Daria Yaniieva Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Building a Venture Powerhouse in Challenging Times

Daria leads Sigma Software Labs, the corporate venture arm of Sigma Software Group, a company consistently ranked among the Top 100 Global Outsourcing Providers by IAOP. Under her leadership, Sigma Software Labs has become a key player in Ukraine’s investment landscape, even during the most challenging times of the full-scale war.

Today, the Labs portfolio includes 20 startups with a total investment volume of $2.3 million. Forbes recognized Daria’s role in shaping this portfolio and establishing Labs as one of the most active investors in Ukraine.

Scaling Startups Through the Sigma Software Ecosystem

Daria’s vision goes beyond financing. She actively supports Sigma Software Labs portfolio companies by leveraging the Sigma Software ecosystem:

• Access to 250+ B2B clients and partners across more than 30 countries
• Expertise in 10+ industries and domains
• Over 20 years of Sigma Software’s experience in scaling global businesses

This approach has turned Sigma Software Labs into a best-practice example of a corporate venture fund in Ukraine’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem.

More Than Investments: Creating Growth Platforms

Since taking the helm, Daria has helped Sigma Software Labs review over 1,300 startups and contributed to launching new initiatives to boost the innovation ecosystem and support founders at every stage of their journey:

• Syndicated deals – the investment opportunity for private individuals to co-invest in defense tech startups. With entry from $1,000 per person, the model allows broader public participation in Ukraine’s defense innovation, getting a stake in promising businesses.
• Synergetic Spaces — fully equipped offices for startups, combined with mentoring and community support, now home to 14 residents across 4 IT hubs.
• Idea Board — an initiative within the UA Tech Network to help founders validate ideas, access funding, and gain expert mentorship.
• UNICORN Startup Contest — Ukraine’s largest startup competition, reimagined under Daria’s leadership. In 2023, it attracted a record 130 applications and expanded to Poland. In 2024, it became the official platform for the Startup World Cup Ukraine, with the winner competing for a $1M investment in San Francisco.

Shaping the Future of Defense Tech

Recognizing the urgent need for innovation in defense, Daria spearheaded the launch of ‘Defence Builder’ accelerator, alongside partners like KSE and Buntar Aerospace.

“Being included in Forbes 30 Under 30 is not about recognition for me personally, but about the mission we carry forward together.

Ukraine has the talent, innovation, and resilience to shape the future — and investing in defense and security is no longer optional, it’s a must.

I’m grateful to be part of building an ecosystem where bold ideas grow into companies that protect lives today and create a safer tomorrow,” says Daria.

Today, the program has already validated 300+ startups and attracted 200+ investors from the US, UK, and Europe. Many of these startups are developing game-changing solutions for the frontline, attracting investors, and forging international partnerships. As Daria notes, Ukraine’s experience is beginning to reshape the global understanding of modern defense and position the country as a technological hub with unique expertise.

A Voice for Ukraine on the Global Stage

Beyond Labs, Daria is also an advisor at SID Venture Partners, named “Investor of the Year 2023” in Ukraine. She actively contributes to the Ukrainian Startup Fund, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, defense, and infrastructure rebuilding.