IT Park Uzbekistan strengthens cooperation with leading players of Silicon Valley

A delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan and IT Park Ventures participated in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, one of the most prominent events in technology and innovation globally. During this visit, IT Park representatives engaged in a series of strategic discussions with international venture capital funds, accelerators, and technology platforms. The aim of the visit was to strengthen collaboration, enhance Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem, and attract international partners to the country's technology market.

The delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan was headed by Jamila Khalibaeva, Global Marketing Director. Additionally, representatives from the IT Park Ventures venture fund were present at the event.

TechCrunch Disrupt is an annual international conference that convenes key figures in the technology sector, offering a platform for knowledge sharing, project showcases, and international partnerships.

Collaboration with TechCrunch

During TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the IT Park Uzbekistan delegation met with Michael J. Shick, Startup Battlefield Operations Manager and Event Coordinator at TechCrunch, along with Damian Benstead, Global Partnership Manager for the company. The discussions focused on the potential of hosting one of TechCrunch Disrupt’s flagship events in Uzbekistan. This event aims to unite investors, accelerators, representatives from startup ecosystems, technology firms, and media from the United States and Europe, marking a significant step in integrating Uzbekistan’s IT sector into the global technology landscape.

The parties also reached an agreement to publish articles and materials about Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem on the TechCrunch platform, as well as to involve TechCrunch representatives in ICT Week Uzbekistan. Given TechCrunch’s reputation as a leading media and event platform, this partnership will greatly enhance Uzbekistan’s profile on the global innovation map.

TechCrunch is a premier international media and event platform focused on innovation, technology, and venture capital. Its annual TechCrunch Disrupt conference is acknowledged as one of the most influential global venues for startups and investors, while its Startup Battlefield competition has launched hundreds of successful technology companies around the world.

Collaborative Investment Initiatives with Güil Mobility Ventures

During the visit, a meeting took place with David Brehm, an investor at Güil Mobility Ventures, a venture fund that focuses on technological startups. The conversation centered on the potential for collaborative investments between Güil Mobility Ventures and IT Park Ventures, as well as the integration of solutions from the fund’s portfolio companies within Uzbekistan, particularly in the aviation and airport infrastructure sectors. Additionally, the parties discussed the involvement of representatives from Güil Mobility Ventures in ICT Week Uzbekistan, which aims to provide a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan’s innovation ecosystem and to explore possible partnership opportunities.

Güil Mobility Ventures is a venture capital fund that supports early-stage startups in technology, sustainability, and digital transformation. The firm actively partners with global accelerators and corporate entities, aiding startups in their expansion into international markets.

Collaboration with Silicon Valley in Your Pocket Accelerator

The IT Park Uzbekistan delegation also engaged with Jeff Wallace and Kal Deutsch, the founders of the Silicon Valley in Your Pocket platform, which connects mentors and investors from Silicon Valley. The discussions revolved around the initiation of a joint Investor Readiness program for Uzbek startups, designed to prepare them for interactions with international investors and facilitate their successful entry into foreign markets. Furthermore, the parties considered the implementation of an intensive incubation and acceleration program that would involve experts and mentors from the United States. This program aims to support Uzbek entrepreneurs during the soft-landing phase, assisting them in adapting to and establishing their operations in the U.S. market.

Silicon Valley in Your Pocket is an international acceleration program established in the United States. The platform unites entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, providing access to online learning, tailored consulting, and investment opportunities for startups globally.

Strengthening Cooperation with Startup Grind

A significant meeting conducted by the IT Park Uzbekistan delegation during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 was with James Ji, Director of Global Sales and Head of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Startup Grind, the world’s largest community of founders and investors.

During the meeting, the participants explored the potential for a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing international collaboration between the startup ecosystems of Uzbekistan and Silicon Valley. Special attention was given to the possibility of hosting Startup Grind Local events in Tashkent, which would enable Uzbek startups to interact directly with entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from the United States and other nations.

Additionally, IT Park Ventures and Startup Grind outlined their plans for content sharing and the involvement of Uzbek startups in global community initiatives, thereby creating new avenues for business growth and attracting investment.

Startup Grind is a worldwide entrepreneurial community that brings together over 5 million members across 600 cities globally. The organization frequently organizes events, conferences, and training programs designed to support startups and foster innovative entrepreneurship.

Collaboration with CapConnect Solutions and the expansion of U.S. partnerships

During the visit, a meeting took place with Aaron Horowitz and Trevor Long, the founders of CapConnect Solutions. The discussions focused on opportunities for attracting U.S. companies and investors to Uzbekistan, as well as providing support for IT Park Uzbekistan's member companies in accessing the American market.

