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“In spite of all the farmer’s work and worry, he can’t reach down to where the seed is slowly transmuted into summer. The earth bestows.”

Rainer Maria Rilke, 1875-1926

The difference between the Soviet Union and the United States is the former repelled people and the latter attracted (and continues to attract) them. That’s true despite the US’s many flaws. The attraction is related to an idea that is abstract until you lose it—freedom. That’s what led Rob Koyfman’s parents to leave Ukraine many years ago and come to New Jersey.

An element of liberty is the ability to create a business from scratch. Yes, many of these businesses fail and being an entrepreneur is hard. Yet, the pride in ownership is fundamental, like cooking your own food versus eating in a cafeteria. Still Press Media is a creation out of thin air, ditto Kate Capital. Rob has been an entrepreneur longer than me and created something amazing, Koyfin.

For those not in finance, some context is helpful. In regular life, only two companies create the phones most of us use, Apple and Samsung. In finance, one company, Bloomberg, has a lock on the software many professionals use. A single subscription costs about $35,000 without all the bells and whistles. While many have tried to disrupt this business, little has worked. Mike Bloomberg is worth over $100 billion.

Rob’s product, Koyfin, is making inroads into that cash flow kingdom. I was interested in his path and philosophy so I cold emailed him and he was kind enough to share his story.

A few highlights:

On the balance between ego and humility:

“You don’t have to be an egomaniac, you don’t have to be an a*****e to also be ambitious and confident.”

On choosing what features to add and what to leave out of Koyfin:

“We are so constrained on resources we need to be very focussed in what we deliver.”

A surprising insight:

“Having someone who can communicate well is a superpower.”

I am leaving tomorrow morning for a multi-day wedding. I’ll try to find time to update you with my thoughts on markets, but the post won’t come out Friday. To my US readers, Happy Memorial Day.