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 Conversation With Jeff Herzog, Founder And CEO Of Avenue Z, And US50 2026 Judge
- A Chat With Omar Hafez, CEO Of Think Big Technology And US50 Judge
- Dear Mr. Prime Minister: Michaela Eschbach, CEO At Cambridge Wireless
- A Chat With Subomi Oluwalana, Founder And CEO Of Convoy And US50 2026 Judge
- Dear Mr. Prime Minister: Anne Cantelo, Founder Of Onyx Media And Communications
- A Conversation With Siphesihle Yokwe, Social Media And Paid Media Specialist And Founder Of Mvelo Mediahouse
- A Chat With Tshimologo Leburu, Founder And CEO At Virtual Africa On How African Freelancers Can Build Marketing Strategies for Global Businesses
- Meet Artem Kirillov: General Manager At Performa
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.
