Ukrainian entrepreneur Roman Kirihetov captivated global investors in the public launch of his Flash Beats app at Web Summit 2019 Lisbon, one of the world’s leading tech events. 

The iOS app creates unique and mesmerizing light shows based on the rhythm and beat of music generated through smart phones to enhance the atmosphere of any gathering, whether an intimate party or a large public event.  When connected to screens of any type and size, light images from the phones of any number of participants combine to create an even more complex visual experience. 

More than 140,000 users globally have already downloaded the app, which served as a product testing medium through which to collect feedback before formally launching the product to 200 potential investors on Surf Pitch Night at the Web Summit 2019 Lisbon.  

The Flash Beats founder was one of several Ukrainian firms selected to pitch its project in Lisbon with support from USAID’s Competitive Economy Program (CEP) in Ukraine. USAID CEP advances a strong, diverse, and open Ukrainian economy by enabling a better business environment for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supporting new and innovative industries and firms, and promoting export and trade. USAID CEP aims to encourage startup businesses and SMEs, increase domestic market competition, and support the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in international markets.

“It was crucial to talk to and receive feedback from all the jury experts at the pitch,” said Kirihetov. “We met more than 50 companies, representatives of business accelerators, and grant programs, and found a potential partner who wants to become our exclusive representative in Switzerland.” 

Since then, Flash Beats has begun to negotiate with one of Ukraine's lead venture funds to invest in the project, and two event planning agencies asked the firm to organize light shows for corporate events in Ukraine. 

“But the best part is that the organizers of Surf Pitch Night introduced us to the Web Summit team, and we proposed to develop a light show for the opening of the Web Summit in 2020,” said Kirihetov.   

As a result, Flash Beats expects to attend the next Web Summit, either as a successfully launched startup with its own stand or as an organizer of a spectacular light show at one of the Summit’s showcase events.