Founders of the Defence Builder accelerator launch syndicated deals in defence startups, with entry from $1000

The founders of Defence Builder, a Ukrainian defence tech accelerator, are launching syndicated investment rounds for private individuals to co-invest in defence tech startups. The model, which starts from $1000 per person, allows broader public participation in Ukraine’s defence innovation, getting a stake in promising businesses, at a time when donation volumes are falling.

In an exclusive conversation with Defender Media, the founders explained why investing in defence tech is both a smart move for investors and strategically important for Ukraine’s Armed Forces — and how to join such syndicated deals.

Why investing in Ukrainian defence tech makes sense

Defence tech is developing at an explosive pace, the founders point out. In 2024, Ukrainian defence startups raised around $50 million — ten times more than the year before. According to forecasts from Brave1 and KSE, this figure may reach $100 million in 2025.

Yet the number of quality teams far exceeds the capacity of specialised funds. According to Brave1, nearly 3000 companies are now registered in Ukraine’s state defence tech cluster — 99% of them launched after 2022. Many promising projects remain underfunded and unable to meet soaring global demand for defence solutions amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Ivan Kaunov, co-founder of Buntar Aerospace, confirms that Ukraine’s defence sector is evolving rapidly. “There are already many teams creating world-class products — I work with dozens of them. But getting started is the hardest part: early capital is scarce, and that slows breakthrough solutions,” he says.

Daria Yaniieva, investment director at Sigma Software Labs, believes Ukraine needs to scale now in order to retain critical technologies and build a sustainable defence economy. That’s why the founders of Defence Builder saw an opportunity to launch syndicated deals and open up access to the broader public. “For the first time, it’s possible to do this together — invest in vetted defence startups with small tickets and share in their future success,” Yaniieva explains.

What are syndicated investments?

Syndicated investment is when multiple investors pool their capital to jointly fund a project or acquire assets that would be out of reach individually. It allows for risk diversification, increased potential returns, and access to deals that may otherwise be closed to retail investors.

Syndicated startup funding is already a well-established practice abroad. Israel’s syndicated investment platform OurCrowd has helped raise more than $250 million for startups in recent years. In Ukraine, the practice is gradually gaining ground, with firms like Toloka.vc and SID Venture Partners also making syndicated deals.

Now, Defence Builder’s founders say, the same model is coming to Ukrainian defence startups. They emphasise that low-entry syndicated investments offer people the chance not just to donate to national defence, but to gain a stake in companies developing drones, robotics, and other critical front-line tech.

“Ukrainians are incredible — over a billion dollars in donations. But now it’s time to invest and grow together,” says Valery Krasovsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Sigma Software Group.

«We’re offering Ukrainians the chance not just to support defence startups, but to invest in them»

Valery Krasovsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Sigma Software Group

The syndicated deals are open to both Ukrainians and foreign citizens who want to support the development and scaling of Ukrainian defence innovation. The majority of funds raised through these rounds will go toward scaling production and expanding local teams in Ukraine. In this way, the syndicated model accelerates Ukrainian defence tech while giving investors a chance to share in its success.

Kaunov highlights the importance of timing: “Those who get in first get the best terms and a stake in tomorrow’s leaders. Later on, international funds come in — proving the potential. By investing early, you’re not just backing one team — you’re launching a wave of technologies that reshape the defence of Ukraine and the free world.”

«Those who get in first get the best terms and a stake in tomorrow’s leaders»

Ivan Kaunov, Co-Founder at Buntar Aerospace

At launch, only vetted startups from the founders’ inner circle — including Defence Builder graduates and network partners — will be listed on the platform. New deals will be added over time.

How to become an investor

To join syndicated defence deals, individuals must apply via the initiative’s website. After passing a verification process, potential investors will gain access to selected startups and the opportunity to participate in rounds alongside experienced investors.

The initiative offers investment into real-world solutions already proving effective in combat, including:

• Air defence systems (protecting cities from drones and missiles)
• Aerial, ground, and naval drones (for reconnaissance, logistics, and attack)
• Electronic warfare systems (disrupting enemy signals and drones)
• Smart defence systems (AI, automation, and specialised software)
• Demining solutions (detecting and neutralising mines and UXOs)

The platform is currently in a closed beta with limited access. The team says a public launch is coming soon.

About the founders

The syndicated deals will be led by the team behind Defence Builder, including Sigma Software Labs, KSE, and Buntar Aerospace. Together, the founders have over 10 years of experience in tech and venture capital, with $55M+ invested in 120+ tech startups.

“Ukrainian defence isn’t just about the front line — it’s about a new economy, new jobs, and big new companies. At KSE we’re building labs, training talent, and shaping the analytics behind that shift. Now we’re also offering a tool to invest directly in that change. We’re backing new defence solutions and defending freedom,” says KSE president Tymofii Mylovanov.

Krasovsky agrees: “I’m thrilled that we’re offering Ukrainians the chance not just to support defence startups, but to invest in them — helping the Armed Forces and building long-term value in Ukraine’s defence industry.”