Episode 17 of Growing For It with Ilya Katsnelson

Ilya Katsnelson is a multifaceted entrepreneur and investor who emerged from a challenging background in the Soviet Union. Born into a Jewish family, he emigrated to the United States in 1976 at age 10, experiencing a dramatic transition from Soviet life to American opportunity. After settling in Louisiana and Wisconsin, he pursued a comprehensive education, completing a triple major in Spanish, International Relations, and History, and studying internationally in Mexico and Norway. His professional journey began with international trade, particularly focusing on the former Soviet Union after its dissolution. In 1992, he co-founded a food trading company that navigated the complex economic landscape of emerging post-Soviet markets. Leveraging his multilingual skills and deep understanding of international commerce, Katsnelson developed a successful trading business that involved commodities from around the world. Throughout his career, Katsnelson developed a unique set of investment principles: learning something new, trusting founders, benefiting humanity, adding value beyond money, and ensuring potential for profit. His approach to business emphasizes relationship-building, trust, and long-term perspective over short-term gains. His life has been marked by significant challenges, including navigating post-Soviet economic transitions, dealing with complex international trade regulations, and even facing an Interpol Red Notice. These experiences have shaped his resilient approach to business and life, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptability, and personal integrity. Currently based in Denmark, Katsnelson works as an investor and advisor to startup founders, drawing from his rich international experience and diverse background. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability, education, and maintaining a global perspective in an increasingly interconnected world.

Key take-aways:

1. Adaptability is Crucial: Katsnelson's life demonstrates the importance of being flexible and resilient. From emigrating from the Soviet Union to navigating complex international trade markets, he consistently showed an ability to adapt to new environments, languages, and business challenges.
2. Trust and Relationships Trump Short-Term Gains: His business philosophy emphasizes building long-term relationships and maintaining integrity. He would rather lose money in the short term than damage his reputation, believing that trust is the most valuable asset in business.
3. Multilingualism is a Powerful Business Tool: Speaking multiple languages (Russian, English, Danish, Spanish, and Italian) allowed Katsnelson to create unique business opportunities and understand different cultural contexts, giving him a significant competitive advantage.
4. Continuous Learning is Essential: Whether learning languages, understanding new markets, or adapting to different business environments, Katsnelson's approach to life and business is rooted in a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
5. Principles Matter More Than Profits: His investment criteria go beyond financial returns, focusing on learning, benefiting humanity, and adding value. This holistic approach to business and investment reflects a deeper understanding of success that transcends monetary metrics.

If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:

Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili

Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali

Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel

Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis

Also be sure to check out Ilya on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katsnelsonilya/

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Chapters:

1. From Soviet Roots: Early Life and Identity [0:00 - 0:25:00]
2. The Emigration Journey: Leaving the Soviet Union [0:25:00 - 0:40:00]
3. American Education and Cultural Adaptation [0:40:00 - 0:55:00]
4. Mexican Adventures and Language Learning [0:55:00 - 1:10:00]
5. First Steps in International Trade [1:10:00 - 1:25:00]
6. Navigating Post-Soviet Business Landscapes [1:25:00 - 1:40:00]
7. Commodity Trading and Economic Challenges [1:40:00 - 1:55:00]
8. The Art of Building Business Relationships [1:55:00 - 2:10:00]
9. Transition to Oil Tanker Operations [2:10:00 - 2:20:00]
10. Interpol and Legal Battles: A Personal Ordeal [2:20:00 - 2:30:00]
11. Reflections on Resilience and Global Citizenship [2:30:00 - 2:34:00]