Modern businesses are responsible not only to their clients but also to the society in which they operate. Empat demonstrates how, even in challenging times, professional skills and resources can be directed toward social projects that address real needs.
Nazar Gulyk, Founder of Empat, Co-Founder of Victoria Tech, TechStars Community Leader & IT Ambassador of IT Ukraine Association tell about the company’s work on social projects, its support for the country since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and plans for the future.
How did the company operate during the initial days following the start of the full-scale invasion?
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Empat found itself in crisis, with Ukrainian clients making up 80% of revenue stopping their projects. At that time, the company had 40 employees and a financial reserve sufficient to sustain the team for only two months.
Photo: Empat
What experiences helped you maintain the business and move forward?
Like everyone else, we wanted to help Ukraine and bring Victory closer. We started thinking about how we could be most effective? I didn't know how to fundraise or work with grants — my experience was in commercial projects and business. At the same time, we couldn't donate significant sums directly, so we decided to use other assets: our developed partnership network and expertise.
Did the company have volunteer projects before February 24?
Empat was involved in charity and supported initiatives even before the Great Invasion. Among such projects: the portal of Ukraine's national scouting organization Plast, Ukrainian military-themed online media Military Portal, and others.
What specific decisions were made to provide assistance?
We identified 4 priority areas and began creating partnership projects.
- Heal.ua — a project to save lives. The platform supports Ukrainian doctors in exchanging experience with foreign colleagues. The goal was to save at least one life, and the project has already helped many people through medical support and consultations. Main initiators and partners — Global Medical Knowledge Alliance.
- RevengeFor — a fundraising project. An initiative to raise funds for the Ukrainian army created with the Ukrainian Military Center and Come Back Alive, offering people to write messages on missiles. The project collected $237,000 in two months.
- We are Ukraine — an information distribution project. The initiative aims to increase global awareness about Ukraine's situation through content creation and virtual reality tools. Created with One Philosophy consulting group and volunteer support. For two years, the project was one of the main information sources for international journalists.
- Spend with Ukraine — an initiative to introduce Ukrainian business to the world. This helps international audiences discover Ukrainian brands and make purchases easily. The joint project with "Ozero Design" organization.
How do you evaluate the success of what has been done?
Every project we've done met its KPIs, so we consider them successful. We understood that the secret to successful charity projects lies in two things: first – they need to be done in partnership, where each party is responsible for their professional expertise. And second – charity projects shouldn't be done after hours. They should be a priority and compensated like commercial projects.
It’s been almost three years since the war began. How is the team working now?
Currently, Empat has 120 people, with 80% of clients being foreign companies from the US, UK, Europe, and Emirates. Social projects are an important part of the company's activities and are designated as a strategic direction. All charity projects have the same approach to KPIs and control as commercial ones, with a responsible manager for each direction.
What are your plans for the social direction in the upcoming year?
We plan to strengthen this direction in 2025, with the prospect of creating a separate fund for social impact projects. Recently, we've added the Ukraine Now project and are evaluating 2 more initiatives for the first quarter of 2025. We are also looking for new opportunities for collaboration and a responsible person to lead this direction in our team. If you're interested in this opportunity – write to us at [email protected].
Charity isn’t something extra—it’s something done systematically.
What have you learned from working on social and charitable projects, and what advice would you give to others?
In the new year, companies should review their strategies for help and Victory advancement. To participate in charity, you don't need large funds. Willingness to work, professionalism, responsibility — these are values that can be directed for the common good.
