Kazakhstan's experience helped me better understand how to start startups in the US - Rais Agayev

In an era of globalization and rapid economic change, entrepreneurs around the world are looking for ways to transfer successful business models and management practices from one country to another. Rais Agayev, a young and ambitious entrepreneur, explained how his Kazakhstani business experience is helping him build his startup in the United States.

In the U.S., the culture of entrepreneurship is steeped in the spirit of innovation and risk. Here, failure is perceived as an integral part of the road to success. American entrepreneurs tend to experiment and adapt quickly to market changes. Openness to new ideas and constant striving for improvement are key features of American business culture. Rais Agayev is a successful auto entrepreneur from Kazakhstan who came to the U.S. to hone his own business skills.  Having opened his own computer club in downtown Miami, he highlighted the key factors for startups.

Find an interesting idea and see its potential

The regulatory environment in the USA is quite favorable for start-up entrepreneurs. There are various programs to support small and medium-sized businesses, tax incentives and simplified company registration procedures. Legislation in the field of intellectual property and contract law protects the interests of projects, which promotes the development of innovative businesses. Such opportunities become attractive for Kazakh investors and businessmen who seek stability and prefer proven business models.

Speaking about opportunities and approaches to business, Rais emphasized the importance of understanding the financial component of business and identifying priorities for a budding entrepreneur. He noted that every businessman's strategy is different, but it is important to start developing the business correctly. Agayev explained to new entrepreneurs that the first thing to do is to make a competent presentation, show their idea and price, and find prospective customers. Then you can order the necessary equipment, gradually developing the business and testing demand.

When I first came here, I honestly had no idea what to do at first. There are really a lot of different niches that can be developed here, and they all seem promising,” he said.

Where to spend your money

Startup funding in the US is characterized by a significant amount and variety of sources. Venture capitalists, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms all make access to capital easier and faster. In the U.S., startups can raise millions of dollars in the early stages of development, allowing them to scale faster and enter international markets.

One of the main lessons Rais has learned from doing business in Kazakhstan is the importance of strategic investment and reinvesting profits for sustainable growth. In Kazakhstan, he has learned how to maximize every tenge he earns to ensure the long-term development of his business. In Kazakhstan, startups face difficulties in finding funding. Venture capital and angel investment are just beginning to develop. Government programs and grants play an important role in financing startups, but the amount of funding is much smaller than in the US. This forces Kazakhstani entrepreneurs to look for alternative ways to raise funds, such as strategic partnerships or entering international markets.

He transferred this principle to American soil as well. Rais started his business together with his partner on the condition that all profits generated by the enterprise are immediately reinvested, which helps to maintain the economics of the project. This approach helps to minimize costs and maximize the use of resources for the growth and development of the company. In the future, Rais plans to scale his own business and focus on strategic management.

Take time to recruit qualified personnel

The businessman advises aspiring American entrepreneurs to carefully consider their approach to recruitment.

In the US, the hiring process is structured and formalized. Companies often use multi-stage selection procedures, including preliminary telephone interviews, skills tests and personal interviews. In Kazakhstan, however, the approach to personnel policy is much simpler. Rais explained that when hiring employees, he always conducts two stages of interviews: preliminary and main interviews. During the phone conversation, he asks questions about previous jobs and reasons for dismissal to understand why the person left the previous job. If the candidate has not worked, Rais inquires about the reasons and the length of the unemployment period to assess whether this person can work effectively after a long break.

Rais pays special attention to soft skills such as honesty, integrity and punctuality. He notes that these qualities are not always visible immediately, so a probationary period is important, during which the candidate works for a week and his performance is evaluated. This approach allows Rais to make sure that the new employee will be reliable and responsible.

And, of course, the most important thing is attentiveness. Even if a person is honest and responsible, but is inattentive and may close the facility, forgetting to turn off the lights or computers, not cleaning up, this is also a big disadvantage,” he emphasized.

Rais Agayev's experience of doing business in Kazakhstan proved to be an invaluable resource for him, which is helping him to successfully develop his startup in the United States. His strategic approach to investment, careful attention to staffing and ability to adapt his knowledge to new conditions have been key factors in his success. Rais' story serves as an inspiring example of how international experience can enrich and strengthen a business anywhere in the world.