#Ukraine #Kyiv #Horizon Capital #Real Deals #Datagroup-Volia

Horizon Capital Triumphs at Real Deals Private Equity Awards

Horizon Capital, a leading private equity firm focused on emerging markets in Europe, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Real Deals Private Equity Award in the category of "Deal of the Year in Central and Eastern Europe". This recognition celebrates their historic acquisition of the telecommunications companies Datagroup and Lifecell, marking a significant milestone in the region's investment landscape. This marks the second consecutive year Horizon Capital has been honored in this capacity.

A Stellar Achievement in Private Equity

Founded over a quarter-century ago, the Real Deals Private Equity Awards have established themselves as the premier recognition in the European private equity sector. Each year, the event attracts influential leaders within the industry to commend fund managers and advisors who have displayed exceptional performance over the past year. Nominations are meticulously evaluated by a panel of industry experts, assessing merit, achievements, and proposal quality.

Lenna Koszarny, the founding partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, expressed profound gratitude: "This award is a testament to everyone involved in the success of this transaction, including the leadership and teams from Datagroup, Volia, and Lifecell, our exceptional CEO Mykhaylo Shelemba, as well as the visionary telecom entrepreneur Xavier Niel and his team at NJJ. We're also indebted to the EBRD, IFC, and European Commission, without whom this deal would not have been possible."

This achievement signals not just corporate success but also a commitment to Ukraine's resilience, with Koszarny emphasizing, "We share these successes with Ukraine, celebrating the strength, determination, and resilience of its people. Their entrepreneurial spirit allows us to achieve world-class investment results even under challenging conditions."

Driving Future Growth

The momentum generated by the DVL telecom transaction has inspired Horizon Capital to launch a new reconstruction fund, Catalyst, aimed at facilitating similar deals and channeling billions into Ukraine. The firm intends to enhance collaboration with international strategic partners and global funds, expediting their entry into Ukraine to foster the redevelopment and modernization of its critical sectors, including energy and digital infrastructure.

As innovations continue within the telecommunications sector, the acquisition of Datagroup and Lifecell stands out as one of Ukraine's largest M&A transactions in recent history, executed under the prevailing conditions of war. The Real Deals Award acknowledges Horizon Capital's pioneering role in structuring the deal and transforming Datagroup into a robust player in the telecom landscape.

With this latest accolade, Horizon Capital elevates its profile among industry peers while reinforcing investor confidence in Ukraine’s market resilience. This transaction, embracing a total investment of approximately $1.5 billion, showcases the unwavering trust of international investors in the country's potential for a secure future, even in the face of adversity.

Dmytro Boroday, partner and investment committee member of the Catalyst fund, added, "This award is not just a recognition of another private equity exit; it signifies something far more meaningful. It acknowledges the most significant transaction ever conducted in Ukraine amidst a full-scale war—an unprecedented feat in modern history. We take pride in being named alongside other esteemed private equity firms like Invalda and MCI Capital, who have inspired us over the years."

Horizon Capital remains at the forefront of private equity in developing Europe, managing assets exceeding $1.8 billion from investors with a capital base surpassing $700 billion. The firm is dedicated to supporting visionary entrepreneurs leading fast-growing companies in Ukraine and Moldova, and it has invested in over 200 firms employing more than 56,000 people. Its current fund, Catalyst Fund, aims for a target size of €300 million, of which over 50% has already been raised to attract €3 billion into Ukraine.

In the face of ongoing challenges, Horizon Capital continues to exemplify innovation and perseverance, committing to building a brighter future for its portfolio and the broader Ukrainian market.