Alina Ponomareva is not your typical technology entrepreneur. Driven by her passion for fashion, technology, and empowering others, she has carved her own path in the startup world. Her journey began with an internship at a technology startup where she discovered her love for the intersection of technology and business. Since then, she has co-founded exciting ventures like her Smarsy and her Liberrex, each fueling her desire to make a positive difference in this world.
But Ponomareba’s biggest impact may yet be yet to come. In 2023, she co-founded Flashee, an app that goes beyond just shopping, based on a shared vision with her business partner, Yvon Nuten. It’s an innovative platform that uses AI and social selling to connect green consumers with small, mission-driven brands around the world.
“Flashee is more than just a shopping app; it’s an innovative platform that harnesses the power of AI and social selling to connect conscious shoppers with small, mission-driven brands around the world,” Ponomareva explained. Masu. The company’s innovative approach combines AI-powered recommendations, gamified rewards, and brand profiling to create a vibrant community for responsible consumers.
Flashee represents a commitment to supporting small businesses and empowering women in the technology industry. She is working with Mr. Teng to reshape the retail landscape and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Ponomareva’s entrepreneurial inspiration comes from her desire for freedom, her passion for fashion and beauty, and her fascination with the dynamic nature of technology.
“For me, entrepreneurship is more than just a journey; it is a combination of freedom, passion and purpose,” explains Ponomareva. “Every step forward adds a new layer to the melody, creating a symphony that resonates deeply within me.”
What sets Ponomareva apart is not just her successes, but her resilience to overcome failures. When Smarthy faced adversity during the pandemic, she pivoted and learned valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability. “As an entrepreneur, I learned that failure is just an opportunity for growth,” Ponomareva recalls. “They shape us and give us insight into new opportunities.”
Ponomareva’s inspiration goes beyond business. She is inspired by leaders like Natalia Vodianova and Sampriti Bhattacharya, and is a vocal advocate for women in technology. As an angel investor and mentor, she actively supports aspiring female founders, giving them the tools and confidence to succeed.
“Mentorship played an important role in my journey,” admits Ponomareva. “Engaging with experienced entrepreneurs in communities like the 500 Global network has expanded my understanding of entrepreneurship and provided practical strategies for success.”
Flashee is a perfect example of Ponomareva’s innovative spirit and dedication to making a difference. It’s not just about shopping. It’s about pushing boundaries and creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for retail by leveraging AI and social selling to connect mission-driven brands and conscious shoppers.
Alina Ponomareva’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and innovation. She has made a significant impact on the technology industry through her business ventures and advocacy work, empowering women to succeed in entrepreneurship.
Spencer Hulse is Grit Daily’s editorial director. He is responsible for supervising other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
