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“Developed in Ukraine”: Parimatch Tech co-CEO Web Summit 2021 Speech

Published

5 years ago

November 10, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

After the pandemic-related switch to an online-only format last year, Web Summit 2021 returned to Lisbon and welcomed guests from across the world once again. For the first time ever, Ukraine hosted a pavilion at the world’s largest digital tech conference as the synergy of government institutions and businesses.

Parimatch Tech, an international product company that provides tech and marketing solutions in the entertainment and betting industry, was honoured to represent Ukraine as the country’s leading IT market player. Maksym Liashko, Parimatch Tech’s co-CEO, held a panel discussion and shared his thoughts about Ukraine’s promising future in tech.

“The phrase “Made in China” is not surprising to anyone nowadays, considering the impressive global expansion of the Chinese market, touching almost every industry. In a few years, the phrase “Developed in Ukraine” will become as widespread. And it won’t be surprising for anyone working in the IT industry, keeping in mind Ukraine’s explosive growth in terms of startups, “unicorns”, and hundreds of thousands of absolutely incredible talented developers, project managers, creators emerging.” — Maksym started.

Parimatch Tech, operating in 14 countries, was born in Ukraine, continues to grow and develop in Ukraine, and plans to continue its global expansion from Ukraine. The company’s largest product is one of the most popular and advanced betting platforms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and as of today, the platform holds over 1400 transactions per minute, Maksym pointed out. As the company successfully operating in multiple countries, Parimatch Tech believe that Ukraine is one of the best places to develop and run a global IT business.

“Despite Parimatch Tech’s global presence, the company’s largest R&D office is based in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Why? The professional environment, high standards of tech education, and adaptive business approaches make Ukraine one of the best places to develop business globally. Ukraine is a unique country where working and living is equally pleasant.”

Ukraine becomes more and more visible on the world’s map each year, and it’s booming IT sector is one of the reasons, Maksym believes. It is easy to relocate in Ukraine, and it is easy to do business, and the reason behind this is Ukrainians’ high professional adaptability — it’s as easy for us to work with locals as it is to host foreigners.

“It’s easy to work from Ukraine and establish global partnerships. Being a Ukrainian company, Parimatch Tech has managed to sign contracts with some of the biggest global sports companies, including Juventus FC, Leicester FC, Everton FC, Chelsea FC, and UFC. So, it’s only a matter of time till “Developed in Ukraine” becomes another benchmark in the IT industry.” — Maksym Liashko concluded.

Ukrainian IT sector overview

It is hard not to notice how thriving the Ukrainian IT sector is: its yearly growth is five times faster (25%) than the global average (4-6%), and there seems to be no sign of slowing down in the future. Here are some numbers to back it up:

There are over 5,000 IT companies operating in Ukraine.

250,000 developers are working at Ukrainian IT companies, including almost 1,000 Parimatch Tech employees.

Ukraine is home to five unicorns.

Over the last 6 years, Ukrainian startups raised $2 billion in VC investments.

By 2025, the industry is projected to generate $10 billion

Web Summit 2021 Facts and Numbers

Ukraine’s Web Summit 2021 pavilion featured a number of startups, IT companies, foundations, and innovations. Aside from Parimatch Tech, Ukraine was represented by the Ukrainian Startup Fund, The Ministry of Digital Transformation, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal, Sigma Software Group, Ukrainian Hub, European Business Association, and iplace digital agency, as well as participants — Digital Future, Kyivstar, Rocket, Fondy, Avenga, ISSP, Concord Fintech Solutions, UNIT.City, and IT EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT.

Web Summit 2021 attracted some of the world’s most prominent speakers, journalists, and businesses. According to the report published by the Web Summit team, The event has connected over 42,000 people from 128 countries, proving to be a truly unifying global experience for tech enthusiasts, media, and businesses from across the globe. The event provided the visitors with an incredible opportunity to choose from hundreds of speakers who held a cumulative 1,333 talks in its four-day program.

Parimatch Tech also welcomes Web Summit’s commitment to making the event more diverse. According to the event organizers, over half of Web Summit’s attendees (50.5%) were women for the first time in the event’s history. This year’s Web Summit was supported by 211 partners, representing both local Portugal-based businesses and global tech giants alike. Parimatch Tech was proud and delighted to support the event and represent Ukraine’s thriving IT sector at the world’s largest tech conference.

eSports

Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028

Published

9 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-foundation-names-faker-game-ambassador-for-ewc-and-enc-through-2028

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.

EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.

“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”

Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”

EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.

The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brand Partnerships

Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season

Published

16 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

midnite-signs-as-middlesbrough-fc-principal-partner-for-2026/27-season

Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.

The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.

Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.

Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:

“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.

“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.

“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.

“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”

The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGCO

ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch

Published

16 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

thrilltech-secures-agco-supplier-licence-for-ontario-launch

ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.

The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”

The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.

ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.

The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.