FAQ

We work with dollar-DNA founders: execution-oriented leaders who base all decisions on data to impact the unit economics. Here’s what we look for:

• Second-time founders or former execs at startups/tech companies
• Strong founder-market fit
• Team with solid tech expertise
• Products that are painkillers, not vitamins
• Tech-driven businesses
• Post-MVP stage with some initial traction (e.g., pilot projects, first clients, and initial users)
• Big, fast-growing, and not crowded markets
• Balanced cap table

F1V invests in CEE and Ukrainian founders who build global software companies.

The majority of the fund’s portfolio startups are at the seed stage.

We don’t typically invest in hardware, crypto, web3, game development studios, capital-intensive businesses, and deep tech.

Our average check size is €500k, although we have the flexibility to invest as little as €350k or as much as €1.5M.

We don’t have a preference here.

We have created one of the largest product tech companies in Ukraine. Now, we help others do the same.

After we invest, we help startups with digital marketing, recruiting, PR, business development, fundraising preparation, and introductions to our network of industry experts

More than 75% of our founders call us the most helpful VC on their cap table. We use all our practical experience and resources to help them raise Series A: 55% of our companies have already got there (and counting).

We've seen it all: cash gaps, salary delays, layoffs, failed projects, bank account blocks, COVID, and even war. Through it all, we stay by our founders’ side, especially on the darkest days.

Yes.

Our investment process is simple and efficient:

1️⃣ Application: Startups submit their applications.

2️⃣ Review: We evaluate the fit based on geography, stage, and industry.

3️⃣ First call: We have an introductory call to get to know each other.

4️⃣ Due diligence: We analyze the startup's market, finances, and unit economics.

5️⃣ Round of questions: We ask the startup questions and discuss them.

6️⃣ Investment committee: We present the startup to our committee.

7️⃣ Further discussion: We ask additional questions and schedule another call if needed.

8️⃣ Offer and negotiations: If we're interested, we make an offer and start negotiations.

We believe in honest communication to have a successful partnership, so we stay in touch throughout the process. If we don’t make an offer immediately, we’d love to hear regular startup updates — we may invest later.

Tell us what problem you are solving and how; mention your business and sales model and share numbers and round info. Introduce us to the people who are working on your startup — we’re excited to learn more about the team.

Founders choose us for the extensive opportunities and connections we provide. Our hands-on approach sets us apart.

We offer practical support and a thriving portfolio companies community with exclusive perks, fun events, and a wide network of investors and other founders.

We integrate sustainability considerations across our investment process, in line with the SFDR framework.

Yes! We support our portfolio companies in this area. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our talent acquisition team on LinkedIn. They can provide further guidance on the opportunities that align best with your profile.

Email us at go@flyerone.vc or use the Pitch Us button on our website to pitch your startup to us.