In today’s fast-paced world, academic excellence alone isn’t enough—mastering personal finance, understanding legal rights, and navigating civic engagement are essential life skills. Recognizing this, the Moscow Government, in partnership with youth organization STOлица and Alexey Olin (head of the iVenturer Foundation), has been running a groundbreaking financial, legal, and civic literacy program for over a year. 20+ Events, Thousands of Empowered Participants The initiative has reached 10+ top universities across the capital, delivering interactive lectures, workshops, and masterclasses led by experts in law, economics, and social entrepreneurship. In summer 2024, the program expanded beyond campuses—hosting weekly open sessions at the KUB creative space in Flacon Design Factory, making knowledge accessible to all. Speakers and Guests Yaroslav Chereshnev Sovcombank PJSC — Managing Director of the Digital Bank (2020 – present) • Management of the Digital Block: Product, Partnerships, Analytics, Customer Service, IT, and Marketing Timofey Ra CEO of Indigo Kids is one of the most successful international developers of online children’s games in the world from Russia. Founder of Vimana Aero – development of UAVs, Founders Institute – mentor. Armen Khanoyants Launch and promotion of InnoKid – EdTech equipment for children Development and commercialization of VoiceBook multimedia children’s books, including those with augmented reality Nikolay Ponomarenko President of NOOSPHERE JSC, President of LUDI JSC. Member of the Board of Trustees of the Future People Charitable Foundation Irina Bokova Marketing and product development expert with over 13 years experience Andrey Demidov Russian expert in data analysis and visualization, development of data analysis products and solutions for POCHTA RUSSII, ROSATOM, GAZPROMNEFT, TELE2, BEELINE, X5, and EVRAZ. Artem Malakhov Managing Partner at “Intelligent Trading Systems”, CEO at SnabHub and ConsulTrade, International Trading expert with over 15 years experience. Tatyana Stepchenkova An acting teacher, director and expert in the development of public speaking and communication skills. She aksi is the artistic director of the Moscow Theater. Ruslan Mamedov An expert on personal and career growth. An international business coach, who has produced more than 100 projects He has purchased property worth more than 3 billion rubles Ksenia Kozlova Business-woman, speaker, blogger, founder of SSB Worldwide. Nikita Anisimov Entrepreneur, Legal Advisor, Speaker. What Does the Program Teach? Financial Savviness – Budgeting, debt avoidance, and smart saving strategies. Legal Know-How – Rights for students, tenants, and entrepreneurs + real-world legal protection. Civic Engagement – How to drive social impact and shape your community. Why Is It Important? Surveys show that 67% of Russians aged 18–25 lack confidence in managing finances, while 1 in 3 has fallen victim to scams due to legal blind spots. This program bridges theory and practice: participants dissect real cases, draft contracts, and even simulate startups. “Today, literacy isn’t just about reading—it’s about making informed choices. We’re equipping Moscow’s youth to build their futures with confidence,”  – emphasizes Aleksei Olin. What’s Next? Plans are underway to scale the project nationally and launch online courses, ensuring accessibility beyond Moscow. Stay tuned via STOлица and iVenturer Foundation channels—more transformative content is coming! Ready to join? Follow updates from the Moscow Government and program partners!

