Konstantin Mirin is a prominent expert in the field of artificial intelligence and technological innovations. With a degree in AI, Mirin has been leading innovative technology teams since 2010, achieving outstanding results. Starting from Ukraine, he has built several companies from the ground up and made successful exits. His career includes significant milestones, such as the exit from a software consulting company in 2016, the launch of an AI research laboratory at Postindustria in 2020, and the sale of AI technology in the jewelry sector in 2023.
He is also actively involved in mentoring and knowledge sharing, empowering numerous startup founders and tech entrepreneurs around the world. We spoke with Konstantin Mirin about the application of AI in technological development, the support he provides to founders, and received some firsthand advice on how to build a successful startup.
You have been involved with AI since the beginning of your career, for over 10 years. What changes have occurred in the application of AI for entrepreneurial purposes? How can AI drive innovation in the tech sector and help scale startups?
Over the past decade, AI has experienced exceptionally rapid development. At the beginning of my career, AI was primarily used for academic research and specific industrial applications. Today, AI has become an indispensable tool in many business processes. It drives innovation by enabling personalized customer experiences, optimizing business processes, and predicting market trends.
Startups can use AI to scale by optimizing operations, improving marketing through data analytics, and developing new products that meet specific user needs.
Today’s AI technology is very accessible and, combined with language models and low-code platforms, allows its application in business processes without the need for deep engineering knowledge. While complex tasks remain challenging, mid-level tasks have become simple, and simple tasks have been turned into “out-of-the-box” features of business products.
What are the most significant challenges you face in applying AI? How have the challenges evolved over the past 10 years?
One of the biggest challenges in applying AI is the availability of quality data. Without sufficient data, AI models are ineffective.
Initially, the challenge was data collection, while today the greater challenge is processing and protecting that data. Ethics and transparency of AI systems are becoming increasingly important as users want to understand how their data is used. Additionally, the speed of technological change requires continuous learning and adaptation.
The rapid advancement of large language models (LLMs) makes it impractical to base a business’s competitive advantage solely on technology in this aspect. Therefore, integrating modern AI into business processes to achieve tenfold productivity is crucial today.
You had two great exits – in 2016 a software consulting company and in 2021 mobile publishing. What innovative strategies did you apply to develop and sell the business? How applicable are these strategies to today’s startups several years later and in other domains?
The key strategies that led to success included a focus on customer needs, rapid product iteration, and effective resource utilization, as well as market analysis and understanding of competition. However, a key factor in success was timeliness. Both companies were started at a time when competition was not as intense as it is today.
Although strategies such as talking to customers, providing top-notch support in every mobile application, even those that are free, and market analysis remain relevant, strategies that led to success ten years ago may not be equally effective today. Today, adaptability and the ability to respond quickly to market changes are more important than ever.
In Vienna in 2018, you were named the best startup mentor. How do you help startups succeed, and what do you think differentiates you from other mentors?
My approach is very hands-on. I enjoy working with teams on the concrete implementation of ideas and solving problems. I believe that my ability to combine technical knowledge with business strategies is what sets me apart.
Additionally, my international experience allows me to provide startups with a global perspective and access to networks they may not be able to reach on their own.
Furthermore, I believe it is crucial to help startups define their place in the broader market. Even if they later shift focus for marketing needs, understanding their position in the value chain is critically important.
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You have been a judge in startup competitions across Europe. Can you tell us about your experience as a judge and compare the recent competition in Croatia with other competitions you have participated in?
As a judge, I always look for innovation, the feasibility of the business model, and the passion of the teams. The competitions in Croatia impressed me with the high level of creativity and energy among the participants. Although they may not always have the same resources as startups in tech hubs like Berlin or London, I see great potential and a willingness to succeed.
I would also highlight that most startups were founded by “makers,” i.e., individuals coming from the core domain, who often lack a broader marketing perspective, which has been a common weakness. However, as an engineer, I find it particularly interesting to see how engineers enter entrepreneurship in such a way.
Given that you are involved in the startup scene in multiple countries, what do you think about it within Croatia? Are we keeping up with technological trends?
The Croatian startup scene is on the rise. There are many talented individuals, and interest in technology is growing. Although we still lag behind some Western countries in terms of infrastructure and investments, I see a lot of enthusiasm and capability to keep up with global trends. The key will be further developing the ecosystem and ensuring support for new entrepreneurs.
I would also emphasize the need for greater investments and more aggressive business plans – both in terms of entrepreneurs’ ambitions and investors’ expectations. A 10% annual growth rate is not characteristic of startup business, and installing two machines in six months is more akin to a DIY approach than a real business. Of course, this comes with risks for both sides – for the investor and the entrepreneur, but with a low tolerance for risk, the entire ecosystem can stagnate. In this situation, investors are in a better position as they can allocate their capital across multiple startups, while the entrepreneur must give 100% to one idea and has no option for a return.
You have been a mentor for many years, and so far in eight countries. Can you share from your experience why every startup needs a mentor and how to choose one well?
A mentor can provide invaluable advice, help avoid common mistakes, and accelerate the learning process. The greatest value of a mentor is that they help you feel more confident in the ideas you want to implement and provide you with a broader picture than you have on your own. A mentor gives you an unbiased insight from the perspective of someone who is not financially invested in the success of your venture but advises based on their experience.
With a mentor, you can progress much faster. It is important to choose a mentor who has relevant experience and shares your vision. The chemistry between the mentor and the team is also key – you need someone you can trust and communicate openly with.
What are the most important lessons you have learned as a mentor?
The most important lessons I have learned as a mentor are that success requires persistence and a willingness to adapt. It is also important to listen to your team and users. Innovations come from different perspectives, so openness to feedback is key.
Ten years ago, I saw that investment funds in the U.S. were giving seed rounds of $20-30 thousand to entrepreneurs solely based on their teams and presentations. At that time, I thought it was throwing money away – without detailed checks, market research, or depth. However, today I can say that those people were completely right. The team defines success. The initial idea is not that important with the right team. They will adapt, explore, fight for resources, raise funds, form partnerships, etc. On the other hand, innovative ideas with little or no competition in the vastness of the market are likely to fail if the team is not right.
So, while I advise on business, technology, and the market, the truth is that even in the first conversation, you can often see how successful the team will be, regardless of how good a job I do as a mentor.
And finally, what three pieces of advice would you give to anyone entering the entrepreneurial waters now?
First, be passionate and believe in your idea. Second, be prepared for failures and learn from them. Third, surround yourself with people who share your vision and can support you in the toughest moments.
Konstantin Mirin, through his work and experience, demonstrates how the combination of innovation, strategic application of AI, and a mentoring approach can transform the tech sector and enable startups to succeed in a dynamic business environment. His presence in Croatia brings added value to the local community, as he is already supporting local entrepreneurs and helping them develop and grow their businesses. Konstantin’s experience and global perspective provide Croatian startups with a unique opportunity to learn and connect with international markets, contributing to strengthening the technological ecosystem in the country.
Content created in collaboration with Postindustria
