5309 new companies in Kyiv vs. 900% closures in electronics: the truth about Ukrainian business
4 August 2025 14:29
Despite the ongoing challenges, Ukrainian businesses continue to demonstrate their ability to adapt and seek new opportunities for development. In the first half of 2025, there are positive trends in the registration of new businesses, especially in the trade, real estate, and information technology sectors. This is evidenced by the research data of the YC.Market analytical team, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Five leaders of business activity
According to the study, the largest number of new companies in January-June 2025 was registered in five key sectors of the economy.
Wholesale trade topped the ranking with 2066 new companies, indicating the intensification of trade processes and the recovery of supply chains. This sector traditionally remains one of the most dynamic in the structure of the Ukrainian economy.
Real estate operations ranked second with 1439 new companies. Activity in this area may indicate a gradual recovery of confidence in the real estate market and the need for property management services.
Information technology showed a stable result with 1429 new companies, confirming the status of the IT sector as one of the most promising areas of development of the Ukrainian economy. Digital transformation remains a priority for many businesses.
Construction companies registered 1351 new businesses, which may indicate a growing need for reconstruction and construction of new infrastructure.
Transportation and logistics rounds out the top five with 1281 new companies, reflecting the importance of restoring and developing transportation networks.
Record growth in certain industries
The first quarter of 2025 showed impressive growth rates in some specific sectors. The largest increase compared to the same period in 2024 was shown by
- sports organizations – an increase of 286.7%;
- pulp and paper industry – plus 275%;
- telecommunications – an increase of 244.4%;
- water supply – an increase of 233.3%;
- coke and chemicals – up 175%.
The second quarter also brought unexpected results, especially in the financial intermediaries sector, which grew by a record 1766.7%. Auditing and accounting (190.3%), public organizations (176.1%), government organizations (156.2%), and sports organizations (135.7%) also saw significant growth.
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The shadow side: termination of activities
At the same time, the study revealed negative trends. The largest number of terminated legal entities in the first half of 2025 was recorded in the following sectors:
- public organizations – 332 terminations
- agriculture – 287;
- wholesale trade – 252;
- government organizations – 154;
- other services – 152.
The trend of mass closures in some high-tech industries is particularly worrisome. In the first quarter, a critical decline was recorded in electronics production (-900%), entertainment organizations (-300%), and the pharmaceutical industry (-140%).
Regional leaders
Kyiv has retained its position as the undisputed leader in the registration of new businesses – 5309 companies in the first half of the year. At the same time, there is a positive trend: while in the first quarter 2437 new companies were opened in the capital, in the second quarter their number increased to 2872.
The regional rating is also topped:
- Dnipropetrovska oblast – 1310 new companies;
- Lviv region – 1304 companies;
- Kyiv region – 1055 companies;
- Odesa region – 1035 new businesses.
Historical context and impact of the war
YC.Market analysts emphasize that the full-scale invasion has dramatically changed the trajectory of the Ukrainian economy. While 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, was characterized by a relatively stable pace of new business start-ups, the first quarter of 2022 saw a sharp decline in activity.
The current indicators show a gradual recovery in business activity, albeit with new emphasis and priorities. Entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities in sectors that can provide stability and development prospects in the face of uncertainty.
Expert opinion
The survey results demonstrate the incredible adaptability of Ukrainian business. Growth in the wholesale trade, IT, and real estate sectors indicates the formation of a new economic model focused on responding quickly to changes and finding alternative markets.
At the same time, the massive closure of enterprises in some industries signals the need for government support for strategically important sectors of the economy, especially in high technology and manufacturing.
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