Mobilization named main risk by startup leaders, ahead of power outages

Mobilization remains the biggest risk for Ukrainian startups, according to a study conducted by research company Gradus Research for Web Summit 2023. Mobilization was chosen by 44% of respondents in October 2023.

In May 2023, the risk of possible interruptions in power supply was in the first place, now it is in the second position.

Among other fears of startups are the departure of employees abroad, loss of contracts, partners and suppliers, restrictions on access to funding sources, and communication interruptions.

Startups are more optimistic about the terms of the end of the war than stable Ukrainian businesses. 54% of respondents from startups are confident that the war will end by the end of 2024, compared to 38% among established business representatives.

The survey for the study used a self-administered questionnaire via a mobile app. A total of 799 top managers participated, including 114 from startup leadership and 685 from other Ukrainian businesses.