“A Million-Dollar Solution” is a podcast by Sovcombank for Business about the lives of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in life. The podcast is hosted by Yaroslav Chereshnev, Managing Director of the digital bank. Guests talk about business, explore the philosophy of entrepreneurs, and learn how their worldview and personal experiences influence the development of their businesses. Our guests share real-life cases, both successful and unsuccessful, provide life hacks and anti-rules, and debunk established myths and stereotypes. We prove that business is first and foremost about people. And we get to know these people better Alexei Olin has forged a complex and multifaceted professional identity, which he describes as a “triptych” functioning as a unified strategic system. This triptych includes: Private Venture Capitalist: Through his platform iVenturer, he promotes a model of structured venture investing. His venture philosophy emphasizes providing more than just money to startups; he believes they often need a “back-office” of support, including accountants, lawyers, patent attorneys, mentors, and operational directors, to help translate ideas into products. He initially made many mistakes, often due to his intuitive and trusting nature, which led him to implement systematic protocols for investment selection, such as requiring a minimum of two founders and specific industry experience. Olin also created the “Avencur Bazar” (Venture Bazaar), a startup show that toured Russia, selecting and preparing projects for pitches, which he saw as a way to popularize entrepreneurship and innovation, run as a passion project rather than for profit. Niche Technological Entrepreneur: His public association with Biotech Alliance positions him within the knowledge-intensive sector. His current primary focus is on biotechnology. His entry into biotech began unexpectedly with a “hemp tea” project, which evolved into the cultivation and processing of technical cannabis to produce isolates, extracts, and eventually pharmaceutical substances for medicinal preparations. He identified challenges such as a lack of legal framework and poor seed stock in Russia, leading his team to develop cloning and cultivation protocols with FIBIOTEKH RAN to standardize plant growth and ensure predictable output. Olin highlights the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for various medical applications, including its use in plastic surgery rehabilitation protocols in the US, its role in supporting the human endocannabinoid system, and its potential to help the body correctly identify and suppress cancer cells. He views this work as fulfilling a social mission, aiming to create something useful and leave a positive mark. Strategist with Confirmed State Ties: Through media appearances and a past position in a Rostec subsidiary, Olin cultivates the image of an influential expert whose activities align with national strategic interests. The strategic value of his Rostec affiliation lies in its ability to project authority, legitimately associating his personal brand with a major state corporation. It also allows him to synchronize with the state agenda, particularly his focus on biotechnology, which aligns with Rostec’s venture division shifting towards medtech. This connection also enhances investment appeal for investors and partners, signaling his expertise in complex structures and potential administrative resources. https://youtu.be/-6H3gKH5ddw?si=K7cQ7L7rjKEGGn7C Olin’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Philosophy: Early Beginnings: His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. He started by guiding tours for foreigners and even helped people with university admissions, sometimes taking exams for them. His first significant business venture was a real estate agency (Dacha.ru) at age 18, where he found a low-cost client acquisition method by mass-posting on free online bulletin boards, dominating search results. This eventually led to an international real estate company called Millioner Property, working with major developers in the UAE, which he exited in 2008.   Life-Changing Event: After a period of relaxation, the birth of his son Mark in 2010 prompted a significant re-evaluation of his life and career, leading him to pursue new ventures.   Venture Shift: His re-evaluation led him to realize that many talented individuals with great ideas lacked the discipline and systematic approach to succeed, prompting the idea for his venture capital activities.   Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: He was involved in the early stages of cryptocurrency and blockchain in Russia, serving as Vice-President for analytics and head of the analytical center for the Russian Association of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain around 2016-2017. He was involved in mining and the “Dao Finance” project. While acknowledging the “romantic” early days of crypto, he believes it will eventually be legalized but under heavy regulation. He sees blockchain as a powerful distributed ledger technology, separate from the “coin” association. He also acknowledges the dark side of crypto, such as its use in the darknet, but believes the issue lies with human intent rather than the technology itself.   Work Ethic and Philosophy:  He describes himself as an intuitive and chaotic individual who needs external pressure (“under the whip”) to become disciplined, though he now uses a task planner to manage this chaos. He views managed chaos as a competitive advantage, as it deters less adventurous individuals. He believes patience and systematic effort are crucial for achieving success in any endeavor. He emphasizes the value of experience gained from mistakes, stating that “only those who do nothing make no mistakes”. For him, a strong and dedicated team is more crucial than a brilliant idea, as ideas are abundant but reliable teams are rare. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and their projects, especially when facing skepticism from others. Olin admits to a tendency toward hyper-control, believing that without it, projects tend to decline. He is very demanding of himself.   Other Ventures: Beyond his core triptych, he is also involved in a consulting business and a music producer center (Centrik). He entered music production due to the void left by major international labels exiting the Russian market, aiming to build a catalog of artists for future acquisition and focusing on transparent monetization channels like streaming and official concert activities.   Personal Reflections: Olin finds relaxation through family, sports like tennis, and water activities. He enjoys reading physical books, particularly for self-development, and recently reread “Cat’s Cradle” by Kurt Vonnegut. He recommends the “Silicon Valley” TV series for aspiring tech entrepreneurs. He

Alternative Investments & Trends 2025 .chart-container { position: relative; height: 300px; width: 100%; } .tooltip { position: absolute; padding: 8px; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8); color: white; border-radius: 4px; pointer-events: none; font-size: 12px; z-index: 10; opacity: 0; transition: opacity 0.3s; } .bar { transition: height 0.5s ease, fill 0.3s ease; } .bar:hover { opacity: 0.8; } .trend-line { stroke-width: 2; fill: none; stroke-linejoin: round; stroke-linecap: round; } .trend-dot { transition: r 0.3s ease; } .trend-dot:hover { r: 6; } .animate-fade-in { animation: fadeIn 0.5s ease-in-out; } @keyframes fadeIn { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(10px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } } .investment-card { transition: transform 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease; } .investment-card:hover { transform: translateY(-5px); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } Market Overview Total Market Size (2025) $15.2T +28% from 2023 Fastest Growing Segment Tokenized Assets Projected 45% CAGR Institutional Allocation 18.5% Up from 12% in 2022 Sector Allocation Geographic Distribution Key Trends for 2025 Tokenization of Everything Real estate, art, commodities, and even intellectual property moving to blockchain-based fractional ownership models. Digital Assets Adoption: 32% Climate-Tech Investments Carbon credits, renewable energy projects, and sustainable infrastructure attracting record capital flows. ESG Focused Adoption: 28% Private Credit Expansion Non-bank lending filling the void as traditional lenders pull back, offering higher yields in a low-rate environment. Private Markets Adoption: 41% Farmland & Timberland Tangible assets with inflation-hedging characteristics gaining traction amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Real Assets Adoption: 19% AI-Driven Hedge Funds Quantitative investment strategies leveraging machine learning to identify non-obvious market patterns. Digital Assets Adoption: 15% Alternative Collectibles Fine wine, rare watches, and vintage cars outperforming traditional assets with low correlation to markets. Real Assets Adoption: 12% Investment Opportunities Digital Assets Blockchain Infrastructure High Risk 38% CAGR Layer 2 solutions, zero-knowledge proofs, and decentralized storage networks enabling next-gen applications. Min. Investment: $5K Liquidity: Medium 72% growth ESG Focused Battery Metals Medium Risk 24% CAGR Lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements critical for energy transition and electrification. Min. Investment: $25K Liquidity: Low 58% growth Private Markets Healthcare Royalties Low Risk 12% CAGR Revenue participation in FDA-approved drugs and medical devices with predictable cash flows. Min. Investment: $100K Liquidity: Low 45% growth Risk Analysis Risk-Reward Profile Top Risk