Tell us about yourself
I’m Furkat Kasimov, and it is an honour to judge the 2025 TechRound 100 with over 20 years of experience building, scaling, and advising technology companies.
As an angel investor who has backed several unicorns, I understand the patterns behind durable growth and the pitfalls that stall it.
I am excited to evaluate this year’s entrants rigorously and spot the next breakout team.
What are you most looking forward to seeing from this year’s TechRound100 entrants?
I’m most excited to see companies that are moving beyond the hype cycle and are applying technology to create tangible, real-world solutions. For years, we’ve talked about the potential of AI and decentralised systems; now, I’m looking for ventures that are actually executing on that promise.
I’m particularly interested in founders who have a deep, almost obsessive, understanding of the problem they’re solving, whether it’s in healthcare, education, or creating more efficient B2B tools. True innovation isn’t just about a clever algorithm; it’s about a durable business model that fundamentally improves a process or a life.
More from Interviews
- A Chat With Mark Boost, CEO And Co-founder Of Civo, On Data Sovereignty And The Case For A UK-First Cloud Strategy
- An Interview With James Murdoch, Director Of Kynekt, The UK’s Leading Equipment Protection Platform For The Construction And Trades Industry
- Dear Mr. Prime Minister: Helen Crisostomo, VP Business Development At De Novo Solutions
- A Chat With Siyi Hao, Principal At Roland Berger On Europe’s AI Data Centre Developments
- Interview With Ravina Bhanot, Founder At One Labs+ On Her Experience Building An SME In The UK
- A Chat With Gianni Romano, Founder And CEO Of Clothink, On Bringing AI To Fashion Product Development
- A Chat With Eugene Zlotin, Founder And CEO Of Flamingo Compliance On Turning International Compliance Into A System That Spots Risks Early
- A Conversation With Oleksii Pimenov, Founder And Chief Software Engineer At SimBuster
How do you suggest that TechRound100 entrants stand out from the crowd?
To stand out in a sea of innovative applications, entrants should focus on a crystal-clear unique value proposition and articulate not just what your product does, but the specific problem it solves and why it’s better than existing solutions. Back it up with data: show traction through user metrics, revenue growth, or pilot results. Highlight your team’s expertise, as judges value founders who bring unique perspectives. Finally, emphasize impact to demonstrate you’re building for the long term, not just quick wins.
Any final pieces of advice?
Show momentum, not perfection. Investors and judges don’t expect everything to be figured out. They look for founders who learn fast, execute decisively, and keep improving. Focus on metrics that prove engagement, retention, and value creation. And remember: technology is an enabler, not the story. The story is the human problem you’re solving and the future you’re building.
