Denis Dovgopoliy

Investor turned back to entrepreneurship

Denis Dovgopoliy is a prominent figure in the Ukrainian entrepreneurial ecosystem, currently serving as a Member of the Supervisory Board at the Ukrainian Startup Fund. His extensive experience in venture capital and support for startups has made him a key player in fostering innovation and economic resilience in Ukraine, particularly during challenging times.

Background and Education

Dovgopoliy graduated from the Faculty of Aerospace Systems at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute in 1996 and holds an MBA from MIM-Kyiv, obtained in 2000. He has been actively involved in the venture capital industry since 2005, managing various funds and accelerators aimed at supporting technology startups in Ukraine.1 4

Professional Achievements

Venture Capital Leadership: He has played a significant role in developing Ukraine's venture capital landscape, organizing industry conferences across Ukraine, the USA, and Europe. His efforts have been crucial in connecting startups with investors and resources.1
Economic Advocacy: Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Dovgopoliy has been instrumental in leading initiatives that encourage global companies to withdraw from Russia, contributing to significant job losses there. He developed a methodology for "cancel culture" aimed at companies operating in Russia and organized decentralized teams to support this economic resistance.1 2
Fundraising Initiatives: Recently, he announced a fund ranging from $1.5 to $2 million dedicated to supporting Ukrainian startups, particularly those maintaining a significant presence within Ukraine.3 5

Current Role

As a member of the Supervisory Board at the Ukrainian Startup Fund, Dovgopoliy continues to influence the startup ecosystem by guiding investments and strategic initiatives that bolster innovation and entrepreneurship amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.4 5

Denis Dovgopoliy's commitment to nurturing the startup community and advocating for economic resilience positions him as a vital leader in Ukraine's recovery and growth efforts.