Defence Builder and Finland’s 17Tech Oy announce a strategic partnership: what this means

Ukrainian defence-tech accelerator Defence Builder and Finnish venture capital firm and accelerator 17Tech Oy have signed a strategic partnership agreement. The collaboration includes joint events for startups, expanded access to investors and defence institutions, opportunities for testing technologies in real operational conditions, and the exchange of expertise to strengthen both accelerators’ development models.

Defence Builder adds that cooperation with 17Tech Oy will provide Ukrainian portfolio startups with a reliable entry point into the Nordic and EU ecosystem. Collaboration between startups from the two accelerators may lead to the launch of joint ventures, the adaptation of technologies to NATO standards, and an increase in the projects’ export potential.

17Tech brings experience of working with defence forces in several countries, a broad international business network, and partnerships with accelerators across 12 states. It also helps startups reach global prime contractors and established investor circles.

Defence Builder provides access to frontline feedback and testing opportunities in Ukraine. Since its launch, the accelerator has supported 15 startups; six have already tested or deployed their solutions on the battlefield. The total funding raised amounts to nearly €4 million, and nine companies have been verified by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Builder’s CEO, Line Rindvig, emphasised that the partnership will give Ukrainian startups access to standards and feedback from the Finnish Defence Forces, leading investors and NATO-affiliated structures. In turn, Finnish teams will gain access to Ukrainian military mentors and combat-tested adaptation processes.

17Tech Oy is a Finnish defence accelerator and venture capital firm founded in 2025. It supports early- and mid-stage startups by providing investment, mentorship, workspace and extensive connections within the defence sector.

Defence Builder is a Ukrainian non-governmental accelerator established in 2024 by Sigma Software Labs, the Kyiv School of Economics and Buntar Aerospace. It helps Ukrainian defence tech developers scale their solutions, secure funding, and bring technologies to the front line.