Oleksandr (Sasha) Komarevych, Portfolio Manager at B4i

Oleksandr (Sasha) Komarevych is a seasoned Portfolio Manager at B4i - Bocconi for Innovation, bringing over a decade of experience in the startup ecosystem. He is adept at connecting innovative founders with investors and corporate partners to drive sustainable growth. Sasha has played a crucial role in supporting over 60 startups, which have collectively raised more than €41 million in funding and boast an impressive 85% post-acceleration survival rate. His expertise lies in guiding early-stage companies through critical development phases, from idea validation to achieving product-market fit and securing strategic investments. Additionally, as the founder of StartupReporter.eu, Sasha has documented the journeys of more than 200 European startups, providing valuable insights and visibility to emerging innovations. He is passionate about bolstering Milan's position as a leading innovation hub in Europe.

In this conversation, Sasha shares insights from his multicultural experiences and how they shape team dynamics in startups. He emphasizes the importance of communication, feedback, and clarity in building effective teams. Sasha discusses patterns observed in thriving teams, the role of leadership in fostering a culture of openness, and the significance of measuring team performance and health. He also highlights the evolution of founders, resilience in funding environments, and the dynamics of scaling teams. Finally, Sasha provides valuable advice for aspiring founders and reflects on current trends in the startup world.

• Multicultural experiences enhance understanding of team dynamics.
• Team culture is defined by communication styles and practices.
• Clarity in communication is crucial for team success.
• Fast decision-making is a key trait of thriving teams.
• A culture of feedback fosters growth and improvement.
• Leaders should listen to their teams but also make decisions.
• Measuring team alignment is essential for performance.
• Resilience in startups comes from a learning mindset.
• Celebrating milestones is important for team morale.
• Understanding the 'why' behind a startup is vital for founders.