Response to Reality: Introducing Beetroot Defence

Recently, we announced a major rebrand, part of which highlights our growing work in DefenceTech. Supporting Ukraine has been in Beetroot’s DNA since 2012, with our contribution ranging from tech solutions and education to high-impact initiatives such as Aid for Ukraine. The launch of Beetroot Defence is a natural next step for us.

Positive impact in Ukraine remains our priority.

Ukraine is now a world leader in defence innovation. The war is, of course, the main catalyst, and the long-standing STEM tradition set the backbone for quick adaptation. Still, there are three main bottlenecks that slow down progress.

Capital

Ukrainian DefenceTech attracts an increasing number of investors, both from within and outside the country. But the sector is still underfunded. That’s why Beetroot’s founder Andreas Flodström, together with Pär Lager and Jonas Rydin, established Varangians in 2025. The company invests primarily in Ukrainian defense tech startups to deliver rapid battlefield impact in Ukraine, while strengthening Europe’s long-term defence capabilities.

Engineering Capacity

Our estimates indicate that Ukraine’s defence technology sector could face a shortage of 15,000–20,000 software developers over the next 12–18 months. A dedicated track at Beetroot Academy addresses this problem by reskilling and upskilling tech professionals specifically for the defense sector. Today, we train software engineers in Embedded Systems and Drone Firmware; next up are Computer Vision, Intro to MilTech for non-tech specialists, and Cybersecurity for Embedded.

European Presence on the Ground

Ukraine has built a unique market-driven defence ecosystem through decentralized procurement, the Brave1 marketplace, and rapid battlefield feedback loops. Combined with the unfortunate reality of russia’s ongoing war, this makes local presence key for any Western defence company serious about real-world performance.

That’s the context in which Beetroot Defence emerged.

What is Beetroot Defence?

Beetroot Defence is a structured direction within the Beetroot ecosystem that holistically addresses the aforementioned bottlenecks. It brings together the educational foundation of Beetroot Academy, the engineering experience of Beetroot Tech, and investment opportunities via Varangians. With these combined capabilities, we aim to help European defence tech companies establish local R&D and structured collaboration with some of Ukraine’s most capable brigades and special units.

Our mission is to bridge Ukraine and Europe in DefenceTech. Beetroot Defence is led by Oleh Krisenko, a veteran with over ten years of service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His experience shapes the direction with clarity and pragmatism.

Beetroot Academy also plays a key role in strengthening applied engineering capacity.

In November 2025, the Academy launched its Embedded Development program for technical specialists with software or engineering backgrounds who want to transition into defence systems. The Academy is also preparing new programs, including Drone Firmware and Cybersecurity for Embedded, scheduled for launch by summer 2026.

At Beetroot, our defence tech solutions encompass advisory, software development, and field R&D in Ukraine. Our approach is grounded in operational context and informed by over 15 UAF brigades and defence suppliers. We carefully audit companies before committing to cooperation, both in terms of values and product quality, since our top priority is ensuring that Ukraine receives truly useful solutions, applicable today and in the long run.

Responsibility Over Rhetoric

Since 2012, supporting Ukraine has been central to Beetroot’s purpose. We’re evolving the capabilities we’ve built over nearly 15 years to contribute more directly to the defence of Ukraine and Europe.

As Andreas Flodström, Founder of Beetroot, CEO of Beetroot Academy, Founder and Board Chair of Varangians, puts it:

Supporting Ukraine has been key to our work since Beetroot was founded. Being part of Ukraine’s unique DefenceTech ecosystem means taking responsibility to contribute more directly to innovation that strengthens the defence of Ukraine and Europe.

We work with like-minded partners,  those who understand what is at stake and share responsibility for strengthening Ukraine’s defence.

Ukraine’s defence is Europe’s defence. This direction is about contribution, competence, and responsibility. And we’re committed to all three.