Ukrainian businessman Maksym Krippa has strategically diversified his investments into several key sectors, including esports, real estate, and video game development. In addition to these businesses, the billionaire has become a co-owner of the DIM development group, headed the Ukrainian Esports Federation, and is actively involved in charity.

Early success and investor income

In a recent interview with Forbes Ukraine, Krippa explained how he earned his first million. In the early 2000s, he worked with Kyivstar, one of Ukraine’s leading telecommunications companies. This partnership was key in creating the financial foundation for his future investments.

In 2007, Krippa was already working in the real estate market in the Kyiv region and also managed retail businesses. In 2016, he moved to the United Arab Emirates after noticing that the local real estate market was stagnating – a moment he identified as the best entry point. Since then, the value of some of his properties has increased five to seven times.

Currently, investor Maksym Krippa owns an impressive portfolio of residential, commercial and development real estate in the UAE, exceeding 100,000 square meters. Among his properties are plots located just 15 minutes from the Dubai Mall

Investing in real estate during the war

In January 2023, Krippa acquired a luxury estate in Kozyn, Kyiv region. It is expected to be turned into a special corporate facility for the Ukrainian esports team NAVI. Later that year, he became the new owner of the iconic Parus business center in Kyiv, although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Prior to the purchase, Krippa underwent due diligence to verify the origin of his investment funds and fulfilled all tax obligations . 133.1 meters high and covering 75,000 square meters, Parus is one of the tallest buildings in the Ukrainian capital.

At the end of November 2024, Krippa acquired another landmark, the Ukraina Hotel, located in Kyiv’s central square. The investment amounted to an impressive UAH 3 billion, including UAH 500 million of VAT.

Development of Ukrainian esports and gaming

Maksym Krippa became one of the first investors in the Ukrainian company Maincast, acquiring a 25% stake in 2018 and subsequently increasing his share. Around the same time, he also became interested in NAVI, a well-known esports organization, and formally became its owner in 2022.

In 2023, Krippa became the beneficial owner of GSC Game World, a video game development studio known for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise. The studio was struggling to complete the sequel due to financial difficulties. After gaining control, Krippa committed himself to completing the project, a promise he kept on November 20, 2024.

According to Krippa, the IT sector, esports, and game development remain his main areas for future investments.