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Founder and CEO of Geecko, Inc. in the USA, and co-founder of Ticketscloud. He graduated with a degree in sociology from Lomonosov Moscow State University and studied at the British International School in Moscow. He is a member of the Alchemist Accelerator in the USA and a tracker at the Skolkovo Startup School.
Ilya and his team created Geecko, an international service aimed at developing HR brands for IT companies and retaining programmers using game mechanics and HR activities. Over 100,000 developers and over 30 international companies have already appreciated the benefits of Geecko's solutions. The company's revenue doubles every three to four months, confirming the high interest in the product. Geecko's key clients include large enterprises such as Sberbank, Luxoft, VTB, MegaFon, and Otkritie. The service helps companies attract and retain talent, improving their employer image and making employee engagement more effective.
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Effective use of links helps improve the visibility of a site in search engines and increases its traffic.
Founder and CEO of Geecko, Inc. in the USA, and creator of SmartMonkeys. A participant in the Alchemist Accelerator in the USA and a tracker at the Skolkovo Startup School, he is a partner and expert of the Skolkovo HR Community. He has experience in investments, inventions, and business management. At Geecko, I develop strategic solutions and manage internal investments in new products. My experience includes participation in the launch of over 30 projects, spanning from small startups to large enterprise solutions with annual revenue exceeding 2 billion rubles. I have managed development teams of over 200 engineers. Over the past three years, I have successfully employed over 1,000 programmers. My work also includes developing IT specialists using HRTech solutions, which allows them to effectively adapt their skills to the demands of the modern market. Links play a vital role in the structure of the internet and are the primary tool for navigating web pages. They allow users to quickly move from one page to another, ensuring convenient information retrieval. From an SEO perspective, high-quality links help improve a website's search engine rankings. Link quality, not just the quantity, is important. Links from authoritative and relevant resources increase trust in your website and attract your target audience. Optimizing internal and external links helps improve page indexing and increase search engine visibility. For best results, pay attention to both the anchor text and its placement on the page. Proper use of links is a crucial aspect of successful website promotion.
Are you currently planning a business relocation from Russia, or was this an event planned in advance?
Ilya Sergeenko: We prepared for the business relocation in advance, as we had long ago decided to relocate the company. Our head office is located in San Francisco, and our main clients include Western companies interested in hiring young developers. We also offer O-1 visas, which simplifies the relocation process. However, current circumstances have accelerated our need for this step.
Payment Difficulties and a "Logistics Nightmare"
Many international companies are currently experiencing difficulties paying their employees in Russia. Furthermore, the lack of regular flights makes it difficult for them to travel abroad. What challenges have you encountered in this situation?
Ilya Sergeenko: We began the process of obtaining US visas a year ago, opening a company in the US with the help of our US investors. We also have a Russian legal entity registered in Skolkovo, which allows us to work with developers and APIs. This model functioned successfully until recently, when the situation changed. Now we face new challenges as a Russian-American company.
We partner with Bank of America and two other banks that provide loans to startups. Unfortunately, these financial institutions no longer process transfers to Russia, which creates significant difficulties for the business. The solution to this problem remains uncertain, and it is unclear when the situation will change. Even if the conflict ends immediately, the consequences of the current sanctions will be felt for a long time.
Maxim Meshcheryakov: I plan to obtain a temporary B-1/B-2 business visa in Poland. I initially booked a "nearly direct" flight from Moscow to Greece, then planned to continue on to Poland. However, due to current events, I had to change my route: I flew to Bishkek, from there to Antalya, and then to Istanbul to reach Greece. I ultimately returned to Moscow for personal reasons, which also required a flight via Istanbul. Such complex and multi-layered itineraries significantly increase the overall cost of the trip.
The political situation in the country has reached a critical point, and as a co-founder of the project, I am obliged to ensure my safety, as I am responsible for the capital of our investors. Unfortunately, ticket availability currently leaves much to be desired: either there are no available seats, or the prices are excessively high due to the numerous transfers required. This complicates the ability to move quickly and safely.
The optimal travel option is to travel to Bishkek by train and then fly to another country. Although this may seem like a joke, we really consider such routes.
We need to transport thousands of people
The number of employees a company needs to transport depends on the specifics of the business and current needs. It is important to consider not only the number of employees, but also their role in the company, as well as the distance over which the move is planned. Companies often face the need to optimize logistics, which makes the issue of employee transportation relevant. To successfully complete this task, it is necessary to carefully plan and organize transportation in order to minimize possible risks and ensure the comfort of employees.
