Why did Slava Matskov join Mission Possible as an EIR (Entrepreneur-in-Residence)?

October 5, 2025

In the startup world, there are no universal recipes for success. But there are environments where ambitious entrepreneurs get the support, inspiration, and knowledge they need to grow. One of those spaces is Mission Possible — a Ukrainian startup accelerator that helps young founders build companies of global scale. Among those who believed in this mission and joined as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) is Slava Matskov, Co-Founder & CEO of Howly.

Why did Slava choose to support Ukrainian startups?

“Ukrainian entrepreneurs are smart and driven people. By helping them, I also gain valuable experience: I meet new people, see different approaches to business, and learn new things myself. It’s a constant exchange of energy and knowledge,” says Matskov.

His main motivation is to support Ukrainian startups at a time when entrepreneurship is becoming one of the key drivers of the country’s recovery.

Why the EIR format?

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence role allows working with startups on a deeper level. It’s not just about mentorship — it’s about:

  • building trust,
  • searching for solutions together,
  • creating real value for each team.

“At Mission Possible, strong startups always come together, and the atmosphere creates the perfect conditions for growth. It’s an environment where you feel the movement and want to be part of it. That’s why the EIR format is the best way to join and add your own expertise,” explains Slava.

What advice would he give to Ukrainian founders?

“Speed is the key to success. The faster you make decisions, test, and learn from mistakes, the greater the chance your startup will grow into a large-scale business.”

What drives him most in working with startups?

For Matskov, the main source of inspiration is people: founders who are not afraid to take risks, ready to experiment, and move fast. Their energy fuels and motivates him to work even harder.

First impressions of Batch 3 startups at Mission Possible

“The impression is very strong. These are people already ready for real challenges. The teams are highly prepared, and their focus is very sharp,” emphasizes Slava.

Why is Mission Possible important for Ukraine?

According to Matskov, the platform does two key things:

  1. Promotes entrepreneurship among youth and proves that building a business in Ukraine is possible.
  2. Democratizes access to knowledge and opens opportunities for those who previously didn’t have them.

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