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 Omid Pakseresht, CEO Of SEPANTA, About The Future of AI And Enterprise Innovation
- HealthTech44 Head Judge And Founder Of Archetype MedTech, Dr. Stuart Grant, Tells Us What He’s Looking For In Entrants In 2026
- A Chat With Miao Luo, Director Of Technology Strategy At Qt Group On The State Of OEM And Hardware Startups In The AI Age
- A Chat With Ben Snape, Commercial Director At AI Legaltech Company Litigated.com
- Interview With Séamus Begley, Founder And CEO Of The Studio of Possible On Whether “AI-Powered” Makes Businesses Unique In 2026
- Powering Funds For Investors: Interview With Anders Ramsten, CEO of PowerFunds
- A Conversation With Penelope Sonder, COO Of NALA On How AI Is Quietly Reinventing The Art Industry
- A Chat With James Clark, Partner At Spencer West LLP On What Digital Regulation May Look Like Under An Andy Burnham Government
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.
