PowerUp Conference & Startup Competition: Glovo and Ukrainian Startup Fund join forces to empower entrepreneurs

April 16, 2024

Kyiv, April 16, 2024 — Glovo and the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) are kicking off the application period for the second round of their annual Ukraine Startup Lab competition with a cash prize and the chance for founders to win a spot in a dedicated residency program at Yellow Park, Glovo’s campus in Barcelona. 

The top 10 tech startups selected within the competition will present their ventures to potential investors and key industry stakeholders on June 18, 2024 in Kyiv at the PowerUp Ukraine conference organized by Glovo. The conference is dedicated to Ukraine's economic recovery and aims to attract foreign investment in Ukrainian tech companies and startups.

The three winners, selected by the jury, will receive a financial award and a spot within a residency program at Glovo's headquarters in Barcelona. The winners from the competition will not only have the chance to work with Glovo’s teams and leadership on growing their startup projects but will also meet the winners of the startup competitions Glovo is hosting in four other countries. The residency program also covers travel and accommodation costs. 

The startup competition and PowerUp Ukraine conference are part of Glovo’s TechCatalyst program, which aims to support founders through networking, mentorship, and visibility-boosting measures, allowing them to thrive in the competitive tech industry. Through this program, Glovo aims to be a catalyst of positive change for startups across its markets via the development of the tech sector and digitalisation.

"Ukraine is one of Glovo’s largest markets. We believe that the country has a unique combination of talent and startup culture, and local entrepreneurs have demonstrated again and again remarkable resilience and strength during the war. 

Last year, we launched the Glovo Ukraine Startup Lab competition to support Ukrainian startups to raise funding and go global. This year, we aim to double down on our commitment and will be hosting the PowerUp Ukraine conference together with USF and technology partners with the goal to attract foreign investment in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem," comments Sacha Michaud, co-founder Glovo

Who can apply? 

Glovo and USF are looking for Ukrainian tech startups that:

  • are at Seed or Series A stages;
  • have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 5 or higher;
  • have traction, an existing customer base, and have attracted investments;
  • have a working prototype (for hardware startups);
  • are registered and operating in Ukraine

The top 10 tech startups will present their projects to potential investors and key industry players on June 18th in Kyiv at the PowerUp conference.

What’s the prize?

  • The 1st place will receive €20,000 and a spot within the residency program at Glovo’s headquarters in Barcelona (can also be completed online if travel restrictions prevent founders from traveling to Spain)
  • The 2nd place will receive €10,000 and a spot within the residency program at Glovo’s headquarters in Barcelona (can also be completed online if travel restrictions prevent founders from traveling to Spain)
  • The 3rd place will receive €5,000 and an online mentorship from the Glovo team.

Application period: April 16 - May 15, 2024.

Review period and selection of finalists: May 15 - 31, 2024.

Final pitching in Kyiv: June 18, 2024.

Where can startups apply?  

https://www.powerupukraine.com.ua/

About Glovo

Glovo is a pioneering multi-category app connecting users with businesses, and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers and supermarkets, and high street retail stores. Glovo’s vision is to give everyone easy access to everything within their city, so that our users can enjoy what they want, when they want, where they want. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, it operates across 25 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Africa.  

About USF
Ukrainian Startup Fund is a leading state institution that helps innovative projects and tech startups raise funds at the early stages and launch projects. The Fund promotes the development of the startup ecosystem, provides conditions for the growth of the sector, forms a positive investment image of the Ukrainian tech industry abroad, and represents Ukrainian innovative solutions around the world.

Read more about the Fund here:  https://usf.com.ua/