When I first started working in the IT industry, success on Google or Facebook seemed like the pinnacle of achievement. Today, everything has changed—and not just for me. We live in an era when Kazakhstani startups do not just dream of joining large corporations, but build their own. The Astana Hub and nFactorial film "Kazakhstani Startups in Silicon Valley" was a revelation for me — and at the same time a confirmation of how far we have come as a community.

This film is not about big headlines or PR — it's about real entrepreneurship, with its pivots, failures, sleepless nights, faith in the product and in the team. And here are my thoughts after watching it.

Many of the teams featured in the film initially did one thing, but in the process came to a completely different decision. GoatChat, Alma, Altbridge — everyone has a path through mistakes and reinvention. I found myself thinking how important it is to be flexible but not lose focus. Especially in AI and deep tech, where the market can change in a couple of months.

If we used to make local applications or websites, today Kazakhstani startups are creating AI infrastructure, API for LLM, platforms that are used in the USA and Europe. The example of DeepInfra or Laminar shows that you can build not just a product, but a platform for other developers. And it's really inspiring.

Almost every character in the film knows how not only to explain what they are doing, but also why it is important. Without abstruse terms, but with depth. I noticed how much the presentation skills of Kazakhstani founders have grown — and how much it helps to attract investments and partners.

The moments when the co-founders talked about trust, separation of roles and responsibilities were very resonant.  As someone who also works in a team, I understand how important it is to have people around who believe as much as you do.

After the movie, I didn't have the feeling that "somewhere out there, in Silicon Valley, there are other laws." Everything these teams do is possible with us. Here in Kazakhstan. Yes, you need to work 10 times harder. Yes, the journey will be longer. But it has already been laid. And that's the most important thing.

If you're working on your product, just thinking about a startup, or just looking for inspiration— watch this movie. For me personally, it was a reminder that anything is possible if you don't give up and go all the way.