WASHINGTON & LONDON
C5 Capital, a venture capital firm based in Washington, DC and London, announces a strategic partnership with Brave1, the leading defense technology accelerator in Ukraine. This collaboration will support Ukraine’s innovative technology startups and accelerate the development and application of critical technologies to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Brave1 is a leader in defense innovation in Ukraine. Since its launch, the accelerator has evaluated more than 2,600 defense-focused innovations. This remarkable achievement has established Ukraine as an emerging global leader in defense technology and innovation.
The partnership with C5 Capital will provide investment capital and strategic expertise needed for Ukrainian founders to grow and scale their defense startups whose innovations are already being tested and deployed in combat conditions.
“C5 Capital’s strategic partnership with Brave1 is focused on empowering Ukraine’s courageous founders who are building innovative companies to protect Ukraine and all of us. “Today there is nothing more important than fighting with allies,” said Andre Pienaar, the founder of C5 Capital.
“Ukraine is emerging as a global leader in defense innovation and a research and development powerhouse. Defense technology startups demonstrate a relentless drive that comes from defending their homeland. We intend to bring our expertise in developing and investing in innovative technologies for national defense to support Ukraine’s victory,” said Rear Admiral Michael Hewitt, co-founder and CEO of IP3.
Ukraine: The New Center for Defense Innovation
The conflict in Ukraine has sparked a wave of technological breakthroughs, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems. AI-driven tools, often referred to as “algorithm warfare,” have played a critical role in processing large amounts of battlefield data, allowing Ukraine to respond more quickly and effectively.
Brave1 plays a critical role in the rapid development and deployment of such technologies. By connecting startups with critical resources, the accelerator transforms concepts into operational systems at an accelerated pace.
The need for private investment
Brave1 has awarded $7.5 million in grants to startups and is aiming to increase funding in 2024. In the first two years of the war, Ukrainian startups attracted more than $20 million in global investments.
“Private investment is essential to sustaining innovation in defense technology,” said Natalia Kushnerska, Brave1 Project Lead. “Our partnership with C5 is a critical step towards building a resilient and innovative ecosystem. The technologies being developed in Ukraine today will determine the future of global defense.”
For more information on this strategic alliance, see the full article and interview published by National Security News: Ukraine Boosts Military Innovation to Confront Russian Hostilities Independently.
About C5 Capital:
C5 Capital (C5) is a specialized venture capital firm investing in cybersecurity, space and energy security. C5’s investment strategy focuses on building long-term relationships with resilient founders who share our mission of improving national security and creating a secure digital future. C5 Capital is based in Washington, DC and London. For more information please visit www.C5Capital.com.
About Brave1:
Brave1 is a defense technology development cluster in Ukraine established by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Security and Defense Council, the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ministry of Economy. For more information please visit
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Media contact: Reine Opperman, pure.opperman@c5capital.com
