{"id":177796,"date":"2026-04-30T10:15:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:15:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vellumfinance.com\/?p=177796"},"modified":"2026-04-30T10:26:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:26:07","slug":"valeriia-akatova-from-kyiv-under-fire-to-visionary-co-founder-of-foundation-ukraine-and-vellum-finance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vellumfinance.com\/en\/global-perspectives\/valeriia-akatova-from-kyiv-under-fire-to-visionary-co-founder-of-foundation-ukraine-and-vellum-finance\/","title":{"rendered":"Valeriia Akatova: From Kyiv Under Fire to Visionary Co-Founder of Foundation Ukraine and Vellum Finance"},"content":{"rendered":"

An Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Valeriia Akatova\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a>, 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<\/strong>, where she applies the same forward-thinking approach to sophisticated wealth management and family office services.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Portrait
Valeriia Akatova \u2013 visionary leader and Co-Founder of Foundation Ukraine and Vellum Finance<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The complete interview here ><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

From Kyiv Under Fire to a New Beginning in France<\/h2>\n

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<\/a> Ukrainian refugees to arrive in the Gers department in Gascony.<\/p>\n

The local French community responded with remarkable warmth. Valeriia and her family<\/a> 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\u2019s commitment to rebuilding lives and opportunities.<\/p>\n

Co-Founding Foundation Ukraine: Rebuilding a Nation<\/h2>\n

Valeriia\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. After settling in France, she joined forces with Richard Ohebshalom and other partners to co-found Foundation Ukraine<\/strong>. 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\u2019s post-war recovery. The organization\u2019s mission is clear: create long-term economic value while generating jobs, stability, and hope for the<\/a> Ukrainian people.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/a>, guiding the world\u2019s top young tech talent and emphasizing practical execution, cultural adaptability, and resilience, lessons drawn directly from her own journey.<\/p>\n

A Natural Extension: Co-Founder of Vellum Finance<\/h2>\n

Valeriia\u2019s deep understanding of complex international environments and her passion for<\/a> strategic wealth stewardship led her to co-found Vellum Finance<\/strong>. At Vellum, she brings the same disciplined, forward-looking approach that drives Foundation Ukraine. Vellum Finance specializes in holistic wealth management<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Her dual role perfectly illustrates Vellum Finance\u2019s core philosophy: true wealth management goes far beyond<\/a> numbers. It encompasses resilience, purpose, legacy, and the ability to create positive impact even in the most challenging times.<\/p>\n

Leadership Lessons from a Life of Transformation<\/h2>\n

Valeriia frequently shares powerful insights gained from her experiences:<\/p>\n