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Many thanks to the hosts:
Maya Lipkin-Goldberg, Open Innovation and Global Strategic Alliance Manager at Samsung Electronics
Boris Shapiro, Founder and CEO at LET ME Ltd
Host: Hello everyone! Today, we’re excited to welcome Dmitry Maslennikov. Dmitry is the founder of PitchBob.io, an AI co-pilot for entrepreneurs. He’s also a mentor at Alchemist, Startupbootcamp, and Founders Institute, as well as a contributor to Entrepreneur.com. Dmitry, it’s great to have you here!
Dmitry Maslennikov: Thank you so much for having me! It’s a pleasure to join and share my story with your audience.
Host: Let’s dive right in. PitchBob is a fascinating concept. Could you tell us about the journey that led to its creation?
Dmitry Maslennikov: Sure. My journey to PitchBob started over a decade ago. I’ve been working with entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their ventures. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles they face — both successes and failures. Many people have great ideas but struggle to take the first step.
PitchBob was born out of this experience. It addresses what I call the “blank page problem,” where people have an idea but no clear direction. The goal was to create something that would help them move forward quickly and affordably. The first version of PitchBob was developed in 2020 during the pandemic. It was a simple tool to help people start their entrepreneurial journey. But with the rise