Ukraine’s fight for independence has captivated the world’s attention, but what’s less visible—yet equally powerful—is the economic battle that still needs to be won. Ukraine’s economy has taken hit after hit, yet it’s still standing—largely thanks to the ingenuity and determination of its businesses. These companies aren’t just focused on survival; they’re thinking bigger.
They’re finding ways to create lasting impact, from supporting local communities and providing humanitarian aid to championing sustainable practices and empowering marginalized groups. By supporting these businesses, you’re playing an integral role in reinforcing Ukraine’s independence. Every purchase is more than just a transaction—it’s an investment in the country’s future, driving job creation, innovation, and economic growth.
Ready to discover the best of them? Join us as we speak with the visionaries behind some of Ukraine’s most influential creative companies. Their stories will uncover how business can be a force for good even in the most challenging circumstances.
Independence Through Connection
Andriy Klen, Co-founder at Petcube, O0 Design, and Spend With Ukraine
Petcube, known for its innovative pet technology, has always pursued a mission that goes beyond simply creating gadgets. From the very beginning, their goal was to connect pets to the digital world—giving them a voice and ensuring that both pets and their owners lead happier, more connected lives. But as Ukraine faces significant challenges, this mission has gained new depth and urgency.
As co-founder Andriy Klen puts it, “We operate in a wartime economy, we are defending our independence. Business-as-usual output became the bare minimum of what we can contribute to the victory. Working folks here care both about the bottom line and supporting the defenders. So pretty much everybody chooses their extra mile to go.” For Petcube, that extra mile has meant forging partnerships with shelters and rescue organizations, driving initiatives that promote pet adoption both within Ukraine and globally. This is more than business—it's a commitment to their community and country.
In addition to these efforts, Petcube recently launched the Cam 360—a new interactive pet camera inspired by Kazymyr Malevych's iconic 'Black Circle,' a powerful symbol of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage, which Russia often tries to claim as its own. By launching this product, Petcube is making a statement: they’re not just in the business of pet tech; they’re also standing up for Ukrainian identity and culture.
Klen's commitment extends beyond Petcube through his work with O0 Design studio, which launched the Spend With Ukraine initiative. This non-profit platform showcases over 240 Ukrainian brands, offering global consumers a curated selection of products with Ukrainian roots. When customers choose to buy from these brands, around 40% of the purchase price is funneled back into Ukraine’s economy, directly supporting the country’s resilience. “They keep shipping the missiles, and we keep shipping the products,” Klen says, highlighting the determination of Ukrainian entrepreneurs to keep their businesses going despite the challenges.
Independence From Physical Limitations
Anna Believantseva, Co-founder and COO at Esper Bionics
Where Petcube connects pets and people across the globe, Esper Bionics is redefining human potential by giving those affected by war the tools they need to reclaim their independence.
Esper Bionics is at the forefront of a revolution in prosthetics, merging robotics, AI, and bionics to create advanced devices that go beyond traditional prosthetics. These state-of-the-art bionic arms are not just about restoring function—they adapt to each user’s unique interactions, empowering users to live without being held back by physical limitations.
Through the Esper for Ukraine program, Esper Bionics is providing these life-changing prostheses free of charge to Ukrainians who have been severely impacted by the war. “With our bionic prostheses, they can forge their own paths without second-guessing what their bodies can or cannot do,” says Anna Believantseva, co-founder and COO at Esper Bionics. “Over 100 soldiers who lost limbs in the war have already received the Esper Hand through our Esper Ukraine initiative. Some are now building drones, others have returned to the frontlines, and many are exploring new career paths. Currently, 500 Ukrainians are waiting for an Esper Hand, which drives us to continually scale and enhance our product.”
Mental Independence and Well-being
Victoria Repa, Founder and CEO of BetterMe
As Esper Bionics helps Ukrainians regain physical independence, BetterMe is focused on fostering mental and emotional resilience. These two companies, though different in their approaches, share a common mission: to empower individuals through health and well-being.
BetterMe has built a global reputation with over 150 million users, but it’s their commitment to mental health during Ukraine's ongoing war that truly stands out. CEO Victoria Repa has been dedicated to supporting Ukrainians through initiatives aimed at addressing the psychological toll of war.
