SMRK VC Fund

SMRK VC Fund is a venture capital firm based in Kyiv, Ukraine, established in 2013 by Oleksandr Kosovan and Andriy Dovzhenko. The firm specializes in investing in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage companies, primarily focusing on information technology startups. Its investment strategy encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including software for mobile operating systems, casual and business software, and services aimed at both consumers and businesses. SMRK VC Fund targets projects based in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Central Europe, while also considering opportunities in other regions. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $1 million, seeking to acquire a minority stake in its portfolio companies. Notable projects funded by SMRK include Allset, Preply, Competera, and AJAX Systems.

Andriy Dovzhenko

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Oleksandr Kosovan

Co-Founder and Partner

Vlad Tislenko

Partner

35 past transactions

Osavul

Seed Round in 2024
Osavul is a developer of an artificial intelligence-powered platform focused on enhancing media intelligence and open-source analytics. The company's offerings include tools for narrative analysis and the identification of information threats, which assist businesses, governments, and civil society organizations in safeguarding against disinformation and reputational risks. By leveraging advanced AI technology, Osavul aims to provide comprehensive solutions that enable its clients to navigate the complexities of information security and maintain their integrity in an increasingly challenging media landscape.

Competera

Seed Round in 2024
Competera Limited is a cloud-native, AI-driven price optimization company founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D center in Kyiv, Ukraine. The company specializes in providing advanced price optimization and data scraping software tailored for enterprise retailers. Its platform employs deep learning algorithms to analyze billions of price combinations, enabling retailers to set and maintain optimal pricing strategies that enhance customer trust and minimize financial losses. By offering algorithmic recommendations based on a variety of pricing and non-pricing factors, Competera facilitates efficient pricing management across multiple price lists and categories. The intuitive design of the platform allows for quick onboarding and simplified repricing processes, making it accessible to users without specialized skills. Competera's solutions aim to boost gross margins and support retailers in achieving their strategic objectives, whether that involves margin growth or increasing market share.

Osavul

Seed Round in 2023
Osavul is a developer of an artificial intelligence-powered platform focused on enhancing media intelligence and open-source analytics. The company's offerings include tools for narrative analysis and the identification of information threats, which assist businesses, governments, and civil society organizations in safeguarding against disinformation and reputational risks. By leveraging advanced AI technology, Osavul aims to provide comprehensive solutions that enable its clients to navigate the complexities of information security and maintain their integrity in an increasingly challenging media landscape.

Prengi

Seed Round in 2023
Prengi operates a comprehensive facility management platform designed to collect, store, and analyze data related to facility operations. The platform enhances the management of maintenance procedures for shopping malls and retail chains by providing features such as predictive maintenance, smart energy management, and equipment and asset management. Additionally, it supports capital and staff planning, work order management, and scheduling. Prengi's client portal facilitates online control over technology implementation and budget management, enabling businesses to identify and address operational issues efficiently, ultimately reducing time and costs associated with facility management.

Aspichi

Seed Round in 2023
Aspichi is a company focused on creating an audiovisual teleportation platform that leverages 360-degree video and virtual reality technologies. Its innovative platform caters to various sectors, including telemedicine, video security, construction, online education, and manufacturing. By enabling real-time streaming of video and audio, Aspichi's technology allows users to immerse themselves in a realistic environment through a headset. This capability is particularly beneficial for training in complex skills, such as those required in surgical procedures and prosthetics, thereby enhancing learning experiences and operational efficiency in diverse fields.

Deus Robotics

Seed Round in 2023
Deus Robotics is an innovative company focused on advancing robotics technology to enhance operational efficiency across various industries. The company specializes in developing moving and sorting robots tailored for warehouse operations, designed to transport heavy goods and facilitate sorting tasks. By integrating these intelligent machines into business ecosystems, Deus Robotics aims to promote safe and efficient automation, ultimately augmenting human capabilities and improving productivity in sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. The team, composed of experienced engineers and designers, is committed to shaping the future of human-machine collaboration through cutting-edge robotics solutions.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2022
Carbominer is a climate tech startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in the development of industrial modules for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. The company provides green CO₂ as a service to commercial clients, particularly greenhouse operators, who are looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Carbominer's innovative technology is designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using modular, transportable 20ft shipping containers, which can operate on inexpensive, intermittent renewable energy. This approach eliminates the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs associated with carbon capture. The company aims to support various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the construction industry, by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

