Business as Unusual
Following the outbreak of conflict on February 24, many businesses in Ukraine had no choice but to close their doors. However, a surprising number within the cryptocurrency realm have managed to stay afloat, albeit with employees often huddled in bomb shelters around the world. It’s like a remote work situation gone wildly out of control—seriously, how many Zoom calls can one do under government-issued shelter orders?
Hasty Exits and New Beginnings
Meet Arsenii Hurtavtsov, the CEO of a non-fungible token provider known as Finch, who scrambled aboard one of the last flights out of Kyiv before restrictions tightened. “I was half expecting my bags to get conscripted,” he jokes. Once in Dubai, he partnered up with COO Alina Varakuta, both of them navigating a newfound uncertainty as their team remained scattered.
“We felt like pirates,” Alina quipped, “worried about treasures and our crew all the same.” They quickly reached out to clients, requesting a pause on projects. Predictably, everyone understood. Working from a bomb shelter? That’s a tough excuse to beat for downtime!
Keeping Connection Alive
Despite the chaos, it turns out that Finch’s dedication to its employees has paid off. “We assured our team that as long as they needed time, we wouldn’t fire anyone,” Hurtavtsov stated. By the end of March, the team managed to stay connected, keeping everyone safe and on payroll. How is that for team spirit?
Women in Leadership: Driving Forward
Not far from Finch’s makeshift HQ, Maria Yarotska, a NEAR employee, had to make a harrowing escape across Europe with her child and dog. Her determination to drive over six days to reach safety shone through as her only requirement from the team was to ensure her projects were cared for during her journey.
“When the world is falling apart, it’s good to rely on your company, at least,” said Yarotska, underscoring the support her team had. All for one, and one for all, right?
Plans for the Future
The future might be uncertain, but Finch has its eyes set on the horizon, with plans to establish a Miami office and continue nurturing its core team in Ukraine. “Ukrainian talent is like gold amidst this rubble—a little tarnished but still shining bright,” Hurtavtsov stated proudly.
The situation is complicated, as many international firms have reduced their footprint in Russia amidst fears of instability and interruptions in services. But in Ukraine, crypto legislation is still advancing. The Ukrainian government is pushing forward with crypto regulations, ensuring they’re not left in the digital dust.
Despite being embroiled in conflict, the Ukrainian government’s pioneering efforts in digital currency had them actively raising money via donations. This included more than $60 million sent to their wallets in various crypto assets—a shining beacon of hope despite dark circumstances.
Conclusion: A New Era of Adaptation
All in all, while the world watches the horrors of warfare unfold, it’s crucial to recognize the resilience and ingenuity that some sectors, like cryptocurrency businesses, are exhibiting. They’re not just surviving; they’re navigating the storm with determination and strategic foresight. Remember folks, when life gives you war… well, keep coding. It worked for them!
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