Ukraine’s tech sector was among Europe’s fastest-growing before the full-scale invasion, but thousands of founders were forced to relocate. Bridge to Scale was created to support these founders in expanding into the European tech ecosystem and continuing their growth despite the displacement.
The 12-week equity-free accelerator will provide 15 early-stage Ukrainian-led startups support to become investment-ready and expand into EU markets, covering regulatory and operational guidance for CEE and EU expansion, pitch and data room preparation, fundraising strategy development, direct access to international investors through curated introductions, and exposure at an in-person Bootcamp and Demo Day in Warsaw, with follow-on opportunities including EBRD grants of up to EUR 30,000 and potential investment from 1991 Ventures.
The startups selected into the program:
- Careerswift — AI-powered hiring platform automating interviews, resume screening, and analytics that helps businesses cut costs and hire faster with data-driven insights
- Convinco — AI-powered pitch coach that analyzes context, audience, and speech to give instant feedback, helping founders and sales teams pitch with clarity, confidence, and impact
- FitNow — a mobile app that connects fitness and wellness studios on a single platform, allowing users to book workouts in just a few clicks
- GreatCatalog — a platform connecting furniture brands, designers, and consumers through 3D and AR, making it easier to create interiors and buy products.
- HYPERSHADOW OÜ — a white label AI-copilot builder for SaaS
- Kadrowy — an HRM system for businesses with high staff turnover, designed to simplify hiring, time tracking, workforce management, and compliance.
- Karpatia Benefits — a SaaS + marketplace platform that lets HR teams launch flexible, customised benefit packages in days instead of months, and let their employees make real choices.
- MaiCall — a Voice AI platform for loan management, automating conversations with ML and behavioural scoring to make collections faster, smarter, and ethical.
- Mentflo — an AI wellness platform that helps WHOOP, Garmin (and similar Health & Wellness wearables) users stop juggling apps, providing one place for fitness, sleep, and nutrition.
- Object Control — AI-powered SaaS helping fintech & insurers accelerate digital transformation and deliver superior customer experiences.
- Revisior — a SaaS tool for multi-channel feedback and customer experience management.
- SuoQ — an AI queue & customer journey platform cutting wait times 20–50% with virtual queuing, booking, feedback, analytics and optional hardware.
- Wild.Codes — an AI-powered platform for hiring vetted remote developers on a subscription basis, with all overheads and compliance managed.
- CloudBlocks — an AI Agent for designing and deploying scalable and cost-efficient cloud architectures for companies, depending on the business needs.
- MeGoElectric UA — developers of an accessible EV platform for both passenger and cargo use, enabling safe, independent mobility for wheelchair users and providing cost-efficient fleet solutions for healthcare and logistics operators.
Viktor Gursky, CEO of 1991 Accelerator, shares: “While Ukraine has emerged as a global hub for defence tech, building and scaling new civilian startups inside the country has become significantly more challenging. Bridge to Scale focuses on early-stage Ukrainian-led companies building in Europe, helping them stay connected to their roots while scaling globally.”
More than 15 venture capital funds are participating in the program to support the cohort’s investment readiness, including 1991 Ventures, Presto Tech Horizons, Flyer One Ventures, J&T Ventures, Big Pi Ventures, Tenity, Tilia Impact Ventures, Neulogy Ventures, SMOK Ventures, Blackwatch VC, Blue Lake VC, Underline Ventures, Hard2beat, ZAS Ventures, and STRT Invest. The cohort will also benefit from 30+ international mentors with expertise in fundraising, scaling, and market expansion.
The program is delivered by 1991 Accelerator, Ukraine’s leading startup accelerator, with more than 300 alumni that have collectively raised over $46 million. The team previously managed the $10 million Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund, supporting 98 startups with equity-free grants, cloud credits, and mentorship. In 2024, the founders of 1991 launched 1991 Ventures, a London-based £15 million venture capital fund focused on pre-seed and seed investments in startups from Ukraine and Central & Eastern Europe.
