SMRK VC Fund

SMRK VC Fund is a venture capital firm established in November 2013 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine. The firm specializes in funding pre-seed, seed, and early-stage startups, primarily focusing on information technology projects. SMRK VC Fund targets investments in software for mobile operating systems, casual and business software, and enhancing the online presence of offline businesses, as well as B2C and B2B services. It concentrates its efforts on IT projects in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Central Europe but is open to opportunities in other regions as well. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $1 million, seeking to acquire a minority stake in the companies it supports. Notable projects funded by SMRK VC Fund include Allset, Preply, Competera, and AJAX Systems.

Andriy Dovzhenko

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Oleksandr Kosovan

Co-Founder and Partner

Vlad Tislenko

Partner

29 past transactions

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2022
Carbominer is a hardware startup based in Kiev, Ukraine, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing industrial modules that capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Its technology offers greenhouse operators a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally purchased CO2. By providing both the carbon capture technology and installation services, Carbominer enables clients to adopt a more sustainable approach to carbon sourcing, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2021
Carbominer is a hardware startup based in Kiev, Ukraine, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing industrial modules that capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Its technology offers greenhouse operators a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally purchased CO2. By providing both the carbon capture technology and installation services, Carbominer enables clients to adopt a more sustainable approach to carbon sourcing, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a hardware startup based in Kiev, Ukraine, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing industrial modules that capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Its technology offers greenhouse operators a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally purchased CO2. By providing both the carbon capture technology and installation services, Carbominer enables clients to adopt a more sustainable approach to carbon sourcing, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Esper Bionics

Seed Round in 2020
Esper Bionics is an engineering company based in Kyiv, Ukraine, that specializes in developing advanced prosthetic solutions for individuals with limb differences. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating myoelectric prostheses, including its flagship IoT robotic hand, which combines affordable mechanics with sophisticated software. Esper Bionics aims to revolutionize the prosthetic industry through innovative control technologies and data-collective architecture, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of bionic limbs. Their products are designed to provide users with natural movements and the ability to adjust grips automatically, improving ease of use in daily tasks. In addition to prosthetics, the company explores applications in mechatronics, neural implants, and wearable electronics, positioning itself to influence multiple sectors.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2020
Fast Fashion Retailer Selling Own Brand Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories

Allset

Series B in 2020
Allset Technologies, Inc., known as Allset, is a mobile application designed to streamline the dining experience by allowing users to locate restaurants, place orders, and make payments efficiently. Founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, Allset targets busy diners seeking quick, healthy meals, while also promoting contactless pickup options. The platform connects local restaurants with customers, facilitating easy and frictionless everyday dining. Additionally, Allset offers features such as user-friendly menus, dedicated pickup areas, and a rewards program that provides cashback on orders, helping restaurants reduce delivery costs and enhance community service.

Carbominer

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a hardware startup based in Kiev, Ukraine, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing industrial modules that capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Its technology offers greenhouse operators a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally purchased CO2. By providing both the carbon capture technology and installation services, Carbominer enables clients to adopt a more sustainable approach to carbon sourcing, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Seadora

Seed Round in 2019
Ocean is the largest fresh fish store in the world. But! Up to 60% of wild caught seafood goes to waste every year. Some fish we loose in supply chains, the rest we throw away unconsumed from our fridges. In Seadora we collect pre-orders from you, doesn't matter who you are business or individual, and treat that as your manifestation of intention to consume what you have pre-ordered and pre-paid. We only catch fish as much as you order it, as much as it is booked. Fish goes directly from your fishermen to you without intermediaries, delivered with AAA Freshness Quality, fully traceable by QR codes, fully sustainable and never frozen. We don't deliver just fish - we deliver cozy family evenings, smiles and health for everyone at zero waste rate of ocean wild life resource.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Fast Fashion Retailer Selling Own Brand Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Fast Fashion Retailer Selling Own Brand Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories

Competera

Seed Round in 2019
Competera Limited is a cloud-native, AI-driven price optimization company that helps both online and brick-and-mortar retailers enhance their revenue through effective pricing strategies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D center in Kyiv, Ukraine, Competera offers advanced software solutions that leverage machine learning and econometric practices. The platform analyzes 60 pricing and non-pricing factors, along with self-price elasticity and cross-product sales dependencies, to provide retailers with optimal price recommendations. By implementing these insights, businesses can improve their bottom line metrics and maintain appropriate price perceptions in the market.