Maxim Meshcheryakov notes that the number of employees who left the company is impressive - there are thousands. Approximately 30% of employees purchased tickets themselves and left. Many of those who were vacationing in Georgia or Turkey simply never returned. Large companies find it more difficult to organize relocations due to financial and legal complications. In contrast, individual employees are more flexible, easily purchasing tickets and leaving.
One of our employees, a Russian citizen, moved from Minsk to Georgia. This country remains one of the few that opens its doors to Russians, despite the current sanctions. Georgia offers Russians the opportunity to live and work comfortably, making it an attractive destination for emigration.
Ilya Sergeenko: I am currently in Serbia. In December, I took my wife and daughters to Bali. Although the trip to Serbia was unplanned, I have established positive contacts with the local government. We are working on organizing a mass relocation, and there is a possibility that a special economic zone will be created for us.
We have explored several routes for a road trip to the south of Russia, with a subsequent ferry crossing to Bulgaria and then on to Serbia. Some alternative routes may present logistical challenges. Although we have not yet reached a final decision on the route, progress is evident.
We are currently negotiating with Air Serbia to launch charter flights to Moscow or St. Petersburg. These flights will be designed to transport passengers directly to Serbia. We are currently finalizing the details, as the project's implementation requires attention to numerous nuances.
Traveling to Serbia on scheduled flights is easier, but significantly more expensive—tickets from Russia cost around 100,000 rubles. It's important to note that almost half of our company's employees (49%) expressed willingness to relocate only if they could bring their pets, which was also agreed upon with the airline. Prices in Serbia are similar to those in Russia, but if you're paid in dollars, life here may be more comfortable than in Moscow. Housing, food, and meals in local cafes are often cheaper, making life in Serbia attractive for expats.
Serbia became a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey thanks to the contacts I've made. My first startup was launched in this region in 2011, and since then, I've developed warm relationships with the local administration. Serbia attracts entrepreneurs not only with its mild climate, but also with its friendly attitude towards Russians, which creates a safe and comfortable environment for doing business.
When the idea of Serbia joining NATO was floated in Serbian government circles, 10,000 Serbs took to the streets with Russian flags, expressing their feelings for Russia. They chanted, "Serbs and Russians are brothers forever." This deep historical and cultural attitude toward Russia is evident in everyday life: Russian flags can be seen in stores, and locals are warmly disposed toward Russians. For example, when I told the cashier that I was Russian, she hugged me and encouraged me with the words, "Guys, hang in there! You'll be fine. Just don't lose heart." This underscores the strong bond between Serbs and Russians, based on mutual understanding and solidarity.
Geecko employs Ukrainian citizens. Our team includes professionals from different countries, which allows us to offer a variety of ideas and perspectives. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive work environment for all employees.
We had employees from Ukraine, but they moved to other companies. We parted ways with them amicably before the conflict began and continue to maintain contact. Many of them are currently experiencing difficult times. One of our former colleagues, for example, is forced to write code from a bomb shelter in Kharkiv because he needs to earn money for his family.
Many employees are considering leaving Russia, but there are also those who prefer to stay. The issue of employee migration is becoming more relevant as circumstances in the country change. It is important to consider the opinions and preferences of employees to understand the factors influencing their choices. Living conditions, career opportunities, and personal circumstances play a significant role in the decision to move or stay. Analyzing current trends will help identify key motives and sentiments among employees.
Maxim Meshcheryakov: At the moment, our relocation process is in the preparation stage, and I am already receiving feedback from colleagues. Many clients are interested in relocation and requesting the relocation of entire companies with 300 to 500 employees. In response, we launched Geecko Move, a project offering a comprehensive solution for organizing relocation without unnecessary stress. We share insights and experience on our Telegram channel, where we discuss how to manage ruble finances abroad and create relocation guides. We have already received positive feedback from our readers, confirming the relevance and usefulness of our content.
Finding rental housing in another country can be a real challenge. If an employer takes on this issue, they gain a significant competitive advantage. The assistance provided can even result in a salary reduction, and the employee will be grateful for the support. This not only improves team relations but also increases employee loyalty to the company.
I recently met a friend from school who manages a team of a thousand outsourced developers in Russia. Most of his clients are Russian companies, such as Alfa-Bank. They surveyed their employees about the possibility of emigrating, and 30% responded that they would not leave, even under a nuclear threat. We, in turn, have not conducted such a survey and cannot estimate how many people are ready to stay in the country.
We were forced to do this: why some companies cannot stay
What do you plan to do with those who do not intend to leave Russia?
