People

God

First, thank you to God. For my life, for the people around me, and for a talent I do not want to bury. I believe He helped me become who I am, and that all of this is possible through Him. I want the way I live and the things I create to be my response to that gift.

My mum

My mum raised me on her own, and there are still times when she helps carry me through. We have had misunderstandings. We have not always known how to hear each other. None of that takes away from how much she has done for me or how much she means to me. Mum, thank you for everything you carried on your shoulders for my sake.

Ksyusha

My girlfriend Ksyusha has brought so much into my life. Being with her gave me much of my desire to earn a living, build a business and one day provide for our family. Without her, I probably would not be becoming the founder I am today. Ksyusha, thank you for making me want to build a future together.

Vlad

My cofounder Vladislav Sologubov helps me keep going. We have worked side by side for almost a year and a half, and we talk a lot. Carrying all of this alone would be hard; so much of it simply would not have happened without him. Vlad, thank you for walking this path with me.

Artyom

Artyom is an incredible person. I am deeply grateful that he walks this path with me and believes in my ideas, no matter what. Artyom, thank you for that belief and for being beside me.

Darina

My friend Darina is there through the problems and stress of trying to build a company. She is willing to listen, support me and help. Being able to tell someone what is happening and feel that I am not alone means a great deal to me. Thank you.

Timofey

Timofey is a friend from my last years of school. There were times when I looked up to him. We do not always tell people that their example made a difference, so I want to say it here. Timofey, thank you.

Nastya Vyrkovskaya and Gleb Gordilkovsky

In my first year at university, they showed me what it meant to get things moving and to be a leader. The way they acted kept giving me energy for another couple of years: I wanted to grow, take responsibility and start things myself. Nastya and Gleb, thank you. That energy stayed with me much longer than you may realise.

Kanye West

For music that helped me believe in myself and understand who I was. It was like espresso to me: I would put it on and feel my energy return. That influence has stayed with me quite literally; I have a tattoo of one of his album covers on my right ankle. Thank you for music that means so much to me.

Steve Jobs

We never met, but I still think of him as a kind of mentor. His philosophy, attention to detail and approach to work are deeply rooted in me. His example helped me see a path I wanted to follow. Thank you for work that, all these years later, keeps changing people's lives, including mine.

There is still so much I want to do. But I already know I did not get here alone. Thank you. This list will grow.