Supporting Ukraine Beyond Gaming: Favbet’s Evolving Role Under Andrii Matiukha

In early 2022, the business environment in Ukraine underwent unprecedented disruption. Companies across the country were forced to adapt swiftly to safeguard operations and ensure continuity. Among them, Favbet—a household name in gaming and entertainment—stood out as a case study in adaptation and purpose-driven leadership. At the center of this transformation is Andrii Matiukha, the company’s founder, whose vision expanded Favbet’s focus from profit to broader societal contribution.

Favbet responded by reinforcing business continuity systems and launching emergency protocols, enabling nearly 700 employees to work safely and productively in highly unpredictable conditions. “We weren’t just trying to survive,” says Andrii Matiukha. “We understood that our responsibility was to support our people and our country in meaningful ways.”

Despite persistent logistical and infrastructure challenges—including energy shortages and restricted mobility—Favbet preserved operational integrity while stepping into a more civic-minded role. This swift transition demonstrated not only resilience, but a deep sense of responsibility.

Favbet Foundation: Reforging a Mission in Real Time

Launched in 2019, the Favbet Foundation originally focused on community-centered initiatives, including youth athletics, educational access, and health programs. By 2022, the foundation’s priorities shifted sharply in response to the changing societal context.

What followed was a decisive pivot. Within weeks, the foundation began channeling its resources into support for critical services, including emergency responders and local aid networks. Over 50 vehicles, hundreds of drones, medical supplies, and encrypted communication tools were delivered where needed. The speed and coordination of this shift were striking.

By the end of six months, the foundation had delivered over $10 million in humanitarian and technical aid. “We had to rethink everything—from procurement to logistics,” Andrii Matiukha recalls. “But the urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation.”

The foundation’s real-time adaptation was made possible by its deep integration with the company’s tech and finance teams, ensuring transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency comparable to leading international NGOs.

Andrii Matiukha on Prioritizing People Over Profit

While the foundation expanded its outreach, Andrii Matiukha also prioritized support for Favbet employees. Under his leadership, the company developed a care strategy that included relocation assistance, flexible schedules, remote work infrastructure, and comprehensive psychological support.

“Stress at this scale isn’t theoretical—it’s personal,” says Andrii Matiukha. “That meant treating our people not just as employees, but as individuals who deserve clarity, stability, and empathy.”

These efforts had tangible results: Favbet maintained more than 90% employee retention, even as many industries faced workforce instability. Staff members described a sense of unity and purpose, with many contributing directly to volunteer logistics or foundation-led initiatives.

This approach wasn’t only about compassion—it was a strategy rooted in long-term resilience and operational stability.

Favbet Garners Global Attention for Crisis-Driven Innovation

Favbet’s transformation has been featured in international forums as a leading example of business agility in times of disruption. Its model of values-driven leadership has been cited by academic institutions and development agencies alike as a benchmark in crisis resilience.

Still, for Andrii Matiukha, recognition is secondary. “Our goal was never praise—it was impact,” he says. “And we achieved that because of the people working beside us every step of the way.”

Favbet’s experience has helped spark a wider conversation among Ukrainian businesses about their role in supporting communities through uncertain times.

Looking Forward: Favbet’s Blueprint for National Recovery

Looking ahead, Andrii Matiukha and the Favbet team are focused on long-term recovery and development. Their ambitions extend beyond restoration—they aim to help reshape key systems through educational partnerships, digital upskilling programs, and economic inclusion initiatives.

“We’ve shown that business can be a lifeline,” says Andrii Matiukha. “Now, let’s make it a launchpad—for ideas, for innovation, and for a stronger country.”

In this new chapter, Favbet is more than just a company. Under Andrii Matiukha’s guidance, it has evolved into a civic institution—an engine of renewal that bridges private enterprise with public purpose.