Ukrainian startup Contera.ai, which automates marketing using AI, has successfully completed the Techstars Tokyo acceleration program and secured a $120,000 investment. According to the founder Emin Aliekpierov, Contera.ai is the first Ukrainian startup to be accepted into this prestigious program.

«This year’s program received a record number of applications from over 120 countries — the most competitive selection in Techstars’ history. Being selected means joining the world’s most active accelerator — twice as active as YC at the pre-seed and seed stages, with 22 ‘unicorns’ in its portfolio,» Aliekpierov said.

• According to Techstars Tokyo’s website, the accelerator provides founders with $120,000 in funding: $100,000 through an uncapped MFN Safe or J-KISS (the Japanese equivalent of SAFE) and an additional $20,000 through a post-money Convertible Equity Agreement (CEA). In exchange, Techstars takes 5% in common stock, and the $100,000 through SAFE (or J-KISS) will also convert into shares in the future.
• Contera.ai will now participate in a three-month program in Tokyo, using the funds to scale and promote its product.
• The startup helps simplify the launch of new marketing campaigns and the analysis of existing ones through AI. Its target audience includes small businesses, marketing teams, and agencies that manage large volumes of campaigns.

As a reminder, in February 2025, Contera.ai raised $25,000 in non-equity funding from the YEP Accelerator in partnership with u.ventures after winning Demo Day at both the YEP Accelerator and the Ukrainian Startup Fund.