Forbes conducted one of the very first interviews with Maksym Krippa, an investor who has always avoided publicity. After his company, Ola Fine, won the auction for the historic Ukraina Hotel in Kyiv, he could not avoid the limelight. In an interview, the businessman told us where he is currently investing and what new market segment he plans to inject cash assets into.

Artificial intelligence and its capabilities

The investor admitted to journalists that he is currently considering the possibility of injecting cash assets into the development of artificial intelligence. For a long time, he focused only on the real estate market and the IT industry. However, due to current globalisation processes, artificial intelligence seems to be a promising area for investment.

Technology companies are increasingly integrating AI-based tools into their products, and a growing number of new start-ups are focused on expanding the use of artificial intelligence. Although this industry continues to pose new ethical and technological challenges to developers, in the future, its activities will extend to all spheres of human life.

“This includes IT, esports, gaming, and the expansion of real estate assets. I am also interested in investing in projects related to artificial intelligence”, said Maksym Krippa when asked about his future investments.

Esports industry and game development

Today, Maksym Krippa owns the Parus business centre, a countryside hotel and restaurant complex, and several office buildings in Kyiv. Given his new acquisition, Hotel Ukraine, he can considered a prominent figure in the real estate market. The investor himself notes that it is the most stable asset. However, his main focus is on financing esports and game dev.

NAVI

In 2022, he became the new owner of the Natus Vincere esports team, which known not only in Ukraine but also abroad. In 2009, NAVI started as a Counter-Strike team in Ukraine. They quickly attracted attention and gained a loyal fan base, becoming the first team from the CIS to win the Electronic Sports World Cup in Counter-Strike. However, it was the Dota 2 team that took the organisation to new heights. In 2011, NAVI won the first Dota 2 tournament, The International. And even today, Natus Vincere does not lose its leading position – it won the Counter-Strike 2 final of the prestigious PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.

GSC Game World

In 2023, Maksym Krippa became the owner of GSC Game World. The video game development company known for its S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise, both in Ukraine and abroad. Today, the developers are preparing for the release of the long-awaited S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, which is scheduled for release on 20 November.

Maksym Krippa notes that these industries have a high potential for development, so he is currently investing in three main areas:

• Creating content that promotes Ukrainian esports in the country and abroad. The Maincast streaming studio plays a key role in this activity.
• The development of the NAVI esports organisation. The investment helps to create training facilities, provide technological infrastructure, and attract new talented players.
• Invests in game development, development of innovative technologies in the gaming industry and creation of new products of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise.

Charity organisation MK Foundation

In addition to business and investments, Maksym Krippa also engaged in charity work. His organisation, MK Foundation, actively involved in the logistical support of the army. To date, the organisation has donated UAH 830 million to charity and purchased 1,715 vehicles. It is worth noting that the foundation uses only private assets, does not hold meetings and does not collect donations. Also, after the missile terror on 8 July 2024, MK Foundation, together with S.T.A.L.K.E.R., transferred UAH 10 million to UNITED 24.

What known about the sources of funding

Regarding the sources of funding, the investor noted in the interview that his activities are completely legal, and each transaction is carefully checked. He receives income from business, dividends, and diversified assets.

When asked about the origin of his income, Maksym Krippa said: “I have nothing to do with Evoplay, GGBet, or the Vulkan online casino”.