From Navoiy to Silicon Valley: How an Uzbek Entrepreneur Is Building Their Startup Abroad

We met with Nasim Nosirov, an Uzbek IT entrepreneur currently developing his startup in Silicon Valley. In the conversation, he spoke about his path in the IT industry, education, and the importance of networking.

Nasim Nosirov, San Francisco, IT entrepreneur, LinkedIn

About me

I am originally from Navoiy, Uzbekistan. I was born and raised there, and later moved to the United States to continue my master's studies. I graduated from the University of Illinois a few years ago. After finishing my studies, I began actively developing in the field of artificial intelligence and technology, working at several startups in Silicon Valley. Currently, I am working on my personal projects in the field of artificial intelligence.

One of my current projects is a startup related to AI-powered wearable devices. Today, most AI solutions are focused on software. However, in our project, we aim to create a device that reflects the future, focusing on hardware: not just smartphones, but fully wearable technologies.

At the moment, I work from an office in San Francisco. I don't have a standard schedule — I do everything from marketing to product development. I work almost seven days a week because, in the early stages of a startup, you need to dedicate yourself fully to the work and expend maximum effort.

Where and how I study

Reading books and blogs is my favorite pastime, so I try to dedicate time to it at least three times a week. Currently, I am mainly interested in how to build a company and launch a startup. Recently, I read Ben Horowitz's book "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" — about starting your own company. But reading is only one way of learning. You can learn a lot from YouTube videos or simply through practice.

I recommend Coursera and YouTube for beginners — they are free. Today, you can learn everything on YouTube. Personally, I use Coursera and LinkedIn Learning the most. These platforms are especially focused on career development. But in my opinion, the most valuable learning happens at work — not just by reading or watching videos. Therefore, I advise beginners to work at a startup, even if it's unpaid — it gives you strong practical experience.

There is a Silk Road Innovation Hub in Silicon Valley, where events are held almost every week. I try to visit them at least once every two weeks. Last year, the Center was filled with guys from Central Asia who had amazing startups from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Then I went to TechCrunch.

Something is always happening here, and I try not to miss events. But to be honest, because I've been working on my current projects, I haven't been to any of them for almost a month.

Environment

Events are a great way to meet new people. Most of my communications have been due to study and work. If you are truly passionate about something and begin to understand it, over time you will find out on your own what events are happening nearby. Just look around and meet the right people. This is a huge advantage, especially if you are working on a startup.

Social networks also help me. You can find interesting people through them and establish useful connections. To be honest, I am naturally introverted and like working alone. But when I started working at companies and startups, I realized that connections are a powerful tool. Now I try to be more open.

Regardless of what you choose, it is important to take action, go out, and meet people, even if it is not entirely comfortable at times.

On social networks, I mainly use LinkedIn and X. I used to be on Instagram, but now I hardly use it, although it is also good for personal branding. These days, I focus on learning and networking: LinkedIn for connections, and X for ideas and learning.

How I spend my free time

I travel on foot often — there is beautiful nature here in Silicon Valley. It's about a 20-minute walk from my home to the forest. I like walking and seeing beautiful places. I was recently in Yosemite — a wonderful place, nature is simply miraculous.

To relieve stress, I go to the gym. I also practice jiu-jitsu. The last time I went to Nevada, I went to a shooting range — I practiced shooting. I mainly engage in sports and spend time in nature.

Where and what to buy

I used to be a die-hard Apple fan. I have three phones: one is an Apple flagship, the second is a startup called Nothing Phone, which focuses on design, and the third is a Motorola, which I hardly use. It's a bit fragile, but it works. As someone who deals with gadgets, by using all three, I understand current market standards and where they are heading.

My current favorite gadget is the recently released Nothing 3. I used to like iPhones, but Apple has stopped innovating and has become a large corporation. This is one of the reasons we try to create our own devices, like the gadgets we carry with us.

I mainly buy my gadgets online, which is the most convenient method today. But there are official Apple stores in San Francisco and Palo Alto, where you can see everything.

Recommendations

To everyone reading this, know that you can do anything. Everything is available on the Internet, all tools are at your fingertips. Dream big and achieve your goals.