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 Sisi Ncube, Founder Of FibreTempo, On Building Health Habits That Actually Stick
- A Conversation With Paul Dawalibi, CEO Of Innovation City
- A Chat With Anthony Clements, Head Of Brand Partnerships At Impact On How AI Is Reshaping Affiliate Marketing, Brand Discovery And The Customer Journey
- A Chat With Lisa Miles-Heal, CEO Of Corlytics, On What It Actually Takes To Build A Business Buyers Want
- A Chat With Oluwasesan Kayode Yackson, Co-Founder And COO at ProtonLabs Technology Inc. Ltd. and TechRound SaaS66 2026 Judge
- A Chat With Abiel Ghezae, Founder And CEO Of Ahlan, On Building The Operating System For Global Mobility
- A Chat With Cathie Hall, Chief Customer And Product Officer At IFS, On How AI Can Preserve Institutional Knowledge
- A Chat With Dr Kayode Adedapo Kolawole, Sales Director At Nagode Industries And SaaS 66 Judge
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.
