1991 Ventures

Denis Gursky and Viktor Gurskyi

1991 Ventures is a bold seed-stage venture fund based in London, with a powerful mission: to back transformative founders from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Ukraine. Anchored by the highly reputable 1991 Accelerator, this fund taps into an extensive self-funded network and ecosystem cultivated since 2016.

About 1991 Ventures.

1991 Ventures is the next chapter in a journey led by Denis and Viktor Gursky, whose pioneering work with the 1991 Accelerator has been a driving force for impact-driven tech across CEE and Ukraine. Initially founded in 2016 as a startup program through SocialBoost, the 1991 Accelerator built a robust pipeline of over 200 companies, equipping them to secure millions in venture capital and public grants. Through this transformative work, Denis and Viktor saw the untapped potential in scaling these successes into a full-fledged venture fund, 1991 Ventures, to provide founders with greater access to capital and resources.

The fund’s creation marks a natural evolution, designed to broaden the impact and reach of the accelerator’s mission. By transitioning into a dedicated seed-stage venture fund, 1991 Ventures positions itself as a key player in the CEE VC ecosystem, amplifying support for mission-driven founders and bridging a gap between local talent and global markets. With deep ties to industry, government, and donor networks, the fund enhances the VC landscape by fostering new growth paths for high-potential startups and encouraging a culture of innovation and resilience.

As visionary bridge-builders between emerging markets and global capital, Denis and Viktor are guiding 1991 Ventures to reshape the future of CEE and Ukrainian innovation. Under their leadership, 1991 Ventures isn’t just fueling startups; it’s building a legacy of change in the heart of Europe.