From Ukraine to the World: Building Global Startups in 2025
About the Event
As part of the TechChill conference, SET University invites you to a fireside chat about what it means to build a startup from Ukraine today, when the world is shifting, markets are volatile, and attention from investors and clients is harder than ever to earn.
This discussion brings together two perspectives: a global lens from one of Europe’s most influential tech journalist and a Ukrainian founder’s inside view of scaling from Kyiv to the world. Mike Butcher will share insights on how founders from emerging ecosystems can stand out, attract investment, and build products that matter. Anton Avrynskyi will speak about growing from local to global, staying resilient in uncertainty, and turning that resilience into a long-term advantage. Together, they’ll explore how Ukraine is shaping into a new tech hub.
Speakers
Mike Butcher
British journalist, entrepreneur, and technology analyst; co-founder of Pathfounders and former Editor-at-Large at TechCrunch.
Mike is one of the most influential journalists in the European tech community and a recipient of prestigious international awards. For nearly 18 years, he served as an editor and analyst at TechCrunch Europe, helping to shape which startups would capture the world’s attention. This year, he launched his own project — Pathfounders, a new media platform and event series focused on innovation and technology.
In 2016, Mike was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to the development of the UK’s technology sector and journalism. He has spoken at the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and DLD, and has interviewed Tony Blair, Jimmy Wales, Lily Cole, and other global leaders and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Mike Butcher is the co-founder of several tech initiatives — The Europas Awards, TechHub, Techfugees, TechVets, and the Startup Coalition — bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and veterans of the tech industry.
Anton Avrynskyi
CEO and co-founder of Liki24, a European health and wellness marketplace operating in 10 countries and serving over 2.5 million customers. Before founding Liki24, Anton spent 15 years at IT-Enterprise, where he advanced from engineer to partner and head of one of the group’s key business divisions. He holds a degree in Computer Science from Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) and completed the Stanford Ignite program.
Under his leadership, Liki24 has raised over $16 million in investments from TA Ventures, Horizon Capital, Flyer One Ventures, SID Venture Partners, and others. The company is now focused on expanding its operations across Europe and building a personalized, preventive health ecosystem.
Moderator
Iryna Volnytska
Advancing modern technological education in Ukraine as the President of SET University. She has over 10 years of experience leading technology teams in executive and C-level positions within deep-tech companies and business consulting. Iryna is the driving force behind the idea of creating an innovation hub in Ukraine.
Who should attend
