Ruslan Abrayev Email & Phone Number

Astana, Akmola Region, Kz

I have experience working with over 50 startups at various stages, from ideation to launch and scaling, in incubation and acceleration programs at AstanaHub, KBTU Startup Incubator, MOST, and Teenpreneurs. I assist founders in refining business models, identifying weaknesses, and building effective strategies for market growth and securing investments.Working with the teams, I apply Lean Startup and Customer Development methodologies to test and validate hypotheses with minimal investments. I help set goals and analyze key success metrics, conduct market analysis, engage with users, develop financial models, work with unit economics, design go-to-market strategies, and optimize operational management.

As CTO at Edvola Studio, I was responsible for the company’s technological development. My primary focus was to establish and implement a technical strategy to enhance the quality and efficiency of online course production (including video courses and SCORM content) and to adapt our educational platforms to meet the growing demands of the online education market.I introduced modern tools and technologies for multimedia production and integration, and optimized development processes by implementing Agile principles as well as AI technologies. This approach reduced course development time by 80% and significantly improved the user experience, leading to a notable increase in user base and customer retention.

Managed a company focused on the production and integration of multimedia elements (including videos, animations, simulations, and interactive exercises) into online courses. Ensuring seamless integration of content with learning management systems (LMS) and other technical components.Developed and implemented the company’s strategic vision, including the formulation of long-term goals and plans. Establishing and maintaining relationships with key partners, clients, and stakeholders. Built and lead the team, including recruitment, training, and development of employees to achieve high performance. Managed financial flows, including budgeting, expense control, and profitability analysis of projects.

Ensured alignment between the product team and departments such as marketing, sales, content development, and customer support to drive cohesive strategies and enhance overall performance. Held regular status meetings to report on project progress and outcomes, maintaining transparency and keeping stakeholders informed.

The primary goal was to develop a strategy for advancing adaptive learning and integrating technologies to enable personalized education for teachers and students in the "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools."I designed the overall technical architecture from scratch and created technical specifications, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The implementation fully met stakeholder requirements for flexibility, resilience, maintainability, and scalability.Built a team from 1 to over 20 specialists and organized and coordinated the work of distributed, cross-functional teams of developers, designers, and analysts. I introduced Agile and Scrum processes, enabling timely project delivery and improved product quality.Maintained active engagement with stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of their needs and product requirements. I was responsible for project budgeting, effectively addressing organizational challenges, and optimizing resource allocation.The platform was successfully launched across 20 schools, receiving positive and constructive feedback from users, guiding further development.

The concept was to build a platform powered by artificial intelligence and big data, bridging the gap between the labor market (professionals), educational providers, and employers. This hybrid platform—like a combination of HeadHunter, Udemy, and Tinder—analyzes data from various user groups to offer personalized paths to career and educational goals, while enabling companies to manage human capital more effectively.During the lockdown, I assembled a geographically distributed team of developers across Kazakhstan, CIS, Europe, India, Nepal, Palestine, and Canada. I established efficient communication and project management processes based on Scrum. I led market research, user needs analysis, and implemented product analytics, tracking metrics such as CAC, LTV, and ARR.In collaboration with the CTO, we built a hybrid cloud infrastructure on AWS (ECS, S3, RDS, Elastic Media Transcoder, CDN, ChimeSDK). Our technology stack includes microservices in Golang and NodeJS, with front-end frameworks like React (Next) and Flutter.We participated in numerous accelerator programs, including AstanaHub, YCombinator Startup School, and the Seedstars Investment Readiness Program. We also became finalists in Quest Ventures Kazakhstan Digital Accelerator Batch 3.

CEO and founder of MEDICAL.KZ, an online doctor consultation service aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Kazakhstan. My responsibilities included validating the value hypothesis, identifying a sustainable business model, and building partnerships with medical institutions and healthcare providers.Throughout the startup's growth, we advanced from concept to launch and gained our first customers. I applied various approaches and methodologies: Lean, Agile, HADI cycles, Customer Development, CJM, User Stories, financial modeling, and product analytics (CAC, LTV, Retention, unit economics, AARRR) and developed a partnership strategy with medical institutions.As a result, we created a web-based platform and an Android mobile app, successfully validated the business model, and conducted over 1,000 online consultations. We participated in multiple incubation and acceleration programs, as well as startup competitions with organizations like MOST and AstanaHub, where MEDICAL.KZ frequently received support from partners and investors.

Coordinated IT operations for the nationwide PIAAC survey, which required robust IT support to ensure smooth operations. Tasked with managing all information technology-related activities and acting as the primary communication point with the national contractor. Successfully procured and configured laptops meeting consortium specifications, trained interviewers on the survey software, and established a national Helpdesk for ongoing technical support during data collection. Enabled the seamless execution of the survey, resulting in timely data collection and increase in interviewer efficiency due to enhanced technical support and training.

I was appointed as the National Research Coordinator for the ICILS 2018 study in Kazakhstan, which aimed to assess students' levels of computer and information literacy. This was the first time the study was conducted in Kazakhstan, and it was also the first digital-format study of its kind.My role involved managing all stages of the study's trial implementation, including preparing and adapting the research tools, collecting and analyzing data from participating schools, and engaging with stakeholders at both the national and international levels to ensure compliance with IEA international standards.The successful execution of the trial enabled Kazakhstan to participate in the main study in 2018. This provided the Ministry of Education with valuable data to enhance educational policy.

I was tasked with developing the infrastructure for creating and implementing a distance learning platform in line with the leadership's strategic vision. Throughout the project, I developed the implementation concept, project budget, technical specifications, and timeline, while building a team of developers and a media production team and establishing business processes. Together with the team, we designed the platform concept and created prototypes.

Participated in the development of the academy's strategy and the concept for innovative "Virtual University" distance learning product.

Astana, Astana, Kz

As Head of the Financial Analysis and Budgeting Department, I was responsible for the university’s strategic financial management and preparing for the launch of new projects.I conducted an analysis of current expenses and proposed optimization measures, including enhancing the reporting system and introducing new key performance indicators. I also developed business plans for new projects aimed at strengthening the university’s financial stability and led efforts to implement an electronic document management system.My work helped the university improve financial management, increase transparency and reporting accuracy, and accelerate budget request processing. These achievements ensured long-term financial stability and allowed for resource allocation to new initiatives. The implementation of Documentolog reduced document processing times and enhanced process transparency.

Astana, Astana, Kz

Managed the full budgeting cycle for the University and its regional branches. Conducted financial analysis, assessment, and forecasting of the University’s financial stability. Oversaw the implementation of the financial plan, service delivery plan, profit plan, and other key financial metrics, along with monitoring cash flow. Collaborated with second-tier banks to finance the University’s operational and investment activities and to refinance credit obligations. Developed the University’s financial strategy in alignment with the approved strategic development plan.

Almaty, Almaty, Kz

As a trader-analyst, I monitored financial markets and executed repo transactions within an assigned quota. My role involved analyzing macroeconomic conditions, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives. I conducted financial data analysis and prepared regular reports for senior management on global and local economic trends.

Product Management

Bachelor Of Social Science, Public Administration | Major In Financial Management

Almaty