“Today, life vitality is not achievable without technology-driven insights in business. For me, technological insight signifies the correct and timely utilization of technology—automation and simplification of routine processes, ultimately allocating more time for human productivity and thinking.

Levan Giorgadze is an entrepreneur and our company’s ambassador. As a finance professional, currently serving as Deputy CEO of Vian, assigning a specific term for individual activities and regulatory purposes is crucial, although not the sole focus—his career comprises diverse stages and multifaceted components. Even today, his daily routine forms a hybrid of finance, business, marketing, and the intricacies of operational processes.

The beginning of his career—a pioneering Georgian laptop

Apart from the rational advantages of technological advancements, intertwined emotions and perceptions connect with them. His first practical engagement with technology was precisely with the creation of the first Georgian laptop within a company he worked for.

“After completing university, my initial employment was at a family business, where innovation and rapid growth were paramount. We initiated an ambitious and somewhat audacious project—the creation of the first Georgian laptop. At that time, this was quite a loud announcement, but unfortunately, due to prevalent market problems, the project didn’t materialize financially. It was a significant success and a substantial disappointment for me simultaneously. The fact that the initial trial didn’t end as well as I expected instilled a certain fear in me, but simultaneously, an unstoppable desire emerged to create something new, and this desire remains an integral part of my daily life until today.”

Corporate Career

Following Maxtop, the career shifted towards a position in corporate banking at the bank. As they themselves say, the bank demanded not only stability and discipline but also quick decision-making skills, which are essential factors for their performance. However, on the other hand, it constrained entrepreneurial freedom and deterred risk-taking.

“In my career, the experience in banking has been a significant tramline and corporate expertise, which provided essential insights. However, as this story goes, the other side prompted my thoughts consistently towards managing risks. What if the company doesn’t recover the loan? What risks exist? How badly could things go wrong? These thoughts occupied my everyday work process. Even today, on any project, at least 10 reasons must be thought through why this idea might not work. However, I constantly strive to find the right balance between stability and risks and lean more towards identifying uncertainties for risk mitigation rather than justifying potential gains. Despite my entire career progression in the corporate environment, in my life, there has never been a period when I didn’t engage in entrepreneurial projects.”

Innovative Ideas as Business

As an advocate of innovative ideas, Levani’s inclination towards stepping aside from traditional corporate work was apparent. Alongside his services, pivotal projects have always been about crucial ideas and ventures. Among them are the brand of designer sneakers, Crostie, and an online education platform, Venroll, catering to educational accessibility for all.

“A project I engage in must primarily fulfill a key criterion—it should embody an idea profoundly. If the project lacks a unique perspective, doesn’t engage its audience, and fails to intrigue, it doesn’t align with business. Often heard is the argument that in business, numbers hold utmost significance. However, in reality, the interplay between numbers and content is undeniable. While numbers provide a rational basis, ideas heavily intertwined with numbers often limit financial gains. What is imperative and substantial, in the user’s eyes, is a business with a strong vision. For instance, the strong vision of Shota and Giorgi Mikea’s venture convinced me of its potential success. Conversely, in the case of Venroll, it seems the Georgian online educational platform isn’t functional and lacks investment. Yet, I insist that a project with the potential for intriguing, insightful content, accessible via mobile in ten minutes while commuting, holds tremendous potential. Ultimately, if a project, despite its idea and accessibility, fails to interest, it’s the reality that needs acknowledgment. This is precisely what garners the most attention in business—defining vision, seeking uniqueness, and branding. Even now, collaborating with my brother’s children on a test project on YouTube, I’m immersed in defining and setting directions. If the interest in conceptualization and content richness is absent, I’d rather not invest my time there.”

Valued Ideas as Business

Levan’s ambition as an entrepreneurial activity goes beyond the creation of innovative ideas. Alongside his service, his career consistently involves significant projects related to important ideas and values. Among these is the brand of design thinkers CrossT and the online educational platform Venroli, serving accessibility for everyone’s education.

“The project I work on must primarily meet a major criterion – it must embody an idea. If the project lacks a unique perspective, if I can’t visualize its values, and if the content doesn’t interest me, it won’t work out as a business. Often heard is the statement that the most valuable assets in business are data. In reality, however, data and content are interdependent. Ideas solely based on rationality and digital focus tend to provide limited financial gains. But what brings forth substantial financial gains and robust business for users is a powerful vision, not just based on rationality or digital focus but linked deeply with content. In the case of CrossT, the strong vision of Shota and Giorgi Mikeia’s idea and motivation assured success in this business. However, a non-professional view, claiming that a Georgian paying a higher price for standard footwear might not work, contradicts the notion that this is a high-risk idea. Even in the case of Venroli, saying that the Georgian online educational platform doesn’t function and investing is futile contradicts. I sometimes believe that projects, offering educational access and opportunities, provide exciting spectacles, interesting speakers, accessible courses, even during travel, hold tremendous potential. Sometimes, it’s essential that the project has something necessary, something good, and it’s vital that you recognize it. In such situations, even the undecided can appreciate it genuinely. That’s precisely what garners the most attention in business – defining vision, seeking uniqueness, and branding. Now, together with my nephew, I work on a test project on YouTube, and here, too, I’m always involved in defining and setting the direction. If there’s no genuine interest in the concept and intellectual involvement, I won’t utter a word about time wasting.”

Technology in Everyday Life

“My everyday tech is Apple. It’s more comfortable, more user-oriented, and friendlier tech than anything else I’ve encountered. Every button, every function is designed for simple and perfect usability. I never feel the need to switch or move to another brand.

I use iPhone most actively, for virtually everything, and iPad primarily for large documents, online meetings, etc. Also, AirPods. It’s a brilliant concept. Many times, when technology shouldn’t distract but simplify your life, your daily routine, and work, that’s precisely what Apple does for me. Today, while others face connection issues, humans struggle with focus; Apple, instead of getting lost in time, focuses on work, life, revealing new possibilities and assisting in self-discovery.

That’s precisely what Apple is to me. Today, where others face connection problems, humans face focus problems. Apple, however, instead of losing time, focuses on work, life, shows new possibilities, and helps you find yourself.”