How a Ukrainian Software Engineer Helps Ukrainian Businesses Enter the EU Market

Today we want to share the story of a Ukrainian software engineer, Illia Haidar, who made the decision to move to Estonia to launch his own startup. By that time, he already had extensive software development experience: he had spent more than seven years freelancing, successfully completing over 100 projects for his clients. This professional background allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of business needs, user demands, product promotion mechanisms, and sales management. Ultimately, Illia began thinking about his own startup that would help Ukrainian entrepreneurs break into European markets without unnecessary barriers.

The result of this idea became the e-commerce marketplace sellme.ee, which today offers more than a million product listings. The platform was created so that Ukrainian brands could directly showcase their products to customers in Estonia and other EU countries. Notably, Illia developed everything himself—from the initial concept to the programming code, system logic, and user interface. He not only took European e-commerce standards into account but also focused on user convenience and flexibility in the platform’s development.

One of his key achievements was creating mobile apps for iOS and Android, fully integrated with the marketplace. This allows buyers to quickly find the products they need, place orders, and track delivery right from their smartphones or tablets. In turn, sellers gain instant access to incoming orders, enabling them to respond immediately to demand. This interaction forms a transparent, convenient, and efficient trading ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

Illia Haidar approached the creation of the marketplace with a strategic vision. He understood that Ukrainian entrepreneurs often face difficulties when entering international markets—logistics issues, finding partners, and adapting products to foreign consumer demands. Thanks to his platform, this process has become simpler. Instead of separately searching for distribution channels and investing heavily in marketing, producers can now simply register on Sellme and present their goods to hundreds of thousands of potential buyers all across Europe.

This approach not only reduces costs but also stimulates improvements in product quality. Competition with European brands encourages Ukrainian manufacturers to raise their quality standards, enhance design, reliability, and product innovation. As a result, buyers gain access to an interesting and diverse assortment of goods, while Ukrainian companies gain new opportunities for business growth and scaling.

Illia Haidar continually improves the platform, integrating new technologies, payment methods, better logistics solutions, and enhanced user interfaces. He pays close attention to feedback from both sellers and buyers in order to maintain a consistently high level of service. This flexible approach ensures steady growth and a positive reputation for the marketplace.

The success of this project also influences the international image of Ukraine’s IT sector. By demonstrating the ability to create high-tech products that successfully operate in the EU, Illia Haidar attracts investor attention and helps foster a favorable environment for startups. Over time, similar platforms may serve as models for exporting Ukrainian goods to other continents, expanding the geography of exports and creating new jobs in Ukraine.

In conclusion, Illia Haidar’s story exemplifies how many years of experience in software solution development, a deep understanding of client needs, and a strategic approach to growth can be transformed into a large-scale international project. His marketplace has become a bridge between Ukrainian manufacturers and European consumers, opening up new horizons for business and contributing to economic growth. This case demonstrates that in today’s globalized world, a talented software engineer with vision and experience can create solutions that truly change the game.