Despite the significant outflow of capital from Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv-based entrepreneur Maksym Krippa chose a different path. In an environment of instability and high risks, he decided to direct his resources to the development of the Ukrainian economy. Over the past two years, Krippa has invested more than $100 million in various projects in Ukraine, demonstrating confidence in the country’s potential even in the most difficult times.

In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Maksym Krippa shared his vision of investments and talked about the key areas he focuses on. In particular, a significant portion of his capital is focused on Kyiv real estate, which the businessman considers an important element for the capital’s economic recovery.

Major events and transactions in the Kyiv real estate market and suburbs

“I’m only interested in unique objects – places that cannot be reproduced,” said Maksym Krippa.

In 2023, he became the owner of one of the most famous business centers in Kyiv – Parus. The building was waiting for a new investor for a long time, and the deal was concluded even despite the difficult circumstances of wartime. According to Krippa, the situation opened up the opportunity to get the object on more favorable terms.

Sail quickly turned into a profitable asset. Now the occupancy of the business center exceeds 90%, which is significantly higher than the average for the capital – 70-75%. However, the acquisition was not without difficulties: together with the building, Krippa inherited debt obligations. At the time of the transaction, the credit debt was about 600 million hryvnia.

Another significant event for Krippa was the acquisition of the hotel “Ukraine.” The businessman is sure that the transaction value of ₴2,512 billion fully corresponds to the potential of the object. The privatization of the hotel has become a landmark, because it was the first major auction on the Prozorro platform in the last 2 years.

“I invest because I understand that such opportunities are extremely rare. Having taken a chance now, I am convinced that in peacetime these assets will double or even triple in value. And after the update, their value will increase even more, “the investor shared his approach.

Over the past two years, the entrepreneur has invested more than $100 million in real estate in Ukraine. These investments came from his international company, and the hryvnia contribution was limited only to the guarantee payment in Prozorro. All financial transactions have been closely monitored by the SFMS and the National Bank of Ukraine. In addition, permits were obtained from the SBU, the Foreign Intelligence Service and the AMCU to conclude transactions.

“We have to disappoint the skeptics – no shadow schemes or” black “cash. All the funds I invested could be used to acquire assets in the US, UK or EU countries. However, I decided to send them to Ukraine, “said Krippa.

Regarding the hotel “Cossack,” the businessman decided to refrain from participating in its privatization. According to experts, the condition of the building is critical, and renovation is not advisable. The best solution would be to demolish the object for the construction of a modern building from scratch.

Krippa’s other important acquisitions include a luxury mansion in Kozin, which he received at a public auction in 2023. The transaction value amounted to ₴311,11 million, which exceeded the initial price by 60%. In the future, the entrepreneur plans to use this estate as a corporate base for Natus Vincere, one of the most famous Ukrainian e-sports organizations.

He owns such key assets as the NAVI e-sports team, Maincast studio, the developer of GSC Game World, as well as the Parus business center and the Ukraine hotel in Kyiv. Despite the active presence in the international market, Krippa relies on the development of real estate and technological projects in Ukraine.

Its investment deals are subject to scrutiny by state regulators, including the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.