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

Managing Partner

Vlad Tislenko

Partner

Past deals in FSU

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2022
Carbominer is a climate technology startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, that specializes in developing industrial modules for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The company targets greenhouse operators and other commercial clients aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts by providing green CO₂ as a service. Carbominer's modular Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is designed for ease of installation, being embedded in transportable shipping containers. This innovative approach allows users to harness inexpensive intermittent renewable electricity for carbon capture, eliminating the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs. The technology has potential applications in various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the decarbonization of the construction industry, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2021
Carbominer is a climate technology startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, that specializes in developing industrial modules for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The company targets greenhouse operators and other commercial clients aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts by providing green CO₂ as a service. Carbominer's modular Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is designed for ease of installation, being embedded in transportable shipping containers. This innovative approach allows users to harness inexpensive intermittent renewable electricity for carbon capture, eliminating the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs. The technology has potential applications in various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the decarbonization of the construction industry, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Carbominer

Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a climate technology startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, that specializes in developing industrial modules for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The company targets greenhouse operators and other commercial clients aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts by providing green CO₂ as a service. Carbominer's modular Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is designed for ease of installation, being embedded in transportable shipping containers. This innovative approach allows users to harness inexpensive intermittent renewable electricity for carbon capture, eliminating the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs. The technology has potential applications in various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the decarbonization of the construction industry, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Esper Bionics

Seed Round in 2020
Esper Bionics is a Ukrainian company founded in 2018 that specializes in the development of advanced prosthetics and human enhancement devices. The company focuses on creating bionic limbs and controllers, particularly its flagship product, the Esper Hand, which is a self-learning myoelectric hand prosthesis. Esper Bionics also offers the Esper Control, a wearable brain-computer interface, and the Esper Platform, a cloud-based software solution designed to customize the operation of these devices. By integrating technologies such as digital signal processing, artificial intelligence, and low-power electronics, the company aims to enhance the functionality and adaptability of its products, providing users with improved control and ease in daily activities. Their innovative approach includes features that allow bionic hands to automatically adjust grips, catering to a range of user needs.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2020
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that operates an online clothing store, specializing in stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company aims to provide customers with affordable options through its online platform, which features a diverse range of products. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers to browse and order items from extensive catalogs. This dual approach enables the business to cater to a broad audience seeking trendy clothing at accessible prices.

Carbominer

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Carbominer is a climate technology startup founded in 2020 and based in Kiev, Ukraine, that specializes in developing industrial modules for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The company targets greenhouse operators and other commercial clients aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts by providing green CO₂ as a service. Carbominer's modular Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is designed for ease of installation, being embedded in transportable shipping containers. This innovative approach allows users to harness inexpensive intermittent renewable electricity for carbon capture, eliminating the need for liquefaction, storage, and transportation, thereby reducing costs. The technology has potential applications in various sectors, including indoor agriculture and the decarbonization of the construction industry, offering a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon capture methods.

Seadora

Seed Round in 2019
Seadora operates a fish-booking platform that allows customers to order seafood directly from the source, significantly reducing waste in the seafood supply chain. By collecting pre-orders from both individuals and businesses, Seadora only catches the quantity of fish that has been booked and pre-paid, ensuring sustainable fishing practices. This model eliminates intermediaries, allowing for the delivery of fresh fish with maximum quality and nutritional value, as it is never frozen. Each delivery is fully traceable through QR codes, promoting transparency and sustainability. Seadora aims to provide not just seafood, but also a wholesome experience for families, contributing to a zero-waste approach to ocean resources.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that operates an online clothing store, specializing in stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company aims to provide customers with affordable options through its online platform, which features a diverse range of products. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers to browse and order items from extensive catalogs. This dual approach enables the business to cater to a broad audience seeking trendy clothing at accessible prices.

Love&Live

Seed Round in 2019
Love&Live is a fast fashion retailer that operates an online clothing store, specializing in stylish and fashionable apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children. The company aims to provide customers with affordable options through its online platform, which features a diverse range of products. In addition to its online presence, Love&Live also maintains offline retail stores, allowing customers to browse and order items from extensive catalogs. This dual approach enables the business to cater to a broad audience seeking trendy clothing at accessible prices.

Competera

Seed Round in 2019
Competera Limited is an AI-driven price optimization company that offers cloud-based software solutions for both online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D facility in Kyiv, Ukraine, Competera's platform enables retailers to set and maintain optimal prices using advanced deep learning algorithms. By analyzing billions of price combinations and integrating over 20 pricing and non-pricing factors along with real-time competitive data, the platform minimizes financial losses and can rebound an average of 6% of gross margin. Competera differentiates itself by providing efficient and fast pricing management at the category level, eliminating the need for manual analysis and allowing for rapid repricing with minimal user input. The solution is designed for quick onboarding, making it accessible even for users without specific expertise, and supports various pricing scenarios with simple operational commands.

Superorder

Seed Round in 2018
Superorder Inc. specializes in developing software for cryptocurrency traders, offering a platform that integrates with popular crypto exchanges. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, with an additional office in Kyiv, Ukraine, Superorder provides users with a convenient trading interface that includes features such as a drag-and-drop strategy builder. This functionality allows traders to automate their trading processes, create predefined order flows, and implement strategies that are not available directly on exchanges. By enhancing the trading experience, Superorder aims to help users improve their investment capabilities and maximize their earnings in the cryptocurrency market.

Competera

Seed Round in 2017
Competera Limited is an AI-driven price optimization company that offers cloud-based software solutions for both online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, with additional offices in London, Singapore, and an R&D facility in Kyiv, Ukraine, Competera's platform enables retailers to set and maintain optimal prices using advanced deep learning algorithms. By analyzing billions of price combinations and integrating over 20 pricing and non-pricing factors along with real-time competitive data, the platform minimizes financial losses and can rebound an average of 6% of gross margin. Competera differentiates itself by providing efficient and fast pricing management at the category level, eliminating the need for manual analysis and allowing for rapid repricing with minimal user input. The solution is designed for quick onboarding, making it accessible even for users without specific expertise, and supports various pricing scenarios with simple operational commands.

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.

Ajax Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Ajax Systems manufactures smart security systems and sensors for homes. It offers wireless window and door opening sensors and movement sensors. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

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.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.