Green Flag Ventures

In the latest edition of Icebreaker newsletter, I spoke to a Ukraine-based VC investor Deborah Fairlamb and her US partner Justin Zeefe about the future for Ukrainian entrepreneurs after that cringe-worthy Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in the White House Oval Office. Even before the meeting, Ukrainian defense startups have been turning to Europe for support as the region undergoes its largest military buildup since the Cold War. Meanwhile, America's attention is increasingly focused elsewhere. The dramatic shift in US policy, however, is raising questions about what abandoning Ukraine will mean long-term for America's global tech competitiveness. “Warfare has changed, and quite frankly, right now the Russians and the Ukrainians both probably have the best battlefield, the best technological experience about how these new wars are going to be fought going forward,” Fairlamb said. “Ukraine is an extremely important partner in understanding how future battles are going to be fought, and how you prepare for them.” #easterneurope #startups #tech #ukraine https://lnkd.in/gYNASqFJ

For three years since the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has not only endured and successfully resisted the aggressor but has also emerged as a global hub for defense technologies. One of the most rapid advancements has been in AI-powered drones, attracting the attention of Western investors and companies. The leading technology publication TechCrunch has compiled an overview of promising Ukrainian solutions and startups to help investors navigate the innovations Ukraine is currently working on. More details in the article https://lnkd.in/e5E_wGB9

Bringing dozens of potential investors to Ukraine and putting them in the same room with representatives of the Ukrainian defense industry – a brilliant idea successfully implemented by Justin Zeefe and Deborah Fairlamb, co-founders of Green Flag Ventures. One of the biggest barriers to investing in Ukraine is that potential investors often assess the situation based on news headlines rather than on-the-ground realities. Seeing things firsthand, engaging in discussions, and evaluating both opportunities and risks is the best way to make informed decisions. And Justin Zeefe and Deborah Fairlamb, among the first international investors in Ukrainian #miltech startups, set a great example to follow. Yesterday’s investment summit was all about dynamic discussions, a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s potential, and the opportunities ahead. I’m confident that very soon, we’ll be seeing tangible results from this event in the headlines. #Ukraine #Investment #DefenseIndustry #MilTech #GreenFlagVentures

Couldn’t be more excited to be in the thick of this burgeoning opportunity with Green Flag Ventures. GFV will do well by doing right - standing with outstanding Ukrainian innovators to help kick the Russian invaders out while bringing their amazing tech to a global market. Honored to be able to support Deborah Fairlamb and Justin Zeefe as they blaze the path. Slava Ukraina! https://lnkd.in/gX-R7iTd

Swarmer wins the “Best Software Defensive Startup” at the IDF Awards in Kyiv 🇺🇦 Hosted during the Innovation Development Fund annual meeting, the 2024 IDF Awards recognized the leaders of the Ukrainian innovation ecosystem across 12 nominations. This year’s event brought together Ukrainian innovators, government officials, investors, international organizations, and key ecosystem players, including the Ukrainian Startup Fund working with civilian projects, the BRAVE1 cluster focusing on defense projects, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. Our defense tech nomination highlights Swarmer’s cutting-edge AI technologies for coordinated drone swarms — we’re addressing real-world battlefield challenges with innovation and precision. As Ukraine emerges as a leader in defense innovation, Swarmer is committed to driving this transformation, integrating seamlessly with Western partners, and scaling solutions globally. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, investors, and supporters — your belief in our mission enables us to push technological boundaries and make meaningful progress. Our work is far from over. We create systems that not just perform but protect. Send drones. Keep humans. #Ukraine #InnovationForDefense #USF #Brave1 #Swarmer

📣🚨 #Shortlisted! Huge congratulations to Swarmer and HIMERA, nominees (& Green Flag Ventures portfolio family members) for DIGITALEUROPE's 2025 #FutureUnicornAward in the Dual Use category! No surprise that six of the 15 nominees are #Ukrainian startups... ✈️ Swarmer leads the pack in AI-driven autonomous drone teaming, empowering safer, smarter operations in high-risk environments. Their technology is already being utilized by combat units in the armed forces. 📞 HIMERA builds feature-rich secure tactical communications systems for modern conflict. Thousands of their radios are in active operation not only in Ukraine, but abroad. 🚀 The other four #Ukrainian 🇺🇦 nominees are remarkable and deserve mention: 🦾 Esper Bionics - First bionic ecosystem of connected devices to push the boundaries of human potential. Pioneers in AI-driven bionic prosthetics on track to be the future common standard for human augmentation. 📸 Oko Camera - Low-cost, high-quality thermal vision sensors, enhancing surveillance, search & rescue, and industrial inspections. 🛻 Roboneers - Uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV) and control platforms for hostile or hazardous environments, agriculture, and logistics. 🔎 UADAMAGE: AI-powered GIS platform for automatic overhead remote sensing, facilitating rapid damage assessment, resource management, and urban planning. 📢 Special shoutout to #Estonian nominee SensusQ, whose platform fuses data from drones, cyber events, and intelligence sources into actionable insights, enabling fast and informed battlefield decisions. Congratulations to all, and keep moving! #Startups #Innovation #Ukraine #DualUse #VentureCapital #GFV #GreenFlagVentures #Himera #Swarmer

🚨 Road Show Alert! 🚨 DALLAS, TX 🚨 Calling all innovators and investors in/near Dallas, Texas this Monday, Dec 2! Join us for an evening of dinner, drinks, and discussion about why Ukraine’s tech sector is emerging as the next Israel. Hear about the cutting-edge startups Green Flag Ventures has backed and the groundbreaking dual-use, AI, and cyber tech we’re preparing to invest in for Q1. 📣 Two lucky attendees will win a print of the now famous drawing (in invite), with a personal message and autograph by the Ukrainian soldier who famously said: "Russian warship, go f*** yourself!" Limited space available for 12 more guests - hope to see you there!