Business

Andriy Dovbenko’s TechExchange: Advancing AgriTech and DefenceTech Startups

Published

2 years ago

November 24, 2023

TechExchange, the first of its kind two-way technology network programme, founded in 2023 by Andriy Dovbenko, establishes a mutually beneficial relationship between the UK and Ukraine, particularly in the AgriTech and DefenceTech sectors. This collaboration allows Ukrainian startups to access the UK market and tech ecosystem, while UK companies can conduct in-field testing of advanced technologies in Ukraine, fostering growth, innovation, and an exchange of ideas between the two nations. The network also enhances the international reputation of participating startups.

Founded by Andriy Dovbenko, a former managing partner at an international law firm and a Ukrainian-born, UK-based entrepreneur, TechExchange boasts an extensive international network. Dovbenko’s experience and connections in agriculture and technology sectors across various countries provide TechExchange members with unique access to global ecosystems, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

TechExchange is more than a business network; it’s a lifeline for critical sectors of Ukraine’s economy. The programme is instrumental in deploying cutting-edge technologies in Ukraine, which are vital for the country’s economic sustainability and recovery, especially post-war. It provides Ukrainian startups with essential funding, mentorship, and exposure to influential individuals, while UK companies gain practical experience in real-world applications of their technologies in Ukraine. The startups selected for this programme are not only commercially viable but are also equipped to introduce transformative technologies that could significantly impact Ukraine and the world.

TechExchange is not just a platform for technological exchange; it’s a gateway to growth and international recognition for startups in the UK and Ukraine. The programme is designed to provide startups with unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and markets, thereby enabling them to scale up rapidly and effectively.

For UK startups, TechExchange offers direct access to in-field testing opportunities in Ukraine with payments to cover all costs with regards to supplying technology for in-field testing. This aspect is crucial for DefenceTech companies, as it allows for the practical application and refinement of technologies in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, UK startups benefit from connections to early-stage investors, mentorship on business aspects including pitch deck refinement, access to significant tech events, quarterly office hours sessions and comprehensive media relations support with consultancy around any news they want to announce.

Similarly, Ukrainian startups receive substantial benefits that include visibility at major tech events in the UK, insights into seed grants and startup prize funds, and access to the same level of mentorship and networking opportunities as their UK counterparts. Ukrainian startups will also get the opportunity to contribute to relevant media opportunities. This support is essential for these startups to break into the competitive international market and gain recognition.

Beyond individual company benefits, TechExchange fosters a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and technologies between the UK and Ukraine. This exchange is not just about business growth; it’s about building a technological bridge that can lead to long-term economic and social benefits for both nations.

Andriy Dovbenko’s leadership is crucial to the initiative’s success. His unique background, blending experiences as a Ukrainian-born, UK-based lawyer and investor in agriculture and technology, equips him with a distinctive insight into digital innovation in these sectors.

Business

Scaling Success: Why Smart Habits Beat Growth Hacks in Modern eCommerce

Published

2 weeks ago

July 26, 2025

Matthew Wiles

There’s a romanticized image of the eCommerce founder: a daring risk-taker chasing the next big idea, fueled by late-night caffeine and last-minute inspiration. But the reality behind scaled, sustainable brands tells a different story. Success in digital commerce doesn’t come from chaos or clever hacks. It comes from habits. Repetitive, structured, often unglamorous habits.

Change, a digital platform created by eCommerce strategist Ryan, builds its entire philosophy around this truth. Through education, mentorship, and infrastructure, Change helps founders shift from scrambling for quick wins to building strong systems that grow with them. The company doesn’t just offer software. It provides the foundation for digital trade, particularly for those in the B2B space.

The Habits That Build Momentum

At the heart of Change’s philosophy are five core habits Ryan considers non-negotiable. These aren’t buzzwords; they’re the foundation of sustainable growth.

First, obsess over data. Successful founders replace guesswork with metrics. They don’t rely on gut feelings. They measure performance and iterate.

Second, know your customer deeply. Not just what they buy, but why they buy. The most resilient brands build emotional loyalty, not just transactional volume.

Third, test fast. Algorithms shift. Consumer behavior changes. High-performing teams don’t resist this; they test weekly, sometimes daily, and adapt.

Fourth, manage time like a CEO. Every decision has a cost. Prioritizing high-impact actions isn’t optional; it’s survival.

Fifth, stay connected to mentorship and learning. The digital market moves quickly. The remaining founders are the ones who keep learning, never assuming they know it all.

Turning Habits into Infrastructure

What begins as personal discipline must eventually evolve into a team structure. Change teaches founders how to scale their systems, not just their sales.

Tools are essential for starting, think Notion for documentation, Asana for project management, Mixpanel or PostHog for analytics, and Loom for async communication. But tools alone don’t create momentum.

Teams need Monday metric check-ins, weekly test cycles, customer insight reviews, just to name a few. Founders set the tone by modeling behavior. It’s the rituals that matter, then, they turn it into company culture.

Ryan puts it simply: “We’re not just building tools; we’re building infrastructure for digital trade.”

Avoiding the Common Traps

Even with structure, the path isn’t always smooth. Some founders over-focus on short-term results, chasing vanity metrics or shiny tactics that feel productive but don’t move the needle.

Others fall into micromanagement, drowning in dashboards instead of building intuition. Discipline should sharpen clarity, not create rigidity. Flexibility is part of the process. Knowing when to pivot is just as important as knowing when to persist.

Scaling Through Self-Replication

In the end, eCommerce scale isn’t just about growing a business. It’s about repeating successful systems at every level. When founders internalize high-performance habits, they turn them into processes, then culture, then legacy.

Growth doesn’t require more motivation. It requires more precision. More consistency. Your calendar, not your to-do list, is your business plan.

In a space dominated by noise and novelty, Change and its founder are quietly reshaping the conversation. They aren’t chasing trends but building resilience, one habit at a time.