In partnership with Esper Bionics and the Future For Ukraine charity foundation, BetterMe developed a specialized training program for amputees within their BetterMe: Health Coaching app. The app, free for all Ukrainians since the war's escalation in 2022, offers crucial support to those who need it most. For amputees outside of Ukraine, the app provides an 80% discount, with subscription profits going towards providing prosthetic limbs to Ukrainian soldiers.
“I’m contributing to independence by growing a globally recognized Ukrainian company, building a team of innovative talents, and supporting Ukrainians with BetterMe apps,” Repa says. By offering free access to these vital resources, BetterMe is helping countless Ukrainians navigate the emotional and physical challenges they face, proving that mental well-being is as essential as physical health.
Independence Through Tech and Education
Anna Manukhina, MacPaw Foundation Director and CSR Lead at MacPaw
Just as BetterMe is committed to supporting mental and physical well-being, MacPaw is dedicated to using technology to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and provide essential tools for everyday life.
MacPaw, known for its popular software with apps on every fifth Mac worldwide, has become a key player in supporting Ukraine during the war. From day one, they’ve been backing the Come Back Alive Foundation, one of Ukraine’s largest charities supporting the Armed Forces. They also made their ClearVPN service free for all Ukrainians, including those in occupied territories, ensuring access to reliable information. Recognizing the growing cybersecurity threats, MacPaw introduced a free anti-spyware tool to protect Ukrainian data from hostile servers in Russia and Belarus.
But MacPaw’s efforts don’t stop at digital security. They provide essential support to both defenders and civilians, from tactical medicine to protective gear and non-lethal equipment. Recently, MacPaw also invested in the future by setting up DIY labs for students in Kyiv and Mykolaiv, helping to equip the next generation with the tools they need to innovate and rebuild.
“Each of us can contribute to Ukraine’s independence,” says Anna Manukhina. “At MacPaw, we do this through projects and initiatives that strengthen our country and support our defenders. Every project is a step toward a free and strong Ukraine.”
Independence Fueled By Creative Fundraising
Christian Borys, Founder of Saint Javelin
As MacPaw drives Ukraine’s independence through tech and humanitarian efforts, another initiative is making waves with a creative approach to support. Saint Javelin started small but quickly became a powerful global symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.
Saint Javelin started as a meme—a depiction of Mary Magdalene holding a Javelin missile—created by Canadian marketer and former journalist Christian Borys. Initially, the goal was modest: raise a few hundred dollars for charity by selling stickers. But what started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, Saint Javelin has sold over 200,000 products and donated more than $2 million to support Ukraine.
Borys, who spent years covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a journalist, felt a deep connection to the country and wanted to make a difference as the war escalated. What began with a single Instagram post turned into a global movement. “People didn’t just want to donate; they wanted to show their support in a visible way. Wearing a Saint Javelin T-shirt became a way to do that,” Borys explains.
Ensuring that the profits directly benefit Ukraine was a priority for Borys. “When I went to Kyiv in April 2022, I knew I wanted to produce our merchandise in Ukraine, so the money would go back into the local economy,” he says. “Today, most of our sales come from products made in Ukraine, supporting small businesses and the country’s economy.”
Today, Saint Javelin isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. Each purchase supports Ukraine’s fight for independence, turning a creative symbol into real, tangible support for the people who need it most. As Borys puts it, “Our mission is to support Ukraine till victory and beyond.”
Puzzling Toward Independence
Ksenia Morozenko, Founder of Frisson
As Saint Javelin turns creativity into a force for global support, Frisson is channeling artistic expression into meaningful social impact, using puzzles to support Ukrainian causes and communities.
Founded by Ksenia Morozenko during the COVID-19 pandemic, Frisson emerged to fill the gap in the market for engaging puzzles for adults in Ukraine. The brand quickly gained traction, offering beautifully designed puzzles created in collaboration with Ukrainian artists. These puzzles aren’t just about completing a picture—they’re about connecting with art and savoring the moment.
Morozenko’s mission is clear: to craft products that do more than just entertain. “For Ukraine's independence, I contribute by adding value to my country—through creating Ukrainian products, paying taxes, and expanding into international markets. My goal is to produce quality goods with fellow Ukrainians for a conscious global audience. We focus on socially important initiatives because, for us, there is simply no other way,” she explains.