SupportYourApp

Venture Round in 2022
SupportYourApp is a support-as-a-service company that specializes in providing technical and customer support services to growing businesses. With over 13 years of experience and a team of more than 1,400 professionals, the company operates in over 60 languages and is committed to maintaining high standards of security and compliance, including PCI/DSS L1 certification and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification. SupportYourApp offers a range of services such as customer support, technical support, social media customer service, and back-office operations. Their approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a seamless onboarding process that integrates consultants into the clients' products. By focusing on exceptional service and effective support, SupportYourApp aims to empower businesses to achieve their goals.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2022
Carbominer is a climate tech startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in the development of industrial modules for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. The company provides green CO₂ as a service to commercial clients, particularly greenhouse operators, who are looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Carbominer's innovative technology is designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using modular, transportable 20ft shipping containers, which can operate on inexpensive, intermittent renewable energy. This approach eliminates the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs associated with carbon capture. The company aims to support various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the construction industry, by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2021
Carbominer is a climate tech startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in the development of industrial modules for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. The company provides green CO₂ as a service to commercial clients, particularly greenhouse operators, who are looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Carbominer's innovative technology is designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using modular, transportable 20ft shipping containers, which can operate on inexpensive, intermittent renewable energy. This approach eliminates the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs associated with carbon capture. The company aims to support various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the construction industry, by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a climate tech startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in the development of industrial modules for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. The company provides green CO₂ as a service to commercial clients, particularly greenhouse operators, who are looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Carbominer's innovative technology is designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using modular, transportable 20ft shipping containers, which can operate on inexpensive, intermittent renewable energy. This approach eliminates the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs associated with carbon capture. The company aims to support various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the construction industry, by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Esper Bionics

Seed Round in 2020
Esper Bionics is an engineering company based in Kyiv, Ukraine, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing advanced prosthetics for orthopedics and neurology, with a focus on human enhancement devices. The company's products include the Esper Hand, a bionic self-learning hand prosthesis registered with the FDA, and the Esper Control, a wearable brain-computer interface. Additionally, Esper Bionics offers solutions in mechatronics, neural implants, and wearable electronics, utilizing technologies such as digital signal processing, artificial intelligence, data collection, and low-power electronics. Their innovations aim to provide users with limb differences enhanced control and functionality in everyday tasks.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2020
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that specializes in providing a wide selection of stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company operates an online clothing store where customers can browse through an extensive catalog of its own brand products at affordable prices. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers the convenience of choosing between online and in-store shopping experiences. This approach enables the company to cater to diverse customer preferences while ensuring a variety of options for fashion-conscious consumers.

Allset Technologies

Series B in 2020
Allset Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Allset, is a technology company that operates a mobile application designed to connect restaurants with local diners. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Allset allows users to easily find nearby restaurants, place orders in advance, and pay for their meals without the need for waiting. The platform emphasizes commission-free transactions for restaurants, enabling them to provide online ordering and contactless dining solutions. Additionally, Allset features a rewards program that offers cashback on orders, alongside user-friendly menus and designated pickup areas. The company's focus is on facilitating convenient and efficient dining experiences for users, thereby supporting local restaurants and enhancing customer engagement in busy areas.

Carbominer

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a climate tech startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, specializing in the development of industrial modules for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. The company provides green CO₂ as a service to commercial clients, particularly greenhouse operators, who are looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. Carbominer's innovative technology is designed to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using modular, transportable 20ft shipping containers, which can operate on inexpensive, intermittent renewable energy. This approach eliminates the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs associated with carbon capture. The company aims to support various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the construction industry, by offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Seadora

Seed Round in 2019
Seadora is a fish-booking platform that enables customers to order fresh fish and seafood directly from the source. By collecting pre-orders from both individuals and businesses, Seadora operates on a model where fish are only caught based on confirmed demand, significantly reducing waste in the seafood supply chain. The company prioritizes quality and freshness, ensuring that seafood is delivered without intermediaries and remains in its original, unprocessed state. Each delivery is accompanied by QR codes for full traceability, highlighting Seadora's commitment to sustainability. By focusing on direct sourcing, Seadora provides a unique dining experience that promotes health and enjoyment while supporting responsible ocean resource management.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that specializes in providing a wide selection of stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company operates an online clothing store where customers can browse through an extensive catalog of its own brand products at affordable prices. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers the convenience of choosing between online and in-store shopping experiences. This approach enables the company to cater to diverse customer preferences while ensuring a variety of options for fashion-conscious consumers.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that specializes in providing a wide selection of stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company operates an online clothing store where customers can browse through an extensive catalog of its own brand products at affordable prices. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers the convenience of choosing between online and in-store shopping experiences. This approach enables the company to cater to diverse customer preferences while ensuring a variety of options for fashion-conscious consumers.

