How Platma harnessed the Web Summit app to expand its investor network

As part of our series exploring successful startup stories from our events, we spoke with Yaroslav Kologryvov, co-founder and chief business development officer at Platma. 

Platma is an all-in-one no-code development platform that offers a simplified English coding system, as well as ready-made templates that reduce user dependency on IT teams. 

Co-founder Yaroslav is a Web Summit veteran, who first attended in 2017 before returning with Platma in 2023. Through attending the event, Yaroslav has successfully established multiple connections with investors and forged ongoing relationships.

We sat down with Yaroslav to speak about Web Summit, and to learn how our events have impacted Platma’s development.  

How did you first learn about Web Summit?

I’ve been in the venture sector since 2008, so Web Summit has always been on my radar. I honestly can’t pinpoint the exact moment I first heard about it – it feels like it’s been a constant presence in my career – but it was back when it was held in Dublin and was a much smaller event than it is today.

When did you first attend Web Summit and in what capacity?

I first attended Web Summit in 2017 with my previous startup. It was incredible to immerse myself in the world of tech and innovation on such a large scale.

Being there as a founder allowed me to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs, explore new opportunities, and gain insights that steered my direction in the startup space. I didn’t think twice when the opportunity arose to return with Platma.

Can you tell us what your company does?

Platma is a business automation and digital transformation platform that empowers companies to create software solutions without hiring experts or developers. Customers type what they need in natural language, and our advanced automation technology transforms their ideas into ready-to-use solutions, saving them valuable time and money. 

What sets us apart from other business automation tools? Unlike other solutions on the market, we aren’t automating a single process. Our AI understands natural language commands and can ask for clarifications to ensure it captures precisely what the user wants. Users explain their requirements as if talking to a colleague, and Platma gets to work, creating functional software in minutes.

It accelerates development tenfold and cuts the annual cost of implementing automation tools for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises by over US$10,000. Plus, CEOs and founders can reclaim as much as 70 percent of the time they would otherwise waste on routine tasks, allowing them to focus more on growth and less on the grind.

What stage of development was the company at before you went to the event?

Before attending Web Summit in 2023, we were a young, ambitious company driven by the vision of a code-free world. Our core mission remains unchanged, but Web Summit has significantly altered our trajectory. 

We became more adept at networking, drew inspiration from the talented startups and founders we met, and engaged with investors seeking exciting opportunities. Web Summit allowed us to spend time with some of the brightest minds in the industry, and the insight and connections we gained were a massive help in closing our first funding round.

Who are some of the connections you made at the event?

When we arrived at Web Summit, we had a clear idea of what our product should look like and a pitch deck we had spent an eternity perfecting in hand. We were hungry for knowledge, ideas and opportunities, and eagerly scrolled through the Web Summit app reaching out to people we felt we could learn a thing or two from. To say we were eager to make the most of our time at the event is an understatement.

One of the investors who got back to us was Zack Grymes of Insight Partners. Even though he told us we were too small to attract investment from the firm then, he was still curious to meet us. He said he enjoys talking to founders just beginning their journey because of the “fire in their eyes”. 

Now, 18 months on, we’re still in regular contact with Insight Partners, and a potential investment is on the horizon. If not for that meeting – and Web Summit for orchestrating it – Platma may not have achieved such rapid growth.

Did attending the event have a positive impact on your business development? If so, what was the impact?

The event positively impacted Platma in two significant ways. It allowed us to establish warm relationships with two venture funds: Insight Partners and Web Summit Ventures. Moreover, we established valuable connections with other key stakeholders and experts.

Can you tell us a little more about how you went about securing meetings with investors at Web Summit?

Securing meetings with investors at Web Summit required strategic networking and, most importantly, planning ahead. We used the Web Summit app to analyse investors, identify those who were the best fit for our business, and reach out directly to schedule meetings. It’s crucial to set up these meetings well in advance; if you wait until right before the event, your chances of getting lucky are slim.

We also leveraged LinkedIn. After identifying potential investors in the app, we’d connect on LinkedIn, engage with them there, and arrange meetings. This combination of early outreach, tech-driven research, and personalised connection was key to our success.

Did you secure any investment as a result of attending Web Summit?

Not yet, but that’s just for now! We made some warm connections with potential investors, and the experience boosted our confidence and negotiation skills. Plus, getting on the radar of Web Summit VCs is a win in itself, it’s a great step forward.

Would you recommend the event to other founders?

Absolutely. Whether your company is a long-established startup with multiple funding rounds or just an idea you’ve been nurturing, Web Summit is the place to meet the right people to help your business grow and find inspiration that shifts your development trajectory.

No matter how experienced or successful you are, there is always somebody with more knowledge or a different way of thinking that can help your business grow. At the very least, you will meet plenty of interesting people and have plenty of great conversations.

What advice would you give to other founders to make the most of the event?

Be open-minded, curious, and willing to make the first move. Startups need to be proactive; you can’t wait for partners, investors and clients to find you. Platma is the perfect example of how even a simple meeting with no expectations can transform your fortunes.

You never know who you will meet. Web Summit brings together amazing entrepreneurs, industry experts and willing investors, so enjoy the moment and take the opportunity to meet great minds.

Web Summit will be taking place this year in Lisbon from November 11-14. Book your tickets now.

Main image: Platma