Over the past several days, we have watched with horror, sadness, and disbelief as the Russian government executed a full fledged invasion of Ukraine – without provocation. General Catalyst unequivocally condemns the Russian government’s disregard for the basic human rights of the people of Ukraine.
Our firm’s mission is to invest in powerful, positive change that endures. Our portfolio company founders and CEOs are building enduring companies that will make a positive, lasting impact on society through their innovations, which requires tremendous courage and leadership under the best of circumstances. We’ve been both heartened and inspired by our portfolio companies and our Limited Partners in Ukraine who have shown enormous fortitude and resilience through the most trying and uncertain of times, working tirelessly around the clock, dedicated to ensuring the safety of their employees and their families. That includes establishing communications channels, researching and sharing information on the borders that remain open to the people of Ukraine for asylum, and providing funds for those individuals and their families to seek refuge where they are able.
Our support of the people of Ukraine is unwavering and unambiguous. As a firm, we have made a substantial donation (with a matching gift component) to CARE’s Ukraine Crisis Fund, which aims “to reach four million with immediate aid and recovery, food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance — prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly”. We are working with our portfolio companies and Limited Partners in Ukraine on the one thing that matters most: the safety and wellbeing of employees and their families. That includes providing means of communication among our community of companies and partners there, and assisting efforts that help the victims of this unjust war – individuals, families, children and businesses that call Ukraine home – find their way to safety. We encourage members of our community to do the same if you are able.
In these challenging times, it’s important that we find strength and courage through what connects us as a society — our common humanity – our empathy, our longing for a just world for all, and a desire to help our fellow citizens of the world through times of tragedy.
To that end, both The Washington Post and NPR have published lists of organizations accepting donations to aid in the assistance efforts of Ukraine.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
