Sergei Ivanov began his career in the picturesque city of Grodno, Belarus, a place he holds close to his heart. His initial path led him to psychology, where he earned his degree from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Early in his career, he dedicated himself to counseling young people, guiding them in choosing their career paths and making their first professional strides. For nearly two decades, Sergei served as a psychology professor, researcher, and mentor at his alma mater, during which he published approximately 25 scientific papers.
Transitioning from academia, Sergei delved into organizational consulting, HR management, and recruitment across diverse sectors including manufacturing, logistics, retail, HoReCa, and IT. His work consistently centered on people—their career trajectories, roles within organizations, and the broader dynamics of business.
Around three years ago, Sergei reconnected with Siarhei, his former university colleague, who was then immersed in a startup venture. Invited to join the team, Sergei’s expertise became instrumental as they navigated through pivots, strategic decisions, and relocations. Together, they have since developed a product that their team is currently advancing in the UAE.
This article will delve into the details of Sergei’s journey from a psychology professor and researcher in Grodno to a pivotal figure in organizational consulting and startup innovation.
What are the main factors that guided you to where you are now?
The main factors that have guided me include a desire to solve unconventional challenges with interesting and talented people, many of whom I’ve met through the startup ecosystem. I’m driven by a strong ambition to leave a positive impact on the world by improving the quality of life for people. Additionally, curiosity and constant self-development have been key motivators in my journey, always pushing me to learn, grow, and explore new possibilities.
Given your many years of experience and accomplishments, what would you say was your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement has been making life better for those around me. I am incredibly proud of my former students who have gone on to become successful professionals, and my colleagues who constantly achieve new heights. Now, with BANTgo, we are building a product that will undoubtedly improve the lives of many people, either directly or indirectly, which I consider a significant accomplishment.
What is the quote that inspires you the most?
“Everyone deserves a chance,” or something similar, was said by the founder of the startup community 24six9, Jamil Shinawi, during the early meetings. This became a motto for me for a long time.
Can you share the story behind the founding of BANTgo ? What inspired you to join this initiative?
My Co-founder, Siarhei, was working on converting gasoline engines in small commercial vehicles to electric. When we reconnected, I was drawn to the idea of making commercial transport more eco-friendly and reducing its environmental impact. This shared vision of sustainability became a key motivator for our journey, and it continues to drive the development of BANTgo.
What differentiates BANTgo from others offering similar services ?
BANTgo stands out by leveraging AI and blockchain to create a seamless, rewards-based platform that incentivizes e-waste recycling. Unlike traditional recycling services, we focus on making recycling easy and rewarding for users by integrating our solution into popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. This allows us to reach users where they are most active. Additionally, BANTgo provides businesses with valuable ESG data and reporting tools, helping them meet sustainability goals while engaging customers. Our marketplace model also allows us to attract users affordably and offer businesses access to this engaged traffic, making our approach both scalable and impactful.
What interesting trends have you spotted in the recycling sector recently?
Recently, key trends in the recycling sector include the integration of AI and robotics for smarter waste sorting, making processes more efficient and reducing contamination Chemical recycling and urban mining are also gaining traction, enabling the recovery of valuable materials from e-waste.
A significant trend is the focus on behavior management in recycling, where platforms like BANTgo incentivize people to recycle through rewards, helping shape sustainable habits. There’s also increasing demand for traceability and transparency through technologies like blockchain, ensuring responsible recycling practices
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs or advocates looking to make a difference in their communities?
My advice is simple: don’t stop. Once you’ve made the choice to make a difference, see it through. It’s a journey worth taking, and your idea deserves to come to life in the real world. Obstacles will come, but perseverance and belief in your mission will keep you moving forward.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with BANTgo ?
The most rewarding part of my work with BANTgo has been seeing how people are genuinely inspired by our mission. Watching individuals and businesses embrace sustainable practices because they see the real value and impact they can make has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about recycling—it’s about sparking a movement where people feel empowered to contribute to something bigger. When our users tell us they feel motivated to recycle more and businesses adopt more eco-friendly practices, it shows that we’re not just making a platform, we’re driving meaningful change.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your professional journey?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my professional journey is the importance of making timely decisions and not delaying when faced with key life or career choices. Acting decisively and seizing opportunities when they arise has been crucial in both my personal and professional growth. Delaying choices often leads to missed opportunities, but being proactive allows you to stay in control and shape the path ahead.
How has the vision for BANTgo evolved since its inception?
The core of BANTgo’s vision has remained unchanged—our mission has always been to improve people’s lives through technology. However, our understanding of how to achieve this has evolved. We’ve refined our approach to make our solutions more effective and scalable, incorporating the latest advancements in AI and blockchain. We’re constantly adapting to ensure that we can meet the needs of both users and businesses while maintaining our core values of sustainability and positive impact. Our focus on practical, user-friendly solutions continues to drive how we grow and innovate.
Are there any new projects or initiatives on the horizon?
Yes, we are currently developing a version of our product specifically for corporate users, focusing on engaging employees in eco-friendly practices. We’re also working on partnerships with other sector leaders and communities to expand the impact of our initiatives beyond just our platform. Additionally, we’re contributing to the creation of a green blockchain and preparing for participation in COP29, where we aim to showcase our innovations and continue driving positive environmental change.
