ilina nigmatullina

This article was developed within the program Venture an Idea funded by the USAID.

As in the previous year, Belgradegets.digital will have the opportunity to present some interesting guests at the SPLET 3 conference.

Meet Ilina Nigmatullina, a startup founder, mentor, and product manager from Kazan, Russia, who has been calling Belgrade home for the past two years.

 

Startup founder, mentor, and product manager

COUNTRY: Russia

 

Where do you come from, and is this your first time in Belgrade?

I am from Kazan, Russia. Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Russia, known for its rich history and diverse culture. The predominant nationality in Tatarstan is Tatar, so I am Tatar by ethnicity.

My husband and I always wanted to visit and get to know Serbia. I used to work with Serbian specialists in Russia, and my husband’s colleagues often traveled to Serbia on business trips. It turned out that I didn’t just come as a tourist; I have been living here for 2 years now, and I absolutely love it. Living in Belgrade has been an enriching experience for our family, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, and make new friends. 

 

Can you tell us something about your startup and product that you are developing?

I am working on a startup called ProdCrafter AI. It is a web application designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of launching a tech product from scratch. Prodcrafter helps users with ideation, defining their target audience, conducting market research, competitor analysis, customer development, and more, with the assistance of AI at each stage. The web application is available online and is currently in the beta phase. I am continuously working on enhancing its functionality to ensure it is fully ready for widespread use.

Additionally, I am a big fan of education in general. I have two higher degrees, have completed numerous courses, and am still continuously learning. This passion led me to mentor people and companies and to start my own educational projects for product managers and startup founders. In these projects, we focus on practical learning, dedicating a small portion to theory and the majority to hands-on practice. I believe this is the best way to learn and to overcome the fears associated with launching a product.

 

What market is your product targeting?

ProdCrafter AI and my educational projects are targeting aspiring startup founders, product managers, and anyone interested in bringing a tech product idea to life. I’m focusing on providing valuable resources and support to those who want to launch products quickly and effectively, leveraging AI to enhance the process.

 

You are organizing specific events and workshops; can you tell us a little bit more about the community you are building?

I am the founder of a community focused on startups, AI, and product management. Through this community, I organize events, workshops, and masterclasses to share knowledge, foster networking, and support each other in our professional journeys. This community is international, and one of my goals is to unite professionals with similar interests from all over the world. Based on my experience communicating with various people, I realized that the most valuable information cannot be found on Google or asked from ChatGPT; it is in the minds of people who have gone through practical experiences, faced specific challenges, and accumulated valuable practical knowledge. I believe that if people have the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with each other, it would be beneficial for everyone.

I am also one of the founders of another community called IT Connect. We have nearly 2000 IT specialists and have organized more than 10 events in Belgrade, including meetups, networking games, open-air events, and even a festival. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and support among IT professionals, providing them with valuable opportunities to network, learn, and grow.

Photo: IT Connect team

What is your experience working from Belgrade?

I mostly work from home, but sometimes I rent a coworking space or settle into a cozy café. I like coworking spaces because they are not just a place to work but also opportunities to meet fascinating people. The wonderful weather also allows me to work on the many terraces of different cafés. This always energizes me and makes working both efficient and enjoyable.

There’s a strong sense of support from the Serbian communities here. Experienced entrepreneurs generously share their invaluable insights, and local companies often offer spaces for meetings, events, and other forms of support. This is incredibly valuable for newcomers like us who want to start a business but may not be familiar with local laws, regulations, and other important considerations.

Additionally, I have discovered that Serbia has a wealth of programs designed to support startups at any stage. This makes it an exciting and encouraging environment for entrepreneurs. 

 

What are your favorite things to do in Belgrade?

Aside from work, I love simply walking around Belgrade. The weather allows for long walks at any time of the year, except perhaps on the hottest summer days. My family and I take many walks with our children and have explored almost all the districts of the city, as we enjoy discovering new places. I appreciate how diverse Belgrade is. There’s Stari Grad with its narrow streets, Novi Beograd with architecture similar to our Russian cities, and new modern complexes like Belgrade Waterfront.

Additionally, we travel a lot throughout Serbia, visiting various nature reserves. These trips allow us to completely disconnect from work and daily concerns and just relax and rejuvenate.

 

Can you share with us some of your favorite spots in the town?

I really love the riverbanks in Belgrade, especially along the Danube River, both in Stari Grad and Novi Beograd, near Zemun. The riverbanks of the Sava River are also wonderful, particularly Ada Ciganlija for its beautiful nature and recreational activities. One of my favorite places is Mount Avala, which is a bit outside the city. We often go there in winter to sled and during other seasons to enjoy the view, breathe fresh air, and connect with nature. Additionally, I adore the complex with thermal pools on Fruška Gora, which we visit to celebrate significant events. Belgrade has so many beautiful spots that each visit feels like a new adventure.

 

This article was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of Nova Iskra and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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