Many entrepreneurs seek new locations to establish their businesses, often driven by economic factors and evolving opportunities. While some move to well-established tech hubs, others look for unconventional markets. One such entrepreneur, Emin Can Turan, has chosen Ukraine as the base for his AI startup, Pebbles AI, despite the ongoing war. His decision reflects a growing interest in Ukraine’s resilient tech sector, which continues to attract investment and foster innovation. The country’s startup ecosystem has demonstrated adaptability even in challenging circumstances, making it an emerging destination for foreign entrepreneurs.
Compared to previous years, Ukraine’s tech industry has shown a significant rise in the number of professionals and startups. Several Ukrainian-founded companies, such as Grammarly and GitLab, have reached unicorn status, highlighting the sector’s growth. Despite concerns about infrastructure and security during the conflict, the country’s IT workforce has remained active, with many businesses continuing operations. The success of these companies has influenced entrepreneurs like Turan to see Ukraine as a viable location for expansion.
What is Pebbles AI and how does it operate?
Founded in 2023 in London, Pebbles AI is an AI-native SaaS sales and productivity platform that streamlines go-to-market workflows. The platform integrates AI-driven automation and intelligence to enhance sales processes, ensuring more efficient and relevant interactions. According to Turan, the company seeks to create AI-driven intelligence that mimics the expertise of high-level consultants.
“Everyone is building AI companies, but few are building neuro-symbolic AI companies. Most startups are just adding AI as an afterthought. We are focused on building intelligence that mimics a McKinsey senior analyst or a Cisco sales executive.”
Why establish a business in Ukraine during wartime?
Turan believes that Ukraine offers a strong talent pool, particularly in the technology sector. The country has seen a surge in IT professionals, and its startup ecosystem continues to receive significant investment. Many companies have successfully scaled from Ukraine, indicating its potential as a growing hub for innovation. In addition, digital government services have made it easier to establish and operate businesses.
“Building a global tech company is insanity. Building it in Ukraine amidst a war and power cuts, while scaling across the UK, is like trying to get home on NYE in London. Sloshed.”
Despite concerns about infrastructure reliability, Turan insists that Ukrainian businesses have adapted well to current conditions. The presence of power backups, Starlink, and generators has enabled startups to maintain operations without significant disruptions.
“It’s a ridiculous concern. We have generators, Starlink, and power backups. We have not missed a single meeting in three years.”
The company has already secured $1 million in funding, with a significant portion coming from Ukrainian investors. Turan notes that trust-building is crucial in the local business culture, but once established, partnerships and investments grow steadily.
Looking ahead, Turan anticipates that Ukraine will experience a strong economic recovery post-war, similar to Germany’s revival after World War II. He asserts that the country has the ambition and technical expertise to emerge as a major technology hub.
“I believe Ukraine will be the new Germany after World War II. If they introduce a startup visa, we will see a tech migration boom.”
Entrepreneurs considering Ukraine as a business destination must navigate challenges such as trust-building and overcoming investor skepticism. However, the country’s startup ecosystem remains resilient, with many companies continuing to operate and scale globally. As more businesses recognize Ukraine’s technical expertise and cost-effective workforce, the country could become a competitive alternative to traditional tech hubs.
