Co-Founder and CEO at Localie
On Localie since February 2019
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I'm truly a world citizen, and explaining my origin is challenging. Born and raised in Ukraine, I moved to Russia at 13 due to my parents' relocation. I never felt at home in Russia, but I did find good friends and tons of inspiration there. Fueled by a constant dream to leave Russia, I embraced the identity of a world citizen. At 20, I spent four months in the USA on an internship program, living in OBX, North Carolina. High five if you know what I'm talking about 😉 After university, I began my career as an IT project leader, first with Ford Motor Company and later with IKEA. IKEA's international scope brought me to my third country, the Netherlands, in 2017. I fell in love with this country—the gingerbread houses, canals, and the fantastic sea shore, dubbed "the Dutch California"—from my very first day here. In 2019, I left my full-time job at IKEA HQ to start my own company. This venture is Localie and networktrips.io, the platform you're exploring right now 😉
My heart and my brain are wholly devoted to my passion — Localie and networktrips.io, this platform that captivates me every day! The concept of Localie sparked in my mind back in 2016, during my tenure at IKEA. The inspiration was immediate and powerful, igniting a flame of enthusiasm that burns just as brightly today, 6 years later. This enduring passion has culminated in the platform you're engaging with at this moment. Since August 2019, I've dedicated myself full-time to Localie, steering it as CEO. In my leisure, nothing pleases me more than meeting travelers and introducing them to hidden gems around. Localie isn't just a platform; it's an international venture with roots in both the USA and the Netherlands. We have raised over $400K in venture capital striving to become another big thing in travel worldwide. Should you find yourself curious about the intricacies of building a global, innovative company, I'm more than eager to share my insights and experiences. Let's intertwine our discussions of entrepreneurship with travel adventures and tales of local Dutch life 😉
The Netherlands is twice as small as the entire metropolitan area of Los Angeles, making it the most densely populated country in the European Union. This results in remarkably short distances between points of interest. Indeed, the Netherlands could be likened to a sprawling city of 17 million people, where settlements feel more like closely situated neighborhoods, separated by expansive parks and green spaces. Despite its compact size, the country is brimming with impressive sites and attractions, all easily accessible for a fulfilling one-week getaway or even a weekend adventure!
Although I'm based in The Hague, I know the whole region inside-out, including cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, quaint villages and towns across Holland, and other provinces like Zeeland, among many other destinations! I can't wait to share my love to The Netherlands with you and make you sure this is one of the best places in Europe!