An Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Valeriia Akatova’s story is one of extraordinary courage, adaptability, and vision. Born in Ukraine in 1993, she built a successful entrepreneurial career before the full-scale invasion of 2022 dramatically altered her path. Today, she stands as Co-Founder of Foundation Ukraine, a pioneering organization dedicated to the reconstruction and long-term development of Ukraine through strategic real estate and infrastructure investments, and Co-Founder of Vellum Finance, where she applies the same forward-thinking approach to sophisticated wealth management and family office services.
Her journey from the war-torn streets of Kyiv to the forefront of international philanthropy and finance exemplifies how personal adversity can fuel meaningful global impact.
From Kyiv Under Fire to a New Beginning in France
In the early hours of March 2022, Valeriia woke to the sound of explosions near her home in Kyiv. With her young daughter Emilie, her little sister, and a close friend, she made the life-changing decision to flee. They drove through Poland and Germany before reaching the south of France, becoming among the very first Ukrainian refugees to arrive in the Gers department in Gascony.
The local French community responded with remarkable warmth. Valeriia and her family received immediate support from the Croix-Rouge, temporary housing, and later a generous offer of a rent-free guest house for an entire year. Despite the upheaval, her seven-year-old daughter quickly adapted to a new school and language, finishing the year at the top of her class. These early experiences of resilience and human kindness deeply shaped Valeriia’s commitment to rebuilding lives and opportunities.
Co-Founding Foundation Ukraine: Rebuilding a Nation
Valeriia’s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. After settling in France, she joined forces with Richard Ohebshalom and other partners to co-found Foundation Ukraine. As COO and Board Member, she leads teams focused on sourcing, negotiating, and executing strategic real estate and infrastructure projects that contribute directly to Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The organization’s mission is clear: create long-term economic value while generating jobs, stability, and hope for the Ukrainian people.
Through Foundation Ukraine, Valeriia is not only rebuilding physical assets but also fostering innovation and opportunity. She also serves as a mentor at Foundation Incubator, guiding the world’s top young tech talent and emphasizing practical execution, cultural adaptability, and resilience, lessons drawn directly from her own journey.
A Natural Extension: Co-Founder of Vellum Finance
Valeriia’s deep understanding of complex international environments and her passion for strategic wealth stewardship led her to co-found Vellum Finance. At Vellum, she brings the same disciplined, forward-looking approach that drives Foundation Ukraine. Vellum Finance specializes in holistic wealth management for high-net-worth families and family offices, combining sophisticated investment strategies with the personalized concierge and lifestyle services that modern multi-generational wealth requires.
Her dual role perfectly illustrates Vellum Finance’s core philosophy: true wealth management goes far beyond numbers. It encompasses resilience, purpose, legacy, and the ability to create positive impact even in the most challenging times.
Leadership Lessons from a Life of Transformation
Valeriia frequently shares powerful insights gained from her experiences:
- Adaptability and community support are more valuable than any rigid plan.
- Talent truly has no postcode, opportunity must be created and nurtured regardless of circumstances.
- Every crisis contains the seeds of new possibilities.
These principles guide both her work at Foundation Ukraine and her leadership at Vellum Finance, where she helps families navigate complex global landscapes with confidence and clarity.
A Profile of Purpose and Impact
Valeriia Akatova’s journey from the bombs falling on Kyiv to co-founding two impactful organizations, Foundation Ukraine and Vellum Finance, is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and strategic action. Whether rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure or helping high-net-worth families secure and grow their patrimony, she continues to demonstrate that true leadership transforms personal challenges into lasting positive change.
To learn more about Vellum Finance and how Valeriia and her team support sophisticated wealth management, visit Vellum Finance.
Discretion. Stability. Prosperity.
