Eastern Europe Tech Surge: Unicorns, AI Roadmaps and Cross-Border Expansions

UKRAINE

Creatio Hits $1 Billion Valuation, Marking Ukraine’s Sixth Unicorn

No-code platform developer Creatio has secured $200 million in a funding round led by Sapphire Ventures and StepStone Group. The investment values the company at $1.2 billion, marking it as Ukraine’s sixth unicorn and underscoring growing investor appetite for Eastern European tech firms despite regional tensions. [Source: Ukraine Business News]

Ukrainian Startups Showcase Dual-Use Tech to European Investors in Brussels

Thirteen Ukrainian startups presented innovative technologies with civilian and military applications at the Seven Camp Demo Day in Brussels, drawing attention from European investors and procurement bodies. The event, featuring solutions ranging from drone collaboration platforms to fintech apps, highlights Ukraine’s resilient tech sector and its potential to impact the European market despite ongoing conflict. [Source: Tech Ukraine]

Ukraine Unveils AI Roadmap, Balancing Innovation and Ethics

Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation has released a White Paper outlining a two-phase approach to AI development, starting with non-binding tools before implementing formal regulations aligned with EU standards. The initiative aims to foster responsible AI innovation while maintaining global competitiveness, reflecting public optimism about AI’s potential and addressing concerns about its ethical use. [Source: Tech Ukraine]

Ukrainian Scientists Offered Free Program to Commercialize Research

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center INNOV8 is launching Science2Business, a free five-week online program funded by the EU, to help 50 Ukrainian scientists transform their research into viable businesses. The initiative, covering fields from agrotech to robotics, aims to equip researchers with entrepreneurial skills through workshops and mentoring, potentially boosting Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem. [Source: Tech Ukraine]

ESTONIA

Estonian-Founded Telemedicine Startup DrHouse Raises $3.5M

DrHouse, a New York-based telemedicine platform founded by Estonian entrepreneurs, has secured $3.5 million in funding from Specialist VC, Trind Ventures, and U.S. business angels. The investment will fuel marketing efforts for DrHouse’s online medical consultation and prescription delivery services, highlighting continued investor interest in digital health solutions across the Baltic and U.S. markets. [Source: BalticVC]

French Up Group Acquires Majority Stake in Estonian Wellness Platform Stebby

Up Group, a French payment solutions provider, has purchased a majority stake in Stebby, an Estonian wellness marketplace, from Riga-based private equity fund Livonia Partners and other shareholders. The acquisition of Stebby, which boasts 180,000 users and partnerships with over 1,500 companies, marks Up Group’s expansion into the Baltic wellness market and provides an exit for Livonia Partners and other investors. [Source: BalticVC]

KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakh EdTech Startup Yaya Secures $100K from 500 Global

Yaya, a Kazakh educational technology startup, has raised $100,000 from venture fund 500 Global following its participation in the fund’s acceleration program in Georgia. The investment will support Yaya’s platform development and expansion plans, as the company prepares for a seed round to fuel further growth in international markets. [Source: Digital Business]

Kazakh AI-Powered Web3 Search Platform Oraclus Eyes $2M Seed Round

Oraclus, a Kazakhstani startup that has developed an AI-based search platform for Web3 queries, is planning to raise up to $2 million in a seed funding round. The company, which recently launched a beta version of its service supporting over 40 blockchains, aims to use the funds to further develop its platform and expand its user base beyond the current 2,000 registered and 3,500 monthly active users. [Source: Kapital.kz]

YC ALUMNI

Fluently Raises $2M for AI English Fluency Coach

Founders Stan Beliaev and Yurii Rebryk have secured $2 million in seed funding for their startup Fluently, an AI-powered English coaching app targeting near-native speakers. The platform provides feedback on users’ spoken English during real-life calls or through AI-simulated conversations, aiming to serve the estimated 84 million non-native employees working in English-speaking environments. This investment highlights the growing trend of innovative language learning solutions emerging from the tech sector. [Source: Tech Crunch]