Competera

Seed Round in 2019
Competera Limited is a cloud-native, AI-driven price optimization company founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D center in Kyiv, Ukraine. The company specializes in providing advanced price optimization and data scraping software tailored for enterprise retailers. Its platform employs deep learning algorithms to analyze billions of price combinations, enabling retailers to set and maintain optimal pricing strategies that enhance customer trust and minimize financial losses. By offering algorithmic recommendations based on a variety of pricing and non-pricing factors, Competera facilitates efficient pricing management across multiple price lists and categories. The intuitive design of the platform allows for quick onboarding and simplified repricing processes, making it accessible to users without specialized skills. Competera's solutions aim to boost gross margins and support retailers in achieving their strategic objectives, whether that involves margin growth or increasing market share.

Superorder

Seed Round in 2018
Superorder Inc. is a software development company based in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Kyiv, Ukraine. Founded in 2015, Superorder specializes in creating a cryptocurrency trading platform that integrates with popular crypto exchanges. The platform offers traders a user-friendly interface and advanced features, such as a drag-and-drop strategy builder, allowing them to automate trading and predefine order flows. By providing tools that are not typically available on exchanges, Superorder enhances traders' capabilities, enabling them to develop strategies, track their currencies, and optimize their investment potential.

Preply

Seed Round in 2018
Preply Inc. is an online marketplace that connects students with tutors for personalized learning experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, the platform allows students to find and engage independent tutors for various subjects and test preparations, including SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and IELTS. Tutors can create and offer subject-specific packages that include learning materials, which students can filter based on price, duration, and specific requirements. With a global network of over 50,000 tutors and millions of learners, Preply has facilitated more than 15 million lessons, emphasizing the importance of live engagement in effective learning. The company operates with a diverse team of over 400 employees across multiple locations, including Barcelona and Kyiv, and is committed to creating innovative learning solutions through data-driven approaches.

Apostera

Seed Round in 2017
Apostera GmbH is an automotive technology company based in Munich, Germany, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing an advanced platform for autonomous driving that integrates a range of active safety applications, including lane keeping assistance, collision avoidance, and augmented navigation. Apostera's innovative solutions leverage augmented reality, smart camera technology, and surround-view monitoring to enhance the driving experience and improve safety by helping drivers understand maneuvers and interact with their environment. The company addresses the growing demand for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across Europe, North America, and Asia, positioning itself at the forefront of the transition to autonomous mobility.

Competera

Seed Round in 2017
Competera Limited is a cloud-native, AI-driven price optimization company founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D center in Kyiv, Ukraine. The company specializes in providing advanced price optimization and data scraping software tailored for enterprise retailers. Its platform employs deep learning algorithms to analyze billions of price combinations, enabling retailers to set and maintain optimal pricing strategies that enhance customer trust and minimize financial losses. By offering algorithmic recommendations based on a variety of pricing and non-pricing factors, Competera facilitates efficient pricing management across multiple price lists and categories. The intuitive design of the platform allows for quick onboarding and simplified repricing processes, making it accessible to users without specialized skills. Competera's solutions aim to boost gross margins and support retailers in achieving their strategic objectives, whether that involves margin growth or increasing market share.

Allset Technologies

Series A in 2017
Allset Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Allset, is a technology company that operates a mobile application designed to connect restaurants with local diners. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Allset allows users to easily find nearby restaurants, place orders in advance, and pay for their meals without the need for waiting. The platform emphasizes commission-free transactions for restaurants, enabling them to provide online ordering and contactless dining solutions. Additionally, Allset features a rewards program that offers cashback on orders, alongside user-friendly menus and designated pickup areas. The company's focus is on facilitating convenient and efficient dining experiences for users, thereby supporting local restaurants and enhancing customer engagement in busy areas.

