Startup Launch
Founding and Scaling Aegree:
A Specialized Approval Agency
| Company & Position | Aegree Agency of Approvals, Managing Partner |
| Industry | Regulatory Tech (RegTech), Urban Infrastructure Services |
| Time & Place | Aug 2009 – Feb 2010, Russia |
| Tags | #StartUps, #Sales, #BusinessDevelopment, #FieldOperations, #ExitStrategy |
Objective
To create a scalable business that provided legal approval services for infrastructure projects in multi-unit residential buildings, serving a wide range of clients beyond telecom, including advertising firms, equipment installers, and real estate service providers.
Responsibilities
- Co-founded Aegree in August 2009 with a former B2B partner from ER-Telecom.
- Recruited and led a team of ~40 professionals, primarily former ER-Telecom staff with experience in field-level negotiations.
- Developed the company’s service offering and positioning as a reliable partner for obtaining homeowner approvals across diverse market segments.
- Oversaw business development, sales strategy, and internal operations during the agency’s rapid early growth phase.
- Built a strong reputation in the local market within months through focused execution and experienced personnel.
- In February 2010, I exited the business due to a conflict of interest after being appointed CEO of Startelecom-Novosibirsk.
Results
- Achieved 10x return on initial investment through the sale of a 50% equity stake to a co-founder.
- Successfully identified and filled a niche market in regulatory and residential approvals.
- Created a sustainable, high-growth company that continued to operate effectively post-exit.
- Demonstrated strong entrepreneurial capability in converting project expertise into a viable standalone business.
Tools & Skills
Business model design, B2B sales, urban infrastructure approvals, partner management, legal compliance, team scaling, strategic exit planning
