In an exclusive interview, DroneUA co-founder Valeriy Yakovenko shared insights into their expansion strategy, partnerships with Starlink and EcoFlow, and why Ukrainian-made drones can successfully compete with American technology.
Entry into the U.S. Market: Ukrainian Production with Global Ambitions
Currently, DroneUA operates actively in Ukraine and the United States. After assembling the first drones in Newtown, Pennsylvania, the company set an ambitious goal: to cover at least 4-5% of the U.S. agricultural drone market, which translates to several thousand drones annually. Importantly, these drones are designed with Ukrainian components, promoting Ukraine's engineering expertise globally.
DroneUA’s U.S. operations, already profitable, aim to develop agricultural robotics, energy systems, geospatial services, and construction-related digital modeling (BIM). Despite facing export restrictions on key drone components, DroneUA is positioning itself to lead the agricultural robotics market with a competitive advantage in pricing and quality.
Cooperation with NASA, Starlink, and EcoFlow: Strategic Partnerships
DroneUA’s breakthrough on the global stage includes:
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Supplying equipment to NASA after participating in the CES technology exhibition in Las Vegas.
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Collaborating with SpaceX on ensuring uninterrupted power for Starlink terminals during critical times.
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Becoming an exclusive distributor of EcoFlow portable charging stations in Ukraine, with over 300,000 units sold.
The strategic foresight of partnering with EcoFlow in 2021, long before the massive demand surge during Ukraine’s blackouts, gave DroneUA a dominant position in the energy storage solutions market.
Leadership in Ukraine’s Agricultural Drone Market
DroneUA remains a market leader in Ukraine, controlling over 52% of the agricultural drone segment. Despite the war causing serious disruptions — including landmine risks and a shortage of skilled drone operators — DroneUA continues to support Ukraine’s agricultural sector by subsidizing operations and maintaining logistics networks.
The company estimates that 21,000 new drones will be needed in Ukraine after the war to support agricultural recovery, and DroneUA is determined to ensure these will be manufactured locally.
Efficient Management and International Expansion
The DroneUA team has grown significantly to 144 employees, including a lean U.S. division. The company emphasizes efficient operations, leveraging Ukrainian expertise while minimizing expansion costs in the United States.
Today, the focus is on international growth. Co-founder Valeriy Yakovenko leads communication with global partners and the scaling of DroneUA’s presence abroad, while Fevzi Ametov, who is currently serving at the front, oversees operational strategies.
Conclusion
As a trusted partner of GT Invest Ukraine, DroneUA demonstrates how Ukrainian innovation can break into global markets even under the toughest conditions. With strategic partnerships, a strong technological base, and a resilient entrepreneurial spirit, DroneUA is not only building a million-dollar business in the U.S. but also preparing a global breakthrough in the agricultural drone industry.