Ilya Sergeenko: Geecko is an international company, and this is connected With certain risks. Companies of this level are subject to compliance ratings. For many clients, it is critical that the company they partner with or invest in does not have employees from sanctioned countries. This requirement is becoming fundamental when choosing partners and investments, underscoring the importance of compliance with international norms and standards. In this situation, the key factor is the legal status of the company, not its nationality. It is important to consider the office location, legal entity registration, and bank accounts into which funds are deposited. Unfortunately, if we remain in Russia, this will lead to a loss of access to the international market. This raises uncertainty regarding further actions with employees who may prefer to remain. Previously, we successfully earned money in the US and transferred funds to Russia, but this is no longer possible. We do not plan to lay off employees hastily, but we do not have a ready-made solution for this problem. We will actively seek solutions to address the current situation.
We provide relocation services for our client companies and also actively consult with the remaining organizations. In the process, we encounter numerous issues and unique situations. Each case requires an individual approach and solution, as there is no one-size-fits-all scenario.
According to our estimates, a significant number of IT specialists may leave the country in the near future. This is due to various factors, such as improved working conditions abroad, opportunities for professional growth, and higher salaries. These trends could lead to a brain drain in the IT sector, which will negatively impact the development of technology and innovation in the country. It is important to note that this situation requires the attention of government agencies and businesses to create a comfortable environment for IT specialists.
Maxim Meshcheryakov believes that in the long term, about a third of the Russian IT sector may relocate abroad. At the same time, many specialists will remain within the framework of Russian law and continue to collaborate with domestic companies, but will seek new formats of work to earn in dollars or euros. This trend could impact the development of the IT industry in Russia and encourage specialists to seek alternative sources of income.
Currently, the situation and people's moods are changing every day. Some write that yesterday they didn't want to move, but today they have changed their minds. Others, on the contrary, were emotionally planning to move abroad, but now believe it is better to wait. These fluctuations are associated with changes in life and the external environment, which influence decisions and priorities. Understanding current trends will help people better navigate the situation and make more informed decisions about the future.
Many emigrants feel a sense of personal responsibility for events in their country and seek to distance themselves from them. The second wave of emigration will include those who fear for their future and stability. The third wave will consist of people who will face the negative consequences of economic sanctions. These factors will determine migration processes, shaping new trends in emigration.
Many people were already thinking about emigration, and current events have become an incentive for more decisive steps. Even employees of Russian companies are willing to consider relocating and searching for positions abroad. They express a willingness to accept any job offers, as long as they are not from Russian companies and are not paid in rubles.
IT professionals living in Moscow and St. Petersburg are increasingly considering relocating to other countries due to a more relaxed environment. For example, Georgia is attractive for its developed infrastructure, variety of restaurants and cafes, and creative atmosphere. People who have already moved there note a feeling of greater safety and freedom. Turkey is also becoming a popular relocation destination due to its wonderful climate, numerous restaurants, and opportunities for active leisure.
According to our research, 85% of respondents planning to relocate have a B1 or B2 level of English, and only a few achieve a C1 level. It's an interesting phenomenon: many people previously weren't eager to learn English, but now they're actively looking for work, preferring a salary in dollars, euros, or other more stable currencies. This situation highlights the importance of knowing foreign languages in today's environment, where economic stability is becoming a priority for many people.
Moving can seem like a difficult and daunting process, but with the support of loved ones, it can be made easier and more enjoyable. When you have reliable friends and family nearby, any issues that arise are resolved more quickly, and problems are perceived as temporary difficulties. Preparing for the move, planning, and helping loved ones make this stage of life much easier, making it less stressful and more organized.
We're losing contracts and millions of dollars because of cancel culture
Have you experienced cancel culture? How is it affecting your income and contracts? Cancel culture is becoming increasingly widespread, affecting the reputation and financial health of many people and companies. If you find yourself in a situation where your name or work is criticized, it could lead to losses. It's important to understand how to protect yourself and your career in a climate where public opinion can shift dramatically. Maxim Meshcheryakov notes that many companies are currently terminating collaboration with Russian partners due to concerns and risks. The future attitude toward Russian startup founders remains uncertain, but we have already seen the loss of several contracts with American companies. Although no official reasons have been announced, there is a suspicion that this is related to the political situation. According to preliminary estimates, the total loss could exceed 70% of all contracts.
How long, in your opinion, will the current attitude of Western partners last? Will their position change towards softening their assessments, or will this situation last for quite some time?
Ilya Sergeenko noted that some European countries may eventually restore relations with Russia. Currently, one of the main risks for Russian business, especially in the international arena, is a complete refusal to cooperate. International trade provides Russia with the necessary currency, which maintains the ruble exchange rate at a stable level.
