For the reason that devastating warfare in Ukraine began, Google has dedicated over $45 million in money and $7 million in type to help humanitarian reduction efforts for individuals in Ukraine and people fleeing the warfare. We’ve additionally sought to make use of our merchandise to assist individuals affected by the warfare, like defending towards cyber assaults and preventing misinformation.
In my function, I’ve labored with a whole bunch of startup founders who’ve taught me rather a lot about how entrepreneurship is a key engine of financial development and innovation.Because of this we had been so eager to supply help to the Ukrainian startup ecosystem. In March 2022, we launched the Google for Startups Ukraine Assist Fund, which has gone on to supply $5 million in equity-free money awards to 58 recipients. Startups supported by the Ukraine Assist Fund have obtained $15.8 million in follow-on funding, created 100% income development and considerably elevated their employment regardless of the warfare and hardships they’ve confronted. Many, like Skyworker.ai and Mindly, are utilizing AI to drive financial alternative; and several other have been acknowledged by world specialists — as an example, Zeely’s founders had been all listed in Forbes Europe’s 30 underneath 30 listing.
As we speak, we’re asserting a second Google for Startups Ukraine Assist Fund, value $10 million, to allocate equity-free money awards all through 2024 and 2025. Like the primary fund, chosen Ukraine-based startups will likely be introduced on a rolling foundation and can obtain as much as $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, in addition to ongoing Google mentorship, product help and as much as $300,000 in Cloud credit. This hands-on help is designed to assist Ukrainian entrepreneurs keep and develop their companies, strengthen their neighborhood and construct a basis for post-war financial restoration. Functions will open later this yr.
In 2022, we had been honored to obtain the first-ever “Peace Prize” award launched by President Zelenskyy for our work to help the individuals of Ukraine. Since then, the warfare has taken on new dimensions, and we stay steadfast in our dedication to being worthy of that award.
