Kyiv delivers: How Glovo scaled one of its fastest-growing markets in wartime Ukraine

2026-05-29 · Source: Tech.eu - Tech.eu · Field: Business & Management — Operations & Process Management, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, long

Summary

Glovo has transformed Ukraine into one of its fastest-growing markets, adapting its on-demand delivery operations to wartime conditions since 2018. Despite missile strikes, blackouts, and air raids, the company operates across 40 Ukrainian cities with over 12,000 partners, 85% of which are SMEs, and has facilitated over 80,000 courier orders. Glovo invested €120 million in Ukraine, earning "critical company" status. Key adaptations include ad hoc technology developments for real-time blackout information, providing EcoFlow batteries to staff during power outages (like the severe winter of 2025-2026), and implementing real-time monitoring with local insurance for couriers during air raids. This resilience has fostered customer trust, driving quick commerce growth from 17% to 28% in two years.

Key takeaway

For international businesses or investors evaluating market entry into challenging or post-conflict regions, Glovo's experience in Ukraine suggests a strategic advantage in early engagement. You should consider building relationships and establishing operations now, as the cost and competitive landscape for market entry are likely to intensify significantly once stability returns. This proactive approach can secure long-term market share and foster deep local integration.

Key insights

Glovo's success in Ukraine demonstrates that rapid digital adoption and operational agility enable growth even in extreme wartime conditions.

Principles

• Digital transformation accelerates in crisis
• Local operational adaptation is crucial
• Customer trust drives sustained engagement

Method

Glovo adapted to blackouts through ad hoc tech developments, integrating with city services for real-time power outage data, and equipping team members with EcoFlow batteries for sustained home operations.

In practice

• Invest in local infrastructure resilience
• Implement real-time threat monitoring for operations
• Prioritize employee well-being with practical support

Topics

• Glovo
• Wartime Operations
• On-demand Delivery
• Market Expansion
• Business Resilience
• Ukraine

Best for: Investor, CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Executive, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Tech.eu - Tech.eu.