Kyiv, February 26, 2025 – The YEP Accelerator just dropped the mic with its 4th Demo Day, a global showcase that’s proving to be a launchpad for the world’s most daring startups. This year, the program went truly international, welcoming innovators from Ukraine, Poland, the USA, France, and even Thailand, turning Kyiv into a buzzing hub of tech brilliance.
The spotlight? Contera.ai, a Ukrainian powerhouse that snatched a $25,000 non-equity investment, courtesy of YEP and u.ventures. Imagine a SaaS platform that automates 60% of e-commerce marketing, turning data into laser-focused SEO and ad strategies – that’s Contera.ai. They’re not just playing the game; they’re rewriting the rules.
But hold on, the lineup was pure fire. Let’s dive into the rest of the cohort:
- Jahro: For Unity developers drowning in debugging? Jahro’s your lifeboat, offering real-time game monitoring.
- M1: Marketing agencies, meet your new AI bestie. M1 crafts killer GTM strategies, tailored to your clients.
- Maval: Dream of building epic story-based RPGs? Maval’s intuitive game engine makes it a reality.
- Rewish: Online stores, boost those sales! Rewish turns wish lists into shopping carts.
- SPOGAD: Fashion with a conscience. SPOGAD’s recycling tech turns plastic waste into high-end accessories.
- Voopty: After-school programs, get organized! Voopty’s ERP system centralizes your admin chaos.
- VyshyvAI: Custom products, made easy. VyshyvAI’s AI platform speeds up design and production.
YEP Accelerator isn’t just a program; it’s a launchpad. In three intense months, these startups get access to expert mentorship and the connections they need to scale. And it’s working! This batch alone saw YEP alumni hitting 25 tech conferences across Europe and the US, and over 150 investor meetings were arranged. Plus, a staggering 30% of alumni secured investments, with six scoring seed capital and one nailing an M&A deal.
The judges? Tech royalty. We’re talking Oleksandr Yatsenko (SMOK Ventures), Andrii Zinchuk (ZAS Ventures), Mykhailo Perevoznyk (Flyer One Ventures), Maksym Strukov (Geek Ventures), Anton Waschuk (UMAEF), Ivan Petrenko (Angel One Fund), Halyna Isakiv (SID Ventures Partners), and Yulia Man (Digital Future).
And then there was Den Tyre, the HubSpot legend, dropping knowledge bombs on attracting US pre-seed investment. He didn’t just talk the talk; he’s walking the walk, selecting Maval, Jahro, and Contera.ai for personal mentorship.
Want in on the action? Applications for the 2025 cohorts are open, but don’t sleep on it – the deadline’s March 2025.
YEP Accelerator, powered by UMAEF and supported by the Ukrainian Startup Fund, Cisco, Genesis, and Lift99 Kyiv Hub, is proving that the future of tech is being built right here, right now.
