#Ukraine #Kyiv #Horizon Capital #DVL Telecom #Global Private Capital

Horizon Capital Triumphs with the 2025 Deal Innovation Award

Horizon Capital, recognized as a premier private equity firm based in Ukraine, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Deal Innovation Award by the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA). This accolade highlights Horizon Capital's exceptional leadership and innovative approach in structuring the acquisition of Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell (DVL Telecom), marking one of the largest mergers and acquisitions in Ukraine in decades. The acquisition was led by a consortium that included NJJ Holding, a company owned by global telecommunications and technology entrepreneur Xavier Niel.

The GPCA is an influential international organization that represents over 300 private capital funds and institutional investors from more than 60 countries, making this recognition particularly significant. The award emphasizes Horizon Capital's skillful transformation of Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell, which resulted in an impressive growth of 3.8 times in revenue and 4.8 times in EBITDA over five years. This achievement underscores Horizon Capital’s commitment to creating substantial, sustainable value in the sector.

In a statement, the organization commended the vision and professionalism exhibited by Horizon Capital during this significant transaction. To expedite NJJ's entry into the Ukrainian market, Horizon Capital's Growth Fund II partnered with NJJ to invest jointly in DVL Telecom. The deal facilitated a total investment of $1.5 billion, comprising the purchase price and guaranteed capital expenditures, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. This development illustrates international investors’ confidence in Ukraine’s resilience and promising future.

Lenna Koszarny, founding partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, "We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from GPCA, reflecting Horizon Capital’s commitment to mobilizing significant capital for Ukrainian enterprises. Our goal is to expand bankable opportunities in the country and attract top-tier global investors to enter Ukraine rather than waiting for the conclusion of the war."

She further dedicated the award to their partner Xavier Niel and the NJJ team, as well as the Datagroup-Volia-Lifecell team and the vibrant Ukrainian business ecosystem that has displayed remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming challenging circumstances.

The elite jury of GPCA noted the transaction’s demonstration of not only confidence in Ukraine's resilience but also Horizon Capital's ability to execute groundbreaking transactions amid substantial geopolitical risks. They commented that the success of the DVL Telecom deal exemplifies how targeted, value-add investments can yield significant impacts even in tough times.

Looking ahead, Dmytro Boroday, a partner at Horizon Capital, elaborated on the future aspirations of the firm, explaining that their strategy focuses on collaboration with global strategic and financial investors to expedite their entry into Ukraine. This approach aims to provide crucial capital for the country's reconstruction, especially in vital sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, and construction materials and services.

Horizon Capital is dedicated to partnering with visionary founders and companies that aspire to reshape Ukraine, fostering growth, innovation, and long-term value both for the firms and the nation as a whole.

About the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA)

The GPCA serves as an international membership organization representing private capital investors managing over $2 trillion in assets across regions including Asia, Latin America, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The GPCA fosters industry best practices and highlights the crucial role of private capital in promoting economic growth and innovation worldwide.

For further insights, you can view the award announcement in the multimedia gallery provided by PR Newswire.