Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
MITS Capital is an investment group established to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities by directing foreign capital into its defense industrial base. Founded in 2024, the organization operates as a multi-faceted entity, combining a venture fund, accelerator, and financial advisory services. MITS Capital is headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, with additional operational presence in New York and Copenhagen. The firm is led by a team of seasoned investors and defense professionals, including former NATO officials and strategic advisors.
The organization focuses on early-stage and growth investments, particularly in dual-use and defense technologies. MITS Capital has a robust pipeline of over 500 screened startups, emphasizing scalable solutions validated in combat scenarios. The firm has made significant strides in supporting Ukrainian defense startups through its MITS Accelerator program, which provides intensive support and mentorship.
As of mid-2025, MITS Capital has invested in 11 portfolio companies, showcasing its commitment to driving advancements in defense technology. The firm aims to leverage its expertise and resources to foster innovation in the defense sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global defense technology landscape.
MITS Capital invests in high-potential Ukrainian defense and deep tech startups, particularly those involved in the 'drone war' sector. The firm operates across various technology readiness levels (TRL 1-9) and prioritizes scalable solutions that have been validated in combat scenarios by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Investment stages range from pre-seed to growth equity, with check sizes typically between $100,000 and $4 million.
The firm emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions that can enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. MITS Capital's investment strategy includes a focus on dual-use technologies, which can serve both civilian and military applications. The organization actively supports its portfolio companies through direct investments, strategic consulting, operational support, and lifelong mentorship.
Geographically, MITS Capital has a global focus, with a particular emphasis on Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The firm seeks to partner with startups that demonstrate a strong potential for growth and scalability, especially those that have been validated in real-world combat scenarios. This approach positions MITS Capital as a vital contributor to the advancement of defense technology in Ukraine and beyond.
MITS Capital's portfolio includes 11 notable companies, each contributing to the advancement of defense technology:
This diverse portfolio reflects MITS Capital's commitment to investing in innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the defense sector, particularly in the context of Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
Perry Boyle: Co-founder & CEO. Perry has a finance background with experience at Thomas Weisel Partners and SAC Capital. He has a deep understanding of investment banking and equity research.
Denys Gurak: Co-founder & COO/CIO. Denys oversees operations and investment strategies, bringing local expertise to the firm.
Anton Melnyk: Co-founder & CMO/GR Director. Anton focuses on marketing and government relations, leveraging his experience in the defense sector.
Ernest J. Herold: Co-Chair, former NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment. Ernest brings extensive experience in defense policy and investment.
Dmytro Sholomko: Co-Chair, former Country Director at Google for Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Dmytro's background in technology and business development enhances MITS Capital's strategic direction.
Fabrice Pothier: Co-founder and CEO of Rasmussen Global, Fabrice has a strong background in international relations and defense.
David Bonfili: Co-founder of ACME General Corp., David brings entrepreneurial experience and insights into startup dynamics.
Phillip A. Karber: Former Strategic Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Phillip has deep expertise in defense strategy and policy.
Alex Skubenko: Managing Partner, Investment Banking. Alex focuses on investment strategies and financial analysis.
Alina Lovchynovska: Managing Partner, MITS Accelerator Operations Manager. Alina oversees the accelerator program, ensuring startups receive the necessary support.
Hennadii Kornev: Executive Vice President, Strategy. Hennadii develops strategic initiatives for MITS Capital.
Ada Gurak: Vice President, Investment Banking. Ada focuses on financial modeling and investment analysis.
Yuliya Shapovalova: General Counsel, Yuliya provides legal guidance and support for the firm's operations.
Valentyna Dudko: Head of PR & Communications. Valentyna manages the firm's public relations and communication strategies.
Myron Yanitskyi: Associate, Investment Banking. Myron supports investment analysis and due diligence processes.
Denys Tarasov: Business Analyst/Project Manager. Denys focuses on project management and operational efficiency.
Nadiia Klepinina: Project Manager, Nadiia oversees various projects within the firm.
Luka Osyka: Acceleration Program Manager, Investment Banking Analyst. Luka manages the accelerator program and supports investment initiatives.
To pitch MITS Capital, founders should use the application form available at their [Pitch URL](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSek7mWR1Ps3O7kAO0fEYkIT5lXH7IhPCd2elKIDJOzozuSUMQ/viewform). The firm prefers detailed presentations that clearly outline the startup's innovative solutions, market potential, and any validation received from combat scenarios.
Founders should include information about their team, technology readiness level, and any partnerships or collaborations that enhance their startup's credibility. MITS Capital values transparency and clarity in pitches, so founders should be prepared to answer questions about their business model and growth strategy.
Response times may vary, but MITS Capital aims to provide timely feedback to applicants. Warm introductions are beneficial, especially from individuals within the defense technology sector or those connected to MITS Capital's network.
MITS Capital operates the MITS Accelerator, a six-month intensive program designed for Ukrainian defense startups. This Y-Combinator-style program provides direct investments starting from $100,000, along with $100,000 in services for acceleration and lifelong support.
The accelerator focuses on strategic consulting, operational support, and mentorship, ensuring that startups receive the necessary resources to scale effectively. Founders participating in the program benefit from access to a network of experienced investors and defense professionals, enhancing their chances of success in the competitive defense technology landscape.
In 2024, MITS Capital made a significant investment of $3.74 million in Tencore, a company specializing in unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). This investment aims to enhance Tencore's production capabilities, targeting 2,000 units of its flagship TerMIT platform by the end of 2025.
Additionally, MITS Capital co-invested $1.5 million in Teletactica alongside Green Flag Ventures. Teletactica, an alumnus of the MITS Accelerator, focuses on tactical communications and has shown promising growth in the defense sector.
The firm continues to expand its portfolio, actively supporting Ukrainian defense startups through its MITS Accelerator program, which provides both financial backing and mentorship. MITS Capital also publishes a newsletter to keep stakeholders informed about its activities and initiatives.
What are MITS Capital's investment criteria?
MITS Capital focuses on high-potential defense and deep tech startups, particularly those involved in dual-use technologies. The firm prioritizes companies that have been validated in combat scenarios and operate across various technology readiness levels (TRL 1-9).
How can I pitch to MITS Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the MITS Capital application form available at their [Pitch URL](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSek7mWR1Ps3O7kAO0fEYkIT5lXH7IhPCd2elKIDJOzozuSUMQ/viewform). The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the startup's innovative solutions and market potential.
What makes MITS Capital different from other investors?
MITS Capital uniquely combines a venture fund, accelerator, and financial advisory services, providing comprehensive support to its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes mentorship and operational support, ensuring that startups receive the resources needed to scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of MITS Capital's investments?
The firm has a global focus, with a particular emphasis on Ukraine and the United Kingdom. MITS Capital aims to channel foreign investment into Ukraine's defense industrial base, supporting local startups in the defense sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
MITS Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $4 million, depending on the stage of the startup and the specific needs of the business.
What kind of post-investment involvement does MITS Capital have?
MITS Capital provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through strategic consulting, operational assistance, and lifelong mentorship. The firm is actively involved in helping startups navigate challenges and scale their operations.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.