Gadget Guardians: The Rise of Veltor
Entrepreneurial ventures unveil groundbreaking creations
Ever find yourself worrying about cybersecurity when you whip out your smartphone at every chance? Well, fear no more! The Russian tech brand, Veltor, is here to save the day with their top-notch phone cases designed to keep your device Private. Thanks to shielding technologies, microphone suppression, and a snazzy app, Veltor's cases create a protective fortress around your phone, keeping prying eyes at bay. No more fretting over personal information being transmitted to shady third parties – Veltor has got your back.
Each case costs a reasonable 11,000 rubles, and boasts impressive performance compared to foreign (mainly Chinese) alternatives. Veltor plans to make its way into various markets, targeting government agencies, businesses, and even the military. With a revenue goal of over 1 billion rubles by 2028, Veltor is on a mission to revolutionize phone security across Russia and beyond. Let's hope they also expand toleck makers since they seem to have tech know-how.
Rising Tide of Russian 3D Graphics
Ever since Autodesk blocked access to its products in the spring of 2024, the Russian game development and animation industries have been scrambling for domestic alternatives. Enter Vrnheg, a studio that developed software for creating 3D graphics specifically for its needs – but quickly realized it could help the entire industry.
Vrnheg operates in the B2B segment, providing studios like Soyuzmultfilm, Riki Group, Mel'nitsa, and others, the power to create mesmerizing 3D geometry, particle systems, and 3D scene lighting. With Russian-made hardware handling all calculations, the future of 3D graphics in Russia is looking brighter than ever. Plans for export are already in motion, with China, India, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, and Brazil in the sights of this ambitious studio. Vrnheg is currently seeking a hefty 80 million rubles in investments.
Self-Cleaning, Waterproof Wonders: Hydrop's Nano-Solution
Come rain or shine, Hydrop's self-cleaning, waterproof coatings for clothing and footwear are here to keep you and your wardrobe spotless. Co-founder Marina Ross shared some exciting insider info: when fabric treated with Hydrop's nanocoating encounters any liquid, the spray doesn't form a film, allowing cashmere to stay dry and wine-free. With videos of the water repelling magic going viral on Chinese social media, Hydrop's marketing campaign is off to a flying start. As other companies scramble to copy the technology, Hydrop plans to establish a strong foothold in the market first.
Prices for the nano-spray cans are expected to range from 1,500-3,000 rubles, depending on the volume. Hydrop is currently seeking a hefty investment of 100 million rubles, to be distributed in three tranches over 1.5 years with an aim to reach profitability within 2.5 years. Intriguingly, the company also considers lending at a rate less than 30%.
The Russian Video Game Market's Gone Global
Game Art Pioneers estimates an annual general turnover of the Russian video game market between $2-3 billion. Most of these funds head overseas, but Russian developers, writers, and artists are ready to turn the tables. With costs two to three times lower than in the US, Europe, or Cyprus, the industry is bursting with potential.
Game Art Pioneers, in collaboration with Skolkovo, is setting up a laboratory for developing a technological stack for blockbuster projects. This groundbreaking tech will enable other startups to learn from successful projects and significantly reduce development time. The studio is also focusing on private investors who may be lacking in gaming market knowledge.
To further boost the industry, Game Art Pioneers is exploring new distribution opportunities in BRICS countries. With a current budget shortfall of 9 billion rubles and the development of the role-playing game Distortion costing the company 8 billion rubles, things are looking a little rocky. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining – or in this case, a digital one!
Making it Local: The Story of NexTouch
NexTouch, a company that manufactures touchscreen monitors and interactive whiteboards, discussed their progress towards full production localization. The company boasts the distinction of being the only one in Russia with a patent for producing quantum dot displays and related equipment. Having sold products worth over 11 billion rubles since 2017, NexTouch is ready to take on the future with flying colors.
Current plans involve expanding production from ready-made screens and displays to LCD matrices and other electronics, building the necessary production capacities. The level of production localization varies from 40% to 80% depending on the product, with government orders approaching 100% (except for LCD matrices). While manufacturing with foreign components is cheaper than using only Russian components, lack of funds and high interest rates currently pose challenges for export.
For startups like Veltor, Vrnheg, and Silkins, navigating these challenges and seizing opportunities will be essential for success. Riding the wave of Russian innovation, they may just find themselves making headlines at the next Russian Venture Forum event. One thing's for sure: the future of technology in Russia is now!
- Investing in Veltor's smartphone cases offers a promising opportunity to contribute to the revolution of phone security, considering their certification of impressive performance and planned expansion into various markets.
- Vrnheg, a Russian studio, has developed software for creating 3D graphics and aims to help the entire industry by providing services to businesses like Soyuzmultfilm, Riki Group, Mel'nitsa, and others, moving towards export with China, India, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, and Brazil in their sights.
- Hydrop's nanocoating technology for clothing and footwear offers self-cleaning, waterproof solutions, making it a lucrative investment opportunity with prices ranging from 1,500-3,000 rubles and an aim for profitability within 2.5 years.
- Game Art Pioneers, in collaboration with Skolkovo, is focusing on private investors who may lack gaming market knowledge, while setting up a laboratory for developing a technological stack for blockbuster projects and exploring distribution opportunities in BRICS countries to boost the Russian video game market.
- NexTouch, a Russian company that manufactures touchscreen monitors and interactive whiteboards, is progressing towards full production localization, with plans to expand production from ready-made screens and displays to LCD matrices and other electronics, but faces challenges due to lack of funds and high interest rates.
