Rethink VC is an international online conference that brings together leading investors and startup founders to explore key trends in venture capital, AI investments, and the challenges shaping the EdTech industry.

We’re creating a platform for honest conversations about the future of startups and the venture landscape in a rapidly changing technological world. Our goal is to provide participants with timely insights, strategic forecasts, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.

Join us to rethink traditional approaches to venture investing and unlock new horizons of opportunity in the era of digital transformation.
When
July 30
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (CET)
Where
Zoom
Participation Fee
Free
SPEAKERS
  • Denis Kalyshkin
    Principal at the U.S. venture capital fund I2BF Global Ventures
    Principal at I2BF Global Ventures with over 11 years of experience in venture investing, specializing in startups that transform traditional industries through cutting-edge technologies.

  • Dmitry Firskin
    Partner at AltaIR Capital
    Graduate of the Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics at Moscow State University (Computer Science), with a background in AI. Started by leading a startup within a corporate venture fund, then worked at a major Russian CVC. Joined Altair Capital before the launch of its first fund and advanced to Junior Partner of the fifth fund. Over 15 years, he has evaluated tens of thousands of startups, closed 500+ deals, and contributed to building a portfolio that includes 11 unicorns.
Panel Discussion
Why it’s so hard to build EdTech startups — and where the market is heading
  • Moderator
    Natalia Bessilina
    Over 8 years in online education. Formerly at Skyeng and Coding Invaders. Currently runs an education consulting agency for online schools (edu-rocket.ru) and a preschool learning center (yvlechtenie.com).
  • Egor Sorokin
    CEO and Partner at Online School No.1
    Co-author of Hipo, a Telegram channel for executives.
    Former Managing Director at Skillfactory.
  • Andrey Anishchenko
    Founder of EBAC (edutech).
    Ex-founder of Skillbox.
  • Alexander Turilin
    Ex-founder of Coding Invaders,
    Ex-founder of SkillFactory.
  • Alexey Pokatilo
    Founder of Litero.ai. A serial entrepreneur who has launched several successful and unsuccessful startups in the EdTech sector, including a tutoring platform with over 200 full-time employees. Former BCG consultant. Graduate of the London School of Economics and the London Business School.
Panel Discussion
Where the Venture Market Is Heading: An Honest Conversation with Venture Investors
  • Moderator
    Denis Kalyshkin
    Principal at I2BF Global Ventures with over 11 years of experience in venture investing, specializing in startups that transform traditional industries through cutting-edge technologies.
  • Sergey Toporov
    Partner at Leta Capital
    Mathematician with 13.5 years in venture investing, involved in ~50 deals. Experienced the highs and lows of startups, manages three funds (~$400M AUM), and focuses on special situation opportunities and new ideas in VC.
  • Sergey Negodyaev
    Founder and GP at PT Ventures.
    Graduate of MIPT (FCAI, 2010), with 19 years in investments, 15 of them in VC. Former manager at Runa Capital and ex-partner at IIDF (450+ deals, ranked among the top 10 funds worldwide in 2017–2018). Currently at PT Ventures, investing in B2B software development tools and engineering software ($500–750K, late pre-seed/seed/early A, revenue $10K+, ideally $30K+, 30%+ from the US/Europe).
  • Anton Fedorov
    Partner at Flashpoint Venture Growth. Venture investor and business angel focusing on early-stage B2B software and global marketplaces, valuing scalable business models and strong product teams.
    .
  • Denis Efremov
    Principal at R136 Ventures, focused on B2B SaaS and fintech in the US and Israel. Over 10 years in VC, PE, and consulting (former Fort Ross, Seedstars, McKinsey). Mentor at Alchemist, involved in 20+ deals ($150M+, B2B SaaS, fintech). Listed in Forbes 30 under 30 (2020).

  • Sergei Bogdanov
    Founder of YR Group and Managing Partner at Yellow Rocks! Portfolio includes 60+ companies, such as Praktika AI, Buddy, Cattle Care, Social Links, Wirestock, and more. Founder of venture travel platforms Ventureregatta.com and Venturetrip.vc. Co-founder of the Pre-seed To Succeed investment program (p2s.vc) and the 3b.club, a club for founders and company owners.
Schedule
Time shown in CET
Wednesday
July 30
6:00–6:05 PM – Opening Remarks

6:05–6:25 PM – Denis Kalyshkin: Where VCs Are Investing Today and Tomorrow — What They Look for in Founders

6:25–7:00 PM – Dmitry Firskin: AI Startup Investments — Mistakes and Lessons Learned

7:00–7:40 PM – Panel Discussion: Why it’s so hard to build EdTech startups — and where the market is heading
Moderator: Natalia Bessilina

7:40–8:20 PM – Panel Discussion: Where the Venture Market Is Heading: An Honest Conversation with Venture Investors
Moderator: Denis Kalyshkin
Partners
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