The main problem is the uncertainty of the end of the current situation: it could happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or in a year. Participants do not understand the goals of the events taking place and cannot predict when they will be achieved. This creates difficulties in planning and leads to negative sentiment, since the conflict has no predictable end in the foreseeable future. Uncertainty causes anxiety and complicates decision-making, which in turn aggravates existing problems and increases the level of stress among people.
How much money do you think you have already spent on transporting people? What is the amount of losses due to partners refusing to cooperate?
Maxim Meshcheryakov notes that the company's direct financial losses amount to millions of dollars. In addition, there are indirect losses associated with the inability to implement planned projects. American investors refuse to negotiate, which leads to missed opportunities for growth and business development.
Investors are starting to abandon Ukrainian founders, as they consider investing in their companies too risky. Despite this, they continue to show support by raising Ukrainian flags and expressing their intentions in words. This is an interesting fact worth considering. Potential losses can reach tens of millions of dollars, which is a significant amount for our small startup.
Is a crisis a time of opportunity?
In a context of economic uncertainty, it is important for companies to adapt to changing circumstances to maintain their competitiveness. First of all, it is necessary to carefully analyze the market and monitor its trends. Companies must rethink their business strategies to minimize risks and optimize costs. Establishing effective customer engagement is essential, offering personalized solutions and improving service levels. Investments in technology and innovation can also be key to increasing efficiency and reducing costs. It's essential to develop agility in team management to quickly respond to changes in demand and market conditions. In such conditions, a corporate culture focused on innovation and collaboration can lay the foundation for successfully overcoming economic challenges.
Maxim Meshcheryakov emphasizes the importance of identifying new opportunities, improvising, and striving for rapid development. In a competitive market, it's essential to either clearly understand your competitive advantages or actively seek them out. These are the only paths to success. Understanding and leveraging your strengths allows you not only to survive but also to outpace your competitors. It's important to constantly adapt and improve your strategic skills to keep up with a rapidly changing environment.
Long-term planning can be risky. It is recommended to focus on short-term plans that allow you to adapt more quickly to changing conditions and situations. Short-term goals provide the opportunity to regularly review and adjust strategies, which increases the likelihood of successfully achieving desired results. Relocating abroad is becoming a popular choice for IT companies aiming to enter the international market. This solution ensures legal transparency and opens up new business opportunities. Expanding into international areas not only attracts new clients but also improves the company's image on the global stage. Ilya Sergeenko notes that the process of registering a foreign legal entity and relocating employees should be carried out simultaneously. If you plan to obtain a business visa, having a legal entity is mandatory. It is important to keep in mind that a foreign legal entity cannot operate in Russia—you must also have a Russian company. However, there must be no ties between the foreign and Russian legal entities. A crisis is often perceived as a time for new opportunities, but it is unclear which companies in Russia will be able to benefit from it. The current crisis is different from previous ones: the negative impact is spreading across virtually every sector. Typically, one economic sector experiences growth, offsetting another's decline, but currently, only a few companies are able to adapt and prosper. For example, Tinkoff Bank, previously considered a leader, has seen its revenue and market capitalization decline, losing approximately $5 billion. Thus, in the current economic downturn, competition is intensifying, and survival is becoming a priority for most businesses. Opportunities exist, but they are few and far between. Those who have already established relationships with the West and signed dollar-denominated contracts are in a more favorable position. However, now is not the best time to conclude new dollar contracts. Our economy is heavily dependent on raw material exports, and we supply virtually no technology. Therefore, if you are looking for new opportunities, focus on meeting the domestic market's needs for technologies that have become unavailable since the departure of Western companies. This could become a key area for businesses in the current environment.
The refusal to hire Russian IT specialists could exacerbate the shortage of developers and IT experts in the global market. With demand for highly qualified personnel growing, this situation could lead to a talent shortage in some regions. Many companies are facing difficulties finding suitable specialists, and the exclusion of Russians from the talent pool only exacerbates the problem. Strategies for finding and attracting developers must adapt to the new conditions to minimize the negative impact on the IT labor market.
Ilya Sergeenko emphasizes that the issue of hiring Russian developers is not related to cancel culture. More significant factors are the geographic location and legal status of workers. For the international community, the origin of a specialist is irrelevant as long as they have a residence permit in Serbia. This opens up opportunities for collaboration and attracting talent, regardless of their country of origin.
Working in the international market from Russia presents significant challenges. In Serbia, the legalization process for Russian developers takes a little over a month, but this provides the opportunity to legally reside in the country with your family.
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