Superorder

Seed Round in 2018
Superorder Inc. is a software company that specializes in developing a trading platform for cryptocurrency traders. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Kyiv, Ukraine, the company provides users with a convenient interface that integrates with popular crypto exchanges. Its platform enables traders to automate their trading processes and create predefined sequences of actions, including a drag-and-drop strategy builder. This functionality allows users to build and implement trading strategies that enhance their investment capabilities and optimize their trading experience, ultimately helping them to earn more in the dynamic cryptocurrency market.

Preply

Seed Round in 2018
Preply Inc. operates an online tutoring marketplace that connects students with independent tutors for personalized learning experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, the platform allows users to search for tutors across various subjects and filter options based on price, duration, and tutor credentials. Tutors can create specific tutoring packages that include learning materials to enhance the educational experience. The marketplace supports preparation for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and IELTS, among others, facilitating sessions via video conferencing tools like Skype. Preply serves a diverse user base by offering access to professional private tutors from over 185 countries, thereby promoting effective learning and helping students achieve their academic goals.

Apostera

Seed Round in 2017
Apostera GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in developing an innovative automotive platform focused on enhancing driver safety and facilitating autonomous driving. Established in 2017, the company offers a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that include lane-keeping and departure warnings, collision avoidance, and augmented navigation features. Apostera's software solutions leverage augmented reality, smart camera technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to improve situational awareness for drivers. By integrating these technologies, Apostera aims to create a new driving experience that enhances safety and reduces the risk of collisions, contributing to the evolution of mobility in an increasingly autonomous era. The company addresses market demands across Europe, North America, and Asia, drawing on its team of skilled engineers to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Competera

Seed Round in 2017
Competera Limited is a cloud-native, AI-driven price optimization company that helps both online and brick-and-mortar retailers enhance their revenue through effective pricing strategies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D center in Kyiv, Ukraine, Competera offers advanced software solutions that leverage machine learning and econometric practices. The platform analyzes 60 pricing and non-pricing factors, along with self-price elasticity and cross-product sales dependencies, to provide retailers with optimal price recommendations. By implementing these insights, businesses can improve their bottom line metrics and maintain appropriate price perceptions in the market.

Allset

Series A in 2017
Allset Technologies, Inc., known as Allset, is a mobile application designed to streamline the dining experience by allowing users to locate restaurants, place orders, and make payments efficiently. Founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, Allset targets busy diners seeking quick, healthy meals, while also promoting contactless pickup options. The platform connects local restaurants with customers, facilitating easy and frictionless everyday dining. Additionally, Allset offers features such as user-friendly menus, dedicated pickup areas, and a rewards program that provides cashback on orders, helping restaurants reduce delivery costs and enhance community service.

Kitcast

Seed Round in 2017
Kitcast Inc. specializes in digital signage software that enables users to manage and display various types of content, such as advertisements, social videos, and menu boards, on any screen. Founded in 2014 and based in Wilmington, Delaware, Kitcast's platform is designed for ease of use, allowing clients to set it up in just ten minutes without requiring additional devices or technical skills. The software incorporates machine learning and data science to analyze customer behavior and provide actionable insights for content improvement. Kitcast serves a diverse clientele across sectors including corporate, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality, with notable clients such as Apple, Marriott, and Nike. The company’s solutions facilitate playlist creation and scheduling, helping organizations enhance engagement and profitability through effective digital content management.

Allset

Seed Round in 2016
Allset Technologies, Inc., known as Allset, is a mobile application designed to streamline the dining experience by allowing users to locate restaurants, place orders, and make payments efficiently. Founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, Allset targets busy diners seeking quick, healthy meals, while also promoting contactless pickup options. The platform connects local restaurants with customers, facilitating easy and frictionless everyday dining. Additionally, Allset offers features such as user-friendly menus, dedicated pickup areas, and a rewards program that provides cashback on orders, helping restaurants reduce delivery costs and enhance community service.

Quple (formerly Madberry)

Venture Round in 2016
Quple is performance oriented programmatic media buying system (DSP+ DMP) with focus on a highly precise hit into target audience for brand awareness and performance goals. Quple enables marketers to run highly efficient advertising campaigns with video commercials shown in mobile apps, video streams, web sites and Smart TV. We use data mining math to thoroughly segment users, sites, and applications worldwide and employ artificial intelligence to optimize campaigns automatically. As a result, we ensure above-market conversion rate without sacrificing the volume.

