How to build a bridge between the tech industries of Central Asia and Europe

Nurdaulet Bazybekov, city — Almaty, Angel Investor & VC Scout, @012.bn

Career Path

When I lived and studied in Kazakhstan, I was a Candidate Master of Sports in swimming and practiced weightlifting. I had thoughts of becoming a professional athlete. But due to my age, I realized that to participate in the Olympic Games, I would have needed to start training from around four years old. That’s when I understood that I was too old for that.

However, for my athletic achievements, I received a scholarship to study at one of the schools in England. I was part of the swimming team there. To keep up with everything, I learned multitasking. All of this led me into the world of finance. It was interesting to try myself in this field. So, I enrolled in finance at City University, where I studied “Banking and Finance.” For all three years, I studied the financial crisis, how it happened, but I wanted something more, more technical.

I delved into high-frequency trading, specifically data science in finance. Between my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I completed an internship at the London Stock Exchange. The CEO of the exchange arrived earlier than anyone else, and then I did too. We became close. Later, he recommended me to Imperial College London, where I pursued my master’s degree. He also gave me the opportunity to use the exchange’s data. After completing my master’s, I returned to the London Stock Exchange and worked in various teams within the organization.

Eventually, I joined the team of funds that are listed on the exchange and worked there for a couple of years. Later, one of my clients invited me to join their company. That’s how I ended up at an asset management company that ranks in the top 10 globally by assets and capital.

Where the Interest in IT and the Tech World Came From

While working at an investment company, we collaborated with venture funds, and I began to think more deeply about how value is created by such funds. I realized that it’s not just for shareholders but also for society, the world, and the founders themselves. I liked this thesis and the energy in the tech world. So, I started helping with IPOs and raising capital. But before another trip to Kazakhstan, I wondered: why do I always offer only capital? And I wanted to add value to our region. So, I proposed that venture funds host an event in Kazakhstan, where local entrepreneurs could present their projects. I told them that we have Kaspi Bank, Freedom Bank, and that Tim Draper had visited Kazakhstan. They agreed and showed interest in our startups.

Our guys think globally; the only thing they lack is capital. We need support and connections with the global investment community. And here we come to the final part — what I’m doing right now. I’m building connections between our region, Central Asia, and Europe. I myself am based in Europe and organize various events, introducing founders from Central Asia to Europe, as well as connecting those who are currently in Europe with our region.

About Building Connections Between the Tech Industries of Central Asia and Europe

Recently, there have been many cases. For example, recently I connected with a startup in the e-commerce sector. They want to expand into the European market and beyond. The first thought that came to me was introductions. I have a close acquaintance who works as a machine learning engineer at an e-commerce startup. When I introduced this to the founder of the Kazakh startup, he was delighted.

Another example — a project in the V3 sector. They needed a European investor who understands clients in China. It so happened that I again had a suitable acquaintance, and I simply introduced them.

Sometimes our guys don’t need money; they need other kinds of help, such as information. And here I can also be useful and advise on how to register your startup in Europe or how accounting works.

Upcoming Events

There will be many events. Last week, we held one event at the Facebook office. Facebook provided us with space and even people who helped with the organization. They did all of this for a small event for guys from Central Asia who just wanted to meet and talk.

In the plans are both to participate in and create more events. Actually, England is small, so London is the tech hub for all of England. For us, this is convenient.
If you don’t have time for events, you can join runs with venture capitalists and startuppers. Recently, at such a run, I met an entrepreneur from fintech who also has an investor from Kazakhstan. This indicates the expansion of the Central Asian market in Europe. Through various events and communication, people begin to notice our region more.

Advice for Young Startup Founders Who Want to Enter the UK Market

The very first piece of advice — don’t be afraid. Dream big. In general, all startuppers should be optimists. When no one believes in you, you must believe in yourself.

Find out what community exists in your country, who these people are, and who among them has already ventured abroad.

Be proactive in communication.