Oleksii Yermolenko (Flyer One Ventures)
Overview
Oleksii Yermolenko, a prominent figure in the venture capital industry, is best known as the co-founder and partner of Flyer One Ventures. Established in 2018, Flyer One Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), particularly those founded by Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Yermolenko has been instrumental in securing significant funding and building a robust portfolio of tech companies. His work has been recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list, highlighting his influence in the finance sector.
Recent Developments
- July 2025: Flyer One Ventures announced the launch of its new €50 million Fund V, backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This fund aims to support early-stage tech companies in Ukraine and CEE. Yermolenko emphasized the importance of this fund in helping startups scale globally, stating that this backing allows them to double down on helping the next wave of innovations.
- Early 2025: Flyer One Ventures has already deployed nearly $45 million across 90 startups, highlighting its growing influence in the tech and startup ecosystem. The firm is noted for having successful exits like VOCHI, acquired by Pinterest, and Greenscreens, acquired by Triumph Financial.
- 2024: The firm expanded its focus to include more software-first products that leverage technology to boost productivity, covering sectors like B2B & Enterprise SaaS, EdTech, and FoodTech.
- 2023: The company became the first Ukrainian VC supported by both the IFC and EBRD. This milestone underscored its strategic growth and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Ukraine and CEE.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oleksii Yermolenko |
| Born | Ukraine |
| Nationality | Ukrainian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and Partner at Flyer One Ventures |
| Known For | Venture Capital, Co-founder of Flyer One Ventures |
| Education | Kyiv National Economics University |
| Notable Achievements | Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe |
Early Life and Education
Oleksii Yermolenko was born and raised in Ukraine. He showed an early interest in finance and business, which led him to pursue higher education at the Kyiv National Economics University. Here, he developed a solid foundation in economics and finance, which would later prove invaluable in his venture capital career. Yermolenko's early exposure to the corporate finance world, notably through roles at Deloitte and Genesis, helped him hone his expertise in business modeling and financial strategies. This background set the stage for his eventual foray into venture capital, where he could apply his skills to nurture emerging companies.
Career and Notable Achievements
Oleksii Yermolenko started his professional journey in corporate finance, gaining significant experience at Deloitte. In 2018, he co-founded Flyer One Ventures, a venture capital firm aiming to empower startups in Ukraine and CEE.
- 2018: Co-founded Flyer One Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments.
- 2021: Achieved a successful exit with VOCHI, acquired by Pinterest, solidifying F1V's reputation in the VC world.
- 2023: Recognized alongside his co-founder Olena Mazhuha in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe for Finance, affirming his impact on the region's startup ecosystem.
- 2025: Raised a significant €50 million fund with backing from major international funding bodies like IFC and EBRD, focusing on scaling tech startups globally.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Oleksii Yermolenko continues to play a pivotal role at Flyer One Ventures, where his financial acumen guides the firm's investment strategies. His work aids in fostering innovation and supporting startups in underserved markets. The firm's recent €50 million fund is set to catalyze growth in the tech sector, maintaining a focus on nurturing software-first companies. Through this initiative, Yermolenko aims to advance the venture capital landscape in Ukraine and contribute significantly to its economic resilience.
Conclusion
Oleksii Yermolenko's work with Flyer One Ventures stands out as a testament to his dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe. By championing technology-driven startups, he helps bridge gaps in the regional economy and catalyzes growth in the tech sector. Looking forward, Yermolenko's initiatives are expected to continue influencing the venture capital industry, particularly with the strategic implementation of their latest fund, which promises to bolster the capacities of emerging tech firms in Ukraine and beyond.