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a16z Podcast | Layering Tech and Culture in Iran
12 segments available
In this special international edition of the a16z Podcast, Nazanin Daneshvar, co-founder and CEO of Takhfifan, the "Groupon of Iran", shares her experiences and broader observations about the startup ecosystem and tech infrastructure in Iran with guest interviewer Christopher Schroeder (former entrepreneur, D.C. investor, and author of Startup Rising). How did she do it? (Hint: With a bit of subterfuge and clever cloaking.)What are the attitudes toward failure in a time and place where startups aren't really considered a real thing? This is the second installment in a special series on tech startups in Iran, part of a larger theme around global tech and how software -- including mobile -- is eating the world … and creating new opportunities within it.
Segments Timeline
Introduction to Iranian Startups
In this segment, the hosts introduce Nazanin Daneshvar, co-founder of Takhfifan, and Christopher Schroeder, author of 'Startup Rising'. They discuss the significance of startups in Iran and the misconceptions surrounding the region's tech ecosystem. The conversation sets the stage for exploring the realities of entrepreneurship in Iran amidst global perceptions.
"so hi everyone welcome to the a 6nz podcast I'm sonal and I'm here today with a very special edition of the a6 in the podcast international we have two special guests one of our guests is nothing name..."
Nazanin's Journey Back to Iran
Nazanin shares her journey of returning to Iran after working in Europe. She discusses her experiences in the tech industry and the challenges she faced in establishing Takhfifan, the leading Groupon-like platform in Iran. This segment highlights her determination and the evolving landscape of Iranian startups.
"most Americans think of Iran they still think Argo and the fact is in many respects what ISIL ain't seen in Iran has just been an amazing group of talented young people without standing engineering ca..."
Overcoming Cultural Barriers
Nazanin recounts her early struggles as a female entrepreneur in Iran, including the cultural expectations and the need for male representation in business meetings. She shares a humorous yet insightful story about how her father pretended to be her manager to help her navigate the male-dominated business environment.
"issues so by that time I promised to myself I'm not going to get into another business model that involves large estates because in Iran there that just takes is not still these days it's not develope..."
The Evolution of the Startup Ecosystem
The discussion shifts to the evolution of the startup ecosystem in Iran over the past few years. Nazanin highlights the increasing awareness and acceptance of entrepreneurship, particularly among younger generations. She emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in fostering a vibrant startup culture.
"people I mean people sitting in our office they think like I'm doing the whole word from our home because they think like it's a website you know or then the static website is exactly like another eco..."
Government Support and Infrastructure
Nazanin discusses the role of the Iranian government in supporting startups, mentioning the establishment of incubators and accelerators. She shares insights on recent investments in tech infrastructure and how these developments are paving the way for a more robust entrepreneurial environment.
"to literally appear in the meeting he didn't spend time talking the media because of issues like I put his name as the CEO of the companies because they were checking the register of the company and t..."
Challenges of Online Business in Iran
In this segment, Nazanin talks about the challenges faced by online businesses in Iran, including payment methods and consumer trust. She explains how the shift from cash on delivery to online payments has transformed the e-commerce landscape in the country.
"properly done the things that surprised me is that there were over 31 government backed incubators and accelerators with some pretty interesting technology and I know one of the questions I always hav..."
Changing Perceptions of Failure
The conversation explores the cultural attitudes towards failure in Iran. Nazanin reflects on how failure is often stigmatized, yet she emphasizes the importance of learning from setbacks in entrepreneurship. She shares her personal experiences and the need for a shift in mindset among aspiring entrepreneurs.
"over the next two to three years a year ago when I was there the barely any 3G 4G yeah you know people have access to smart devices in Wi-Fi this year it sounds like they're 20 million subscribers to ..."
The Future of Iranian Startups
Nazanin envisions a competitive future for Iranian startups, drawing parallels with global tech ecosystems. She expresses optimism about the potential for growth and innovation in Iran, fueled by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are eager to embrace change.
"you know one of the things that I hear when I come back to America and this is true by the way from emerging markets from Southeast Asia to Latin America to the Arab world to Turkey and now in Iran pe..."
Women in Entrepreneurship
The segment highlights the increasing presence of women in the Iranian startup scene. Nazanin discusses the challenges women face and the potential for female entrepreneurs to drive significant change in the tech landscape. She emphasizes the importance of supporting women in business.
"people just taking a bit more and that's it you know I've seen this across emerging markets certainly in the Arab world but in Iran as well that that failure is necessary in entrepreneurship we all kn..."
International Engagement and Investment
Nazanin shares insights on the growing interest from international investors in Iranian startups. She discusses the challenges posed by sanctions and the opportunities for collaboration between Iranian entrepreneurs and global markets.
"have said that Alibaba would be the most successful tech startup in the world coming from China and now there are you know a hundred of them and and I suspect that that might happen in Iran - no absol..."
Technology Access in Iran
In this segment, the hosts discuss the surprising access to technology in Iran, including internet penetration and smartphone usage. Nazanin explains how Iranians navigate restrictions and utilize technology to connect with the global market.
"20-year old software companies Romeo so we buried the ones from the web section how many people attended to the gathering outright you boys plan for 2,000 people so I'm assuming that you miss around 2..."
A Vision for the Future
The podcast concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of the Iranian startup ecosystem. Nazanin reflects on her journey and the potential for innovation in Iran, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and pursue their dreams.
"they think that even if you have technology you're restricted so can you explain to me why everyone I meet has Facebook and Twitter and everybody sees what everyone else in the world sees how does tha..."