News of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's reported investment in seven real estate assets in Kyiv has been welcomed in Ukraine as a rare example of foreign investment during wartime and an encouraging sign to other investors. Forbes Ukraine first reported on June 8 that Schmidt and his wife, Wendy Schmidt, had acquired a combined 36% stake in seven companies under the Dragon Capital group, a major Kyiv-based investment firm.While the deal has not been made public, Forbes reported that changes in the ownership structure appeared in the YouControl system, an open-data source, between late May and early June. Forbes estimates that the couple's share is worth $55 million to $70 million.According to Forbes, the portfolio includes the Eurasia and Prime business centers, the Piramida shopping and business center, and the East Gate Logistics logistics complex. The Schmidt's share ownership with the family fund of Tomas Fiala — the CEO of Dragon Capital — as well as investors Anton Schreider and Maksym Klimov.Dragon Capital declined to comment on the deal when reached for comment by the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine Business Roundup
"Tis is great news for Ukraine's investment climate," Volodymyr Landa, head of investment screening at the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, told the Kyiv Independent."Ukraine remains a country with high risks and high expected returns. Investors who acquire Ukrainian assets now will generally benefit when the war ends."