In partnership with Ukrainian artists, Frisson develops charitable puzzles that raise funds for various needs, including support for soldiers and vulnerable populations. “We donated around 700 puzzles to support children affected by the war and internally displaced families in 2024 alone,” Morozenko shares.
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Sustainability is also at the heart of Frisson. The brand uses recycled materials for both puzzles and packaging, ensuring that each product is either reusable or recyclable. Even the packaging is crafted with care, designed to be visually appealing and to encourage people to take a break from their screens and engage in a mindful, creative activity.
Through Frisson, Morozenko is not only showcasing Ukrainian art and culture but also actively contributing to the country’s independence, one puzzle at a time.
Cultural Independence Crafted Through Design
Khrystyna Oliiarnyk, Founder of OLIZ
As Frisson uses puzzles to blend art with social impact, OLIZ weaves Ukraine’s cultural heritage into fashion, preserving its artistic legacy.
OLIZ is a fashion brand deeply rooted in celebrating Ukrainian culture. Founded by Khrystyna Oliiarnyk, OLIZ merges modern design with traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship, creating high-quality items that are more than just fashion pieces—they tell a story.
"For my team and me, it’s essential to stay connected to our roots while we set fashion trends," says Khrystyna Oliiarnyk, the founder of OLIZ. "We feel a strong bond with generations of Ukrainian artists, and we channel that into our designs. Each collection tells a story, deeply felt by our team, and often includes a charitable aspect."
Recently OLIZ launched the "Stolen Art" charity collection in collaboration with UNITED24 and the Kherson Museum. This collection features shawls showcasing Ukrainian artworks stolen or destroyed by Russian forces. The designs include Kuindzhi's paintings, mosaics from St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, and works from the prominent local artists stored at the Kherson Museum. Through these pieces, OLIZ not only raises awareness of cultural losses but also helps preserve Ukraine’s artistic legacy.
Independence Through Reviving Ukraine’s Rural Traditions
Kateryna Okhremenko, Head of CSR at balbek bureau
While OLIZ preserves Ukrainian culture through fashion, balbek bureau focuses on protecting and reviving Ukraine’s architectural heritage.
This Kyiv-based architectural and design firm, founded by Slava Balbek, is known for blending modern design with cultural preservation, making a significant impact through projects that go beyond aesthetics.
One of balbek bureau’s standout social initiatives is the RE:Ukraine Villages project, which aims to rebuild rural cottages destroyed during the invasion. However, this project goes far beyond simple reconstruction—it’s about keeping Ukraine’s rural traditions alive. The RE:Ukraine Villages project offers an online platform where users can "assemble" a house based on traditional architectural patterns collected from Ukrainian villages of their specific region over the past century. These patterns, gathered during extensive expeditions, ensure that the rebuilt homes retain their cultural authenticity. The project currently targets regions like Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, all deeply affected by the full-scale Russian invasion.
“I bake pies following my grandmother's recipe and try to preserve my family's history. We must remember who we are—our traditions, our culture. At balbek bureau, we've built a whole project around it to safeguard Ukraine's architectural heritage. Protecting our identity is crucial, especially during the war when the enemy does everything to destroy us,” says Kateryna Okhremenko, CSR Head at balbek bureau.
Overview
When you support Ukrainian businesses, you’re empowering them to keep doing the extraordinary. Whether it’s Saint Javelin’s creative fundraising, OLIZ’s cultural preservation, or balbek bureau’s efforts to restore Ukraine’s villages, each company is contributing to the nation’s strength.
One of the most impactful ways to stand with Ukraine is through Spend With Ukraine—a platform that brings together over 240 Ukrainian-rooted businesses, including all of the above-mentioned ones. By purchasing from these brands, customers help funnel about 40% of the price back into Ukraine's economy, directly supporting the nation’s resilience and independence.
Spend with Ukraine to stand with Ukraine, your every purchase supports not just a business but a mission to preserve Ukraine’s identity and independent future. Support them, and let these businesses handle the rest—they’ve proven they’re more than capable.
