Business

Andriy Dovbenko’s TechExchange: Advancing AgriTech and DefenceTech Startups

Published

1 year 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

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.