Factors Regulatory Changes 78% Liquidity Constraints 65% Valuation Uncertainty 59% Technology Disruption 52% Counterparty Risk 47% Risk Mitigation Strategies Diversification across asset types and geographies Structured products with downside protection Partnering with specialist managers Gradual allocation over time (dollar-cost averaging) Regular portfolio stress testing Expert Insights Dr. Sarah Chen Chief Investment Officer, Vertex Capital "The next wave of alternative investments will be defined by two factors: democratization through technology and the urgent need for climate solutions. Platforms enabling fractional ownership of previously illiquid assets are breaking down barriers, while sustainability-focused investments are moving from niche to necessity." Published: June 2024 Michael Rodriguez Head of Alternatives, Blackcreek Group "In 2025, we expect private markets to continue their growth trajectory, particularly in sectors benefiting from long-term secular trends like healthcare innovation and digital infrastructure. The key for investors is accessing these opportunities through managers with specialized expertise and robust due diligence processes." Published: May 2024 Institutional Adoption Trends © 2024 Alternative Investments Research. All data is for illustrative purposes only. Created with for forward-looking investors

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Your biggest growth barriers aren’t what you don’t know—they’re the silent forces you’re ignoring. After supporting 500+ founders and companies and analyzing patterns across top performers, I’ve found the same gaps repeatedly sabotage smart people. These aren’t complex theories. They’re simple but brutal insights most discover too late—after years of wasted effort. Master them early, and you’ll operate at a different tier entirely. 1. Meta-Learning: The 80/20 of Skill Mastery What You’re Missing:Learning how to learn is the highest ROI skill nobody teaches. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Replace rereading with active recall (self-testing) Use spaced repetition (Anki, Notion templates) Adopt the Feynman Technique (“Explain like I’m 5”) Why It Matters:The best learners acquire skills 3x faster—not through hustle, but smarter systems. 2. Energy > Time > Money What You’re Missing:Your calendar is a lie. Energy, not hours, determines real output. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Deep work before 10AM (biological peak) Admin tasks post-lunch (energy dip) 90-minute focus sprints > marathon grind sessions Why It Matters:2 hours of flow state outperforms 8 hours of zombie-mode work. Burnout isn’t from working hard—it’s from working stupid. 3. Storytelling: The Hidden Weapon of Influence What You’re Missing:Data doesn’t persuade. Stories rewire brains. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Structure every pitch as: Hero (your audience) Villain (the problem) Resolution (your solution) Why It Matters:Humans remember stories 22x better than facts. Want buy-in? Stop presenting—start narrating. 4. “Who, Not How” What You’re Missing:Trying to do everything yourself is career suicide. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Build a “skill arbitrage” network (trade your strengths for others’) Delegate before you’re “ready” Hire for 10x skills (coding, design) instead of learning them poorly Why It Matters:Leveraging others’ expertise compounds time—your most finite resource. 5. The 10x Rule What You’re Missing:“Realistic” goals are just fear wearing a disguise. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Set targets 10x bigger than “reasonable” Work backward from insane outcomes Let audacity reveal creative shortcuts Why It Matters:Aiming for 10x forces nonlinear thinking—where breakthroughs live. 6. Anti-Fragility: Stress as Fuel What You’re Missing:Avoiding discomfort makes you weaker. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Seek controlled chaos (cold calls, hard feedback) Reframe failures as stress tests Build redundancy in all systems Why It Matters:Fragile people break under pressure. Anti-fragile ones evolve. 7. The 5-Minute Rule What You’re Missing:Motivation is a myth. Action creates momentum. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Commit to 5 minutes of any dreaded task Use the “precommitment” hack (schedule tasks at fixed times) Why It Matters:Procrastination dies at the starting line. 8. “Hell Yeah or No” What You’re Missing:Mediocre yeses steal energy from legendary wins. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Reject 80% of “good” opportunities Only chase asymmetric bets (low effort, massive upside) Why It Matters:Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. 9. The Consistency Trap What You’re Missing:Grinding the wrong strategy for years isn’t discipline—it’s delusion. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Stay rigid on vision Stay flexible on tactics Kill projects fast if metrics stall Why It Matters:Winners pivot before failure becomes obvious. 10. The 1% Illusion What You’re Missing:Not all improvements compound equally. Elite Performers Do This Instead: Identify high-leverage skills (sales, negotiation, storytelling) Ignore trivial optimizations (email hacks, “productivity porn”) Why It Matters:A 1% gain in negotiation beats 100% gains in typing speed. The Bottom Line These aren’t tips—they’re force multipliers. The difference between good and legendary comes down to seeing the invisible game. Your Move: Scan the list again. Note which point stings most. Attack that weakness first. —Aleksei OlinFounder, iVenturer Foundation PS: Share this with one person who’s stuck in “hard work alone” mode. Real growth comes from working smart on the right things. iVenturer’s “DeepTalk” Podcast by Medialectica Episode 27: “ALL-IN RULES | 10 Rules That Control Your Success – Most Never Learn Them Until It’s Too Late” Browse “DeepTalks” Episodes

In one of his interviews with federal TV channels, Alexey Olin, the founder of iVenturer, mentioned that among other projects, his company is currently developing an innovative platform for procurement process automation. This project aims to transform traditional supply methods through the implementation of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Key features of the project: AI analytics – the system predicts optimal procurement conditions Decentralized verification – blockchain for supplier vetting Integration with government systems – compliance with 44-FZ and 223-FZ regulations Multi-platform support – web interface and mobile application   The Broken State of SMB Procurement Small and medium businesses (SMBs) today face an unfair paradox: while procurement makes up 30-70% of their expenses, most lack the resources to optimize it. Unlike corporations with dedicated procurement teams, SMBs rely on: Manual processes (Excel, emails, phone calls) Limited supplier networks (often overpaying local vendors) Zero tender transparency (no competitive bidding) No access to financing (missing early payment discounts) Our research shows 68% of SMBs admit they’re likely overpaying for supplies – but can’t fix it alone. We’re building SnabHub – the first all-in-one platform that: Automates Tendering AI-powered RFQ generation Real-time supplier matching Transparent bid comparisons Replaces In-House Procurement Managed buying for non-strategic categories (office supplies, logistics) Pre-vetted supplier network with KYC/AML checks Unlocks Financial Tools Embedded factoring/payment deferrals Dynamic discounting via partner banks *Example: A mid-sized restaurant chain could cut food costs by 15% just by seeing competing bids from regional farmers. Why This Market Is Ripe for Disruption Trend 1: The “Great Procurement Awakening” Post-pandemic, 82% of SMBs now prioritize supply chain resilience (McKinsey 2023). Yet most lack tools to achieve it. Trend 2: Banking-as-a-Service Boom Open banking APIs now let us embed financing directly into procurement workflows – a game-changer for cash-strapped SMBs. Trend 3: AI Finally Works for Small Biz LLMs can now draft tender docs and analyze contracts at 1/10th the cost of human teams. The Road Ahead: Our beta launched in 2025 with: 200+ pre-verified suppliers Integrations with major ERPs (1C, SAP Business One) Pilot partnerships with 3 regional banks For SMBs: This isn’t just about saving money – it’s about competing on equal footing with corporations for the first time. For investors: We’re attacking a $11B underserved market where legacy players (like Coupa) ignore SMB needs. Selected case studies 1. Restaurant Chain (12 locations) Problem: Relied on 3 local food suppliers with 20% price fluctuations. No staff to run tenders for better deals. Solution: Used platform to automate weekly produce tenders. Connected to regional farmers via pre-vetted network. Results: 14% cost reduction on dairy/vegetables. 2-hour/week time saved for manager. Early payment discounts (5% net savings). Quote: “We now get 5 competing bids every Monday – something we never had time to do manually.” 2. Manufacturing SME (50 employees) Problem: Overpaying for metal parts due to single-supplier dependency. Missed bulk purchase opportunities. Solution: Platform identified 8 alternative suppliers. Structured quarterly bulk-buying tenders. Results: 22% savings on raw materials. Faster delivery times (supplier competition). Quote: “The escrow payment feature eliminated our prepayment risks.” “Our goal is to create Russia’s first comprehensive digital ecosystem product for supply chain management that will reduce business costs by 15-20%,” Aleksei Olin noted. iVenturer’s “DeepTalk” Podcast by Medialectica Episode 25: “SnabHub: AI Procurement for Small and Medium Businesses” Browse “DeepTalks” Episodes