Preply

Seed Round in 2016
Preply Inc. operates an online tutoring marketplace that connects students with independent tutors for personalized learning experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, the platform allows users to search for tutors across various subjects and filter options based on price, duration, and tutor credentials. Tutors can create specific tutoring packages that include learning materials to enhance the educational experience. The marketplace supports preparation for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and IELTS, among others, facilitating sessions via video conferencing tools like Skype. Preply serves a diverse user base by offering access to professional private tutors from over 185 countries, thereby promoting effective learning and helping students achieve their academic goals.

Settle (Merged with Allset)

Venture Round in 2015
With Settle, you can pre-order lunch at restaurants, so that your food is ready when you arrive. You dine 60% faster, as you skip waiting for your table, food and check. Settle makes lunch your best time of the day by giving you delicious meals and more time for a real break. For restaurants: 100% prepaid orders and tables, 60% faster turnarounds, new sales online, more effective upselling and more targeted marketing. We focus on popular restaurants in busy areas with breakfast and lunch menu. We offer companies and teams group lunch pre-ordering at restaurants near their offices. In addition to mobile pre-ordering, restaurants can offer specials and happy hours during off-peak time. In Ukraine, we currently take 15-20% commission from restaurants. In the USA, the service will be launched free for restaurants and users. Then we'll try out this model: a small commission on every pre-order for restaurants during off-peak hours and a small fee for users during peak hours.

Allset

Seed Round in 2015
Allset Technologies, Inc., known as Allset, is a mobile application designed to streamline the dining experience by allowing users to locate restaurants, place orders, and make payments efficiently. Founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, California, Allset targets busy diners seeking quick, healthy meals, while also promoting contactless pickup options. The platform connects local restaurants with customers, facilitating easy and frictionless everyday dining. Additionally, Allset offers features such as user-friendly menus, dedicated pickup areas, and a rewards program that provides cashback on orders, helping restaurants reduce delivery costs and enhance community service.

Ajax Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Ajax Systems Inc. is a manufacturer of smart security systems and sensors designed for residential use. Founded in 2011 and based in Kyiv, Ukraine, the company provides a range of products including wireless window and door opening sensors, movement sensors, leak detectors, fire detectors, and glass protectors. Ajax Systems also offers hubs that enable clients to integrate and manage multiple devices within their security systems, ensuring comprehensive protection for homes across Europe.

Settle (Merged with Allset)

Seed Round in 2015
With Settle, you can pre-order lunch at restaurants, so that your food is ready when you arrive. You dine 60% faster, as you skip waiting for your table, food and check. Settle makes lunch your best time of the day by giving you delicious meals and more time for a real break. For restaurants: 100% prepaid orders and tables, 60% faster turnarounds, new sales online, more effective upselling and more targeted marketing. We focus on popular restaurants in busy areas with breakfast and lunch menu. We offer companies and teams group lunch pre-ordering at restaurants near their offices. In addition to mobile pre-ordering, restaurants can offer specials and happy hours during off-peak time. In Ukraine, we currently take 15-20% commission from restaurants. In the USA, the service will be launched free for restaurants and users. Then we'll try out this model: a small commission on every pre-order for restaurants during off-peak hours and a small fee for users during peak hours.

AmazingHiring

Seed Round in 2014
AmazingHiring is a web application for technical talents acquisition. It automatically searches for the right candidates across 50+ sources. AI-based technology helps to save time on candidate pre-screening. Powered by AI technology, trusted by 6000+ recruiters. Clients already include VMware, Nvidia, Dell, Intercom, Capgemini, and ThoughtWorks. Tech Hiring Starts with AmazingHiring: -> Search Across 50+ Networks in One Click -> Automate Sourcing with AI-Technology -> Discover Candidates Professional Background -> Reach Out to the Best Candidates Directly -> Create Targeted Messages to Candidates -> Manage Your Pipeline

AmazingHiring

Seed Round in 2013
AmazingHiring is a web application for technical talents acquisition. It automatically searches for the right candidates across 50+ sources. AI-based technology helps to save time on candidate pre-screening. Powered by AI technology, trusted by 6000+ recruiters. Clients already include VMware, Nvidia, Dell, Intercom, Capgemini, and ThoughtWorks. Tech Hiring Starts with AmazingHiring: -> Search Across 50+ Networks in One Click -> Automate Sourcing with AI-Technology -> Discover Candidates Professional Background -> Reach Out to the Best Candidates Directly -> Create Targeted Messages to Candidates -> Manage Your Pipeline
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