Admet Akhter is the CEO and co-founder of Introdex, a platform that helps businesses connect with potential customers in Asia through warm introductions facilitated by industry connectors.

He previously founded Akhter Studios, a software development company he built from scratch, scaling it to 100 full-time employees. Today, Akhter Studios stands as one of the leading outsourcing firms in Central Asia, serving major enterprise clients.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I have been a startup co-founder since the beginning of last year. As CEO, I am responsible for fundraising, setting the vision, and driving team performance.

While this is not my first venture, that experience has proven invaluable. Altogether, I have four years of experience as an entrepreneur and CEO.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Being a startup founder requires envisioning something that doesn’t exist yet, adapting quickly, and thinking outside the box.

The most surprising thing for many people is the stress control I have to manage everything. The responsibility is great, and some situations can be scary, but you learn to handle them as if they’re just part of your routine.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career has been the transition from employee to entrepreneur.

It took about 1.5 years to recognize this real change and make the proper transition. Fortunately, I could seek advice from people who had a similar experience, which helped me navigate this journey successfully.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

The AI boom is exciting, and I can’t ignore what’s happening as someone in the industry.

I’m also keeping an eye on brain-computer interface technology, which some say could be a significant breakthrough and change our lives. I’m interested in how biomedicine could improve because of advancements in AI.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Think carefully about the actual expectations you have when starting a startup. Sometimes, people anticipate one thing, but the reality can be harsh.

The chances of success are low, and you must make significant sacrifices to perform well. Additionally, ensure you have precise long-term alignment with your co-founders.

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‍🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Besides business, I can talk about history and video games for hours.

Only a few people know that I used to manage a history fan community, and my career began in the esports industry, making these two topics a significant part of my personality.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Limitless is my favorite movie because it has significantly impacted my life.

It highlights a person's incredible potential, and while the NZT-48 pill doesn’t exist in the real world, the film inspires you to change your lifestyle and habits to become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

I love chocolate and coffee, so my ice cream choices reflect the same. I don’t have a strong preference for any specific brand or store.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.