#Ukraine #Kyiv #Horizon Capital #DVL Telecom #GPCA

Horizon Capital Honored with 2025 Deal Innovation Award

Horizon Capital, a prominent private equity firm situated in Ukraine, has recently garnered the esteemed 2025 Deal Innovation Award conferred by the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA). This notable recognition is in response to Horizon’s exceptional leadership and ingenuity during the acquisition of Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell (DVL Telecom), which marks one of the most significant mergers and acquisitions in Ukraine's telecommunications sector over the last several decades.

The GPCA serves as an influential international entity, representing around 300 private equity funds and institutional investors from upwards of 60 countries. The organization’s acknowledgment underscores Horizon Capital’s vision and exceptional professionalism in transforming Datagroup, which has reportedly achieved a remarkable growth trajectory with 3.8x revenue increase and 4.8x EBITDA growth in just five years. This impressive performance reflects Horizon Capital's strategy of creating inclusive and sustainable value even amidst challenging conditions.

In collaboration with NJJ Holding, led by renowned telecom entrepreneur Xavier Niel, Horizon Capital played a pivotal role in facilitating this acquisition. The partnership involved the Horizon Capital Growth Fund II, L.P., which invested 10% alongside NJJ in DVL Telecom, complemented by raising $435 million in debt financing from both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The total investment amounts to an impressive $1.5 billion for Ukraine, which includes the acquisition price and committed capital expenditure, reinforcing international investor confidence in Ukraine's future despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Lenna Koszarny, the founding partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, expressed her profound gratitude for this honor from the GPCA. She emphasized that the recognition exemplifies Horizon Capital's dedication to mobilizing substantial capital for Ukrainian enterprises, thereby expanding the scale and scope of lucrative investment opportunities within the nation. Koszarny remarked, "This award is shared with our partner Xavier Niel and the NJJ team, alongside Mykhailo Shelemba and the team at Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell. It also belongs to the resilient Ukrainian business community that showcases extraordinary fortitude and determination to thrive in the face of hardship."

The esteemed jury of the GPCA noted that the DVL transaction is a testament not just to Ukraine's enduring resilience but also to Horizon Capital's capability to execute landmark deals even amid significant geopolitical turmoil. Dmytro Boroday, a partner at Horizon Capital, elaborated that the successful negotiation and culmination of the DVL deal exemplify how targeted and value-oriented investments can yield substantial benefits during challenging times. He further explained that this aligns with Horizon Capital’s strategic objectives for the forthcoming Catalyst Fund, which aims to partner with both global strategic and financial investors to enhance their engagement in the Ukrainian market while facilitating essential investment for the country's reconstruction efforts. Focused sectors will include energy, digital infrastructure, and construction materials and services.

Horizon Capital remains committed to collaborating with visionary leaders and companies that are reshaping Ukraine. The firm focuses on facilitating growth and innovation while providing long-term value for businesses and the broader nation.

About GPCA

The Global Private Capital Association (GPCA) is a prominent international membership body representing private capital investors managing over $2 trillion in assets across various regions, including Asia, Latin America, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. GPCA plays a critical role in connecting investors and stakeholders, advocating for industry best practices, and endorsing the vital function of private capital in fostering economic expansion and innovation on a global scale.