From a consultant to a successful startup: how a Ukrainian businessman abandoned everything and left to conquer America

Why you should never give up and always take risks if such a decision seems right - a successful Ukrainian businessman left everything and became a co-founder of an American startup, after surviving 3 months of hell at work. Evgen Vyborov told his story for VOA.

Next - from the first person.

When you sacrifice a quiet life, successful work and stable earnings, what do people say about you? You are probably an eccentric.

Hi, I'm Zhenya and I'm an eccentric.

This is the story of how and why in 2016 I left my successful Ukrainian business and became a co-founder of an American startup. This is also the story of what prompted me to take this step. The most difficult, most important and best step in my life. No “keys to success” or “10 habits that will make you a millionaire.” Just a simple but real story that might be useful to someone.

Today I am a co-founder and chief engineer of a startup that helps people and develops rapidly. But three years ago I was in hell. I was invited to the role of Leading Technical Consultant at Techstars Boston startup accelerator. Geek to the bone and the owner of a Ukrainian IT-company, I had no chance to refuse. Such a good experience! A bunch of priceless contacts! Yes, and tasty cookies ...

Techstars is a three-month program during which several startup teams don't sleep, don't eat, don't do anything except produce products convincing enough for an investor to write a check. There were 2016 such teams at Techstars Boston Spring 14.

On the subject: How to create a successful startup and move to Silicon Valley: tips from an investor

As for my role... I was a technical consultant or "that guy who knows exactly what to do with technology." It's like you're in hell 24/7 pedaling 14 bicycles on fire at the same time. Upside down. Venous connected to the coffee maker. That's why you've only heard about sleep from Wikipedia and Google contextual advertising.

It was a difficult three months. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. It was at Techstars that I met my future partner. Anthony came to the program with a prototype for YayPay, an accounts receivable automation service. The prototype is, to put it mildly, very crude. Let's say, among the 14 flaming bicycles, this one also has square wheels.

But the idea was brilliant. And Anthony did not give the impression of a man who quits work halfway. Therefore, three months later, we came out of the dark with red eyes, trembling limbs and a decent version of the product (which we, looking ahead, threw away and did it all over again).

Immediately after Techstars, Anthony invited me to become a co-owner and chief engineer of YayPay. I said “I’ll think about it” and thought about it for over a week.

Photo: Facebook / Eugene Vyborov

Introduce yourself in my place. For seven years I have been making a stable business out of my company in Ukraine that brought me money. Enough money to provide a fairly detailed picture of my future and even make nice long-term plans.

On the other side of the scale is life on a volcano, unclear prospects and daily risks. Of course, building a successful business in the USA for an entrepreneur is like conquering Everest. This is an opportunity to gain incomparable experience, a bunch of great contacts and a powerful portfolio for negotiations with investors. Not to mention the very attractive dividends. Agreeing to Anthony's proposal was like voluntarily falling backwards, hoping that someone would catch you.

On the subject: Immigrants founded half of US billionaire startups: the most inspirational stories

Well, I agreed. Weighing the potential of a startup is very difficult because a startup is a complete unknown. You can draw up charts, analyze similar experiences, take into account current trends and market conditions, and tomorrow you will be left with nothing. But in my opinion, there are three key factors that can and should be taken into account. Because if your startup becomes successful, you will be shown on TV, and the president will shake your hand - these are the three factors that will precede it.

1. People. In a sense, a startup is a risk to life. Therefore, the people you work with are people to whom you are ready to entrust this life. During our three months at Techstars, Anthony and I realized that we could collaborate and listen to each other, despite any pressure or stress. In addition, he already had experience in building successful projects.
2. Idea. Yes, today even an application that ages you in a photo can bring you money. But the best ideas are those that show real pain and problems. Listen to the problems of the neighbor on the left or that guy in line for coffee. If you know how to make their lives better, chances are you know how to improve the lives of many. The startup idea Anthony invited me to solve very real business problems around the world. I had no doubt that such a project would flourish if done correctly.
3. Adventurism. In my opinion, you need to be thirsty for adventure in order to agree to a life consisting of constant risks and lack of transparent prospects. A startup, like Indiana Jones, with wild eyes, a nervous smile and an absolute misunderstanding of the near future, jumps into the unknown jungle for treasures.

Photo: Facebook / Eugene Vyborov

In my opinion, combine these three elements and your chances of success will be no less than those of Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs. I tried it and am happy with the result.

Yes, business in the States is not just one step, after which you immediately reap the benefits. Having agreed to Anthony's proposal, I set out on a very long and difficult path. A path of daily painstaking work. And believe me, this is the only path to success here.

But do your job persistently - and the results will not keep you waiting. To confirm my words, I can only say that our company currently employs 45 specialists. In addition, we earned the trust of clients and investors and, as a result, $16 million in funding. Therefore, we are growing and making our service better!

Read also on ForumDaily:

Personal experience: how to open a company in the USA in a month

Immigration to the USA: how I worked for free, and then became a director

How to save tourists in New York: personal experience and lifehacks

Personal experience: 28 reasons why I love New York after Kiev

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.