deals, mostly for foreign startups with proven track records.

Now, this opportunity is also opening up for Ukrainian defense startups. Defence Builder’s founders stress that syndicated investments with low entry tickets not only support the country’s defense capability but give everyday investors a chance to own a piece of the drones, robots, and other critical technologies being built for the front line.

As a reminder,

• Defence Builder is a Ukrainian defense technology accelerator launched in 2024 to train teams and support the systematic development of Ukraine’s defense sector. The initiative is backed by Sigma Software Labs, the Kyiv School of Economics, and Buntar Aerospace, with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
• It targets defense startups with working prototypes tested in combat or field conditions and initial feedback from the military.