Kitcast

Seed Round in 2017
Kitcast Inc. is a company that specializes in designing and developing digital signage software. Founded in 2014 and based in Wilmington, Delaware, the company offers a platform that enables users to manage various types of digital content, including advertisements, social videos, and menu boards. Kitcast's software allows for the creation of playlists and scheduling of content, making it accessible for users in diverse sectors such as corporate, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. The platform is user-friendly, requiring only ten minutes for setup without the need for additional devices or technical expertise. By leveraging machine learning and data science, Kitcast analyzes customer behavior to provide insights and recommendations for optimizing content, ultimately enhancing engagement and profitability for its clients. Notable customers include well-known brands such as Apple, Marriott, and Nike.

Allset Technologies

Seed Round in 2016
Allset Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Allset, is a technology company that operates a mobile application designed to connect restaurants with local diners. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Allset allows users to easily find nearby restaurants, place orders in advance, and pay for their meals without the need for waiting. The platform emphasizes commission-free transactions for restaurants, enabling them to provide online ordering and contactless dining solutions. Additionally, Allset features a rewards program that offers cashback on orders, alongside user-friendly menus and designated pickup areas. The company's focus is on facilitating convenient and efficient dining experiences for users, thereby supporting local restaurants and enhancing customer engagement in busy areas.

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. is an online marketplace that connects students with tutors for personalized learning experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, the platform allows students to find and engage independent tutors for various subjects and test preparations, including SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and IELTS. Tutors can create and offer subject-specific packages that include learning materials, which students can filter based on price, duration, and specific requirements. With a global network of over 50,000 tutors and millions of learners, Preply has facilitated more than 15 million lessons, emphasizing the importance of live engagement in effective learning. The company operates with a diverse team of over 400 employees across multiple locations, including Barcelona and Kyiv, and is committed to creating innovative learning solutions through data-driven approaches.

TurnKey Lender

Seed Round in 2016
Turnkey Lender is a global technology company that specializes in developing and marketing cloud-based platforms for automating lending processes. Established in 2014, the company offers modular solutions that cater to various lending sectors, including consumer lending, microfinance, payday loans, and more. Its AI-powered software automates the entire lending process, from origination and underwriting to loan servicing, debt collection, and reporting. Turnkey Lender serves innovative lenders in over 50 countries, with offices in the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine, and Poland.

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 Technologies

Seed Round in 2015
Allset Technologies, Inc., commonly known as Allset, is a technology company that operates a mobile application designed to connect restaurants with local diners. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Allset allows users to easily find nearby restaurants, place orders in advance, and pay for their meals without the need for waiting. The platform emphasizes commission-free transactions for restaurants, enabling them to provide online ordering and contactless dining solutions. Additionally, Allset features a rewards program that offers cashback on orders, alongside user-friendly menus and designated pickup areas. The company's focus is on facilitating convenient and efficient dining experiences for users, thereby supporting local restaurants and enhancing customer engagement in busy areas.

Ajax Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Ajax Systems Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of advanced smart security systems and sensors, primarily for residential applications. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, the company provides a range of products including wireless window and door opening sensors, movement detectors, leak and fire detectors, and glass protectors. Ajax Systems also offers hubs that allow clients to integrate and manage multiple devices within their security systems, enhancing communication and control. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Ajax Systems serves customers across Europe, aiming to enhance home security through cutting-edge technology.

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 recruitment software company that streamlines technical talent acquisition. Its platform automatically scours over 50 sources to find suitable candidates, using AI technology to efficiently pre-screen profiles. Trusted by over 6000 recruiters and prominent clients such as VMware and Nvidia, AmazingHiring enables users to search across multiple networks simultaneously, automate sourcing, discover candidate backgrounds, reach out directly, create targeted messages, and manage their hiring pipeline.

AmazingHiring

Seed Round in 2013
AmazingHiring is a recruitment software company that streamlines technical talent acquisition. Its platform automatically scours over 50 sources to find suitable candidates, using AI technology to efficiently pre-screen profiles. Trusted by over 6000 recruiters and prominent clients such as VMware and Nvidia, AmazingHiring enables users to search across multiple networks simultaneously, automate sourcing, discover candidate backgrounds, reach out directly, create targeted messages, and manage their hiring pipeline.
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