CapConnect Solutions is a U.S.-based firm that specializes in financial and advisory services for startups and scaling businesses. The company aids entrepreneurs in securing investments, structuring deals, and forming partnerships with venture capital funds. CapConnect Solutions actively works with technology firms, facilitating their global expansion and entry into new markets.

Partnership with Nebo Legal in venture education

The IT Park delegation also met with Alexander Ravski, a lawyer and venture capital specialist from Nebo Legal, a law firm located in Silicon Valley.

The parties discussed the creation of a joint Business Angel School in collaboration with IT Park Ventures and the Silkroad Angel’s Club. This program will concentrate on educating investors and entrepreneurs about venture investment principles, project assessment, and portfolio management.

Furthermore, the parties agreed to involve Alexander Ravski as an expert and mentor for future educational initiatives.

Nebo Legal is a law firm based in Silicon Valley that specializes in providing legal support for startups, investors, and venture capital funds.

The firm offers consulting services in corporate and investment law, aids in deal structuring, and facilitates the development of international projects.

These meetings were a crucial aspect of IT Park Uzbekistan’s involvement in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, establishing a foundation for enduring partnerships with prominent figures in the U.S. venture capital sector and startup ecosystem. The agreements made will foster new opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge sharing, joint investments, and global backing for Uzbek startups, further solidifying Uzbekistan’s status as an emerging technological hub in Central Asia.

Presentation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Alongside the meetings, IT Park Uzbekistan and IT Park Ventures showcased their own exhibition booths at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, where participants could learn about Uzbekistan’s initiatives in technological entrepreneurship, investment infrastructure, and international collaboration.

The IT Park Uzbekistan booth highlighted initiatives focused on enhancing international partnerships and promoting Uzbek IT firms in overseas markets.

During the event, discussions took place with representatives from ONE PRIME CAPITAL, Pitchjams, FRESYES Realty Group, EAI Investments, Steppe AI Inc., and Tomas Klausing, where potential partnership opportunities, investment attraction, and the involvement of international companies in IT Park Uzbekistan’s projects were deliberated.

The exhibition enabled the formation of new connections with venture funds, startups, and technology firms, further enhancing Uzbekistan’s reputation as one of Central Asia’s rising innovation hubs.

Central Eurasian Founders & Community Meet-up: connecting ecosystems of Central Eurasia and Silicon Valley

As part of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the Central Eurasian Founders & Community Meet-up took place in Palo Alto, organized by the Silkroad Innovation Hub in collaboration with IT Park Uzbekistan, IT Park Ventures, Astana Hub, and Astana Hub Ventures.

The event attracted over 300 participants, including representatives from international venture funds, accelerators, technology companies, startup founders, and members of the Central Eurasian diaspora working in major global corporations and innovation institutions.

Opening remarks were made by Jamila Khalibaeva, Global Marketing Director of IT Park Uzbekistan; Asset Abdualiyev, Founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub; and Aidana Bergazdenova, Director of Astana Hub Ventures, who emphasized the significance of enhancing connections between Central Eurasia and Silicon Valley.

Throughout the program, representatives from IT Park Uzbekistan provided an overview of the organization's activities and its venture division, detailing its strategic development priorities, primary investment areas, and international startup support initiatives.

The event also included a presentation by Christie Kanida, Partner at Alchemist Accelerator, who introduced the AlchemistX program—an acceleration initiative that involves startups from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Over a four-month duration, participating teams will operate in Silicon Valley, advancing their projects with guidance from Alchemist experts and specialists from leading global technology companies.

The meet-up proved to be an effective platform for knowledge sharing and networking between the innovation ecosystems of Central Eurasia and the United States. Consequently, new relationships were formed with investors and accelerators, joint investment projects were initiated, and collaborative efforts were launched to attract international partners to Uzbekistan.

The Central Eurasian Founders & Community Meet-up underscored the region's increasing significance on the global technology landscape and marked a crucial step in enhancing cooperation between the startup ecosystems of Central Asia and Silicon Valley.

Results of the visit

Participation in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and the meetings held during the event reinforced IT Park Uzbekistan’s dedication to establishing the country as a regional leader in innovation-driven development. The agreements made with venture capital funds, accelerators, and international partners have opened new avenues for scaling startups, attracting investments, and facilitating technology transfer. These initiatives bolster Uzbekistan’s position as a rapidly expanding hub of technological entrepreneurship in Central Asia and aid in its integration into the global innovation ecosystem.