In an information space where every move of famous personalities is scrutinised, activities of Favbet founder Andrii Matiukha are attracting a great deal of interest. While some discuss his business empire, others observe how his initiatives are spreading like a positive virus in the Ukrainian healthcare system and changing it for the better.
The coronavirus pandemic has taught companies to adapt quickly. Today, in the face of new challenges, major market players are showing unprecedented social commitment. Andrii Matiukha’s Favbet Foundation has become one of the most prominent companies in this field.
The National Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt” is now completely dependent on the system introduced by Andrii Matiukha. But the reality is much more prosaic and at the same time much more important. It is a complete set of the unique Thompson surgical system, the purchase of which was made possible thanks to a joint initiative of the Andrii Matiukha Foundation and Good Donations.
The cost of the system amounts to UAH 2.221 million. But its true value is not measured in money, but in the lives saved. The Thompson Retractor System is the gold standard in the most complex areas of surgery: neurosurgery, thoracic surgery and oncology.
The most important advantages for doctors and patients:
- A clear view of the surgical field: the surgeon can see everything down to the smallest detail.
- Free hands for the surgeon: the assistants no longer have to hold the instruments.
- Shorter operation time: less time under anaesthetic means faster recovery.
- Minimised pressure on the tissue: Reduces injuries and the risk of complications.
“When it comes to children, you need the best. We realised that only a complete system would enable doctors to work at the highest level. That’s why we decided to take part in this project,” explains Andrii Matiukha.
This initiative is a logical continuation of the systematic work. Previously, Good Donations had donated basic equipment and the Matiukha Foundation provided full functionality, enabling more than 300 urgent operations per year with a higher level of safety and efficiency.
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed chronic problems in the Ukrainian healthcare system. While the system tried to cope with the new virus, the old challenges did not disappear. Andrii Matiukha and his foundation without hesitation began to act proactively and systematically support medical facilities.
In 2023, Okhmatdyt received an ultrasound system worth more than UAH 4 million from the foundation. In 2024, the hospital received equipment for heating infusion solutions and laboratory shakers, which made the doctors’ work much easier.
Andrii Matiukha’s charity is not limited to a specific hospital. The foundation supports
- Romodanov Institute for Neurosurgery,
- finances the rehabilitation of military personnel as part of the Restart project, which was launched together with the Krevni patronage service,
- trains athletes in first aid.
Every project is targeted and effective. Every child saved or every soldier rehabilitated is a further argument in favour of corporate social responsibility.
Bets are placed: from Favbet to life saving
Is it possible to combine gambling and rescuing people?
Andrii Matiukha, the founder of Favbet, proves that responsible entrepreneurship is not an oxymoron, but a powerful tool for social change.
FavBet operates according to international standards for corporate structure, which is a common practice for large technological companies operating in many countries. This approach aims to optimise business operations in unstable tax systems instead of using shadow models.
The gambling industry in Ukraine was unregulated for a long time. FavBet is a pioneer in bringing legalisation and order to the industry and is the first company to step out of the shadows. Such significant changes are inevitably met with resistance and mistrust, especially from competitors and those used to the old “systems”.
According to Andrii Matiukha, FavBet was the first company to start with a complete “cleansing” of the partner registers. All signs of opaque structures were removed as relics of the past. Today, the FavBet team exclusively represents Ukrainian capital and the company has completely refused to co-operate with “toxic” jurisdictions.
His approach is not a one-off action, but a long-term investment in the country’s future.
When a Russian missile hit Kryvyi Rih on 4 April 2025, the Andrii Matiukha Foundation immediately joined the FC Kryvbas collection and transferred UAH 1 million to support the families of the killed children.
“No aid can replace the loss, but it is our responsibility to help deal with the consequences,” said Matiukha.
Since 2025, the Favbet group of companies has been managed by Andrii Matiukha’s son Dmytro Matiukha, which has enabled the founder to focus even more on charitable projects through the newly established Andrii Matiukha Foundation.
Who is Andrii Matiukha: a gambler, a businessman or a new kind of philanthropist?
Andrii Matiukha was born in 1972 and has built up one of the most successful betting companies in Eastern Europe since 1999. His business assets today include IT (Favbet Tech is based in Diia City), the production of bottled water (VODA UA) and an international casino chain.
Since 2020, however, his name has increasingly been associated not with business but with charity on a grand scale. Initially through the Favbet Foundation, and now through his own foundation, he implements projects in four key areas:
- Support for paediatric medicine.
- Realisation of cultural initiatives.
- Joining forces with other funds.
- Systematic support for Ukraine during and after the war.
His philosophy is simple but effective:
“Charity is not an act of goodwill. It is a tool to change the future”.
In five years, his foundations have become leaders in the field of philanthropy, and Andrii Matiukha himself received the “Person of the Year 2021” award for his contribution to the development of sport. Projects such as the international exhibition ORIGAMI FOR UKRAINE, the platform “Ye Protez” or first aid training for the sports community prove that his goal is not just to “close requests”, but to initiate irreversible positive changes.
From slot machines to surgical devices: the results of Matiukha’s strategy
Today, the activities of Andrii Matiukha’s Favbet foundations extend to the fields of medicine, culture, education and systemic support for the country. In 2023, Andrii Matiukha acquired the rights to the VODA UA water brand.
At a time when the country is struggling with an external enemy and internal challenges, the work of people like Andrii Matiukha forms the basis for a strong, intelligent and healthy Ukraine of the future.
There are more projects for Ukraine. The Favbet Foundation in 2025 is a powerful platform that combines efforts to support children, doctors and civilians. The foundation promotes sport and helps to improve conditions in medical facilities.
“In its five years of operation, the Foundation has become one of the leaders in philanthropy, and evenin the most difficult times, its activities contribute to a strong, smart and healthy Ukraine of the future,” says Andrii Matiukha.
Andrii Matiukha is convinced that charity should not be a reaction, but part of a national strategy:
“Charity is not an act of goodwill. It is a tool to change the future”.
The foundation’s plans include the expansion of existing projects, new forms of co-operation with medical institutions and active investment in post-war reconstruction.
FAQ
Andrii Valeriyovych Matiukha is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public figure who is behind dozens of socially significant initiatives in Ukraine. He is the president of the foundation that bears his name and is closely associated with the Favbet brand, which he founded.
As of May 2025, Andrii Matiukha remains a key figure in the Favbet group of companies, being the ultimate beneficiary of more than 20 legal entities operating in Ukraine, Croatia, Romania, and also having offices in Brazil and Malta.
In 2025, management of Favbet was re-registered to Andrii Matiukha’s son, Dmytro Matiukha.
The key principle is consistency and long-term impact. As he himself notes: “Charity is not an act of goodwill. It is a tool for transforming the future.” His approach is not simply to “close the request,” but to initiate meaningful changes that will have an impact for years to come.
Andrii Matiukha views charity not as a one-time gesture, but as a tool for systemic change and an investment in Ukraine’s future. His goal is to contribute to the formation of a healthy, educated, and culturally developed generation. He adheres to the principle of responsible business, where the company’s success is transformed into real help for society.