Tell us about yourself?
Vladimir Kozinyi, co-founder and COO of MiroWin (https://mirowin.com) – studio-developer of PC/VR games and non-gaming applications.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
Each startup, in my opinion, is individual. But the meaning of the “startup” in the understanding of many people has absorbed such words as “risk” and “suspense” that are unpleasant to our ears.Perhaps the author of the possible startup idea, which, as he himself considers unique, assumes that it will pave the way for him into the world of big money and opportunities. However, one of the biggest reasons many startups fail is precisely the lack of demand. Therefore, a true startupper, a person who is courageous and ready to be a pioneer in something, will oppose risk and uncertainty with a thorough analysis of the market, selection of a team of like-minded people and the formation of a clear business model, promotion of an idea.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Having the possibility to go back in 5 years I say “Let’s do the same, but better and faster”.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
In 2016, we gathered like-minded people and started working with the development of products for virtual reality – an industry that is not popular either for our country or for its time.
After 5 years of work in this difficult business, we not only survived, but continue to develop, expanding the range of our capabilities and services.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
All available tools at work and all your abilities should be used to achieve success, and this is better than focusing on only a few of them.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
Our work is inextricably linked with those processes and trends that are developing and rapidly changing in the gaming industry and technologies related to it.
This affects the preferences of our customers and our activities, therefore we are obliged to follow current trends and announcements of innovations in our field and try to implement everything new in our activities as quickly as possible.
Where do you see your business in five years?
A multifunctional studio that works multi-threaded, creating its own products and at the same time providing services to clients as an outsourcing team.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
In our country they say “Patience and work will grind everything.” We are ready to work hard and wait for chances and create opportunities to realize ourselves to the maximum.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
In 2020, our studio was the first in the post-Soviet space to release a game (“Guns’n’Stories: Bulletproof VR”) on Oculus Quest.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
At first we did advertising to make ourselves known. Over time, our products, quality services and our satisfied customers become the best advertisement for the company.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Do not be afraid to do something for the first time in order to become the best in your unique direction or business. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
The future will show, but we have a clear understanding of the way that we need to move on – to do what you know how, and to develop in your ability year after year. Systematic work and development is what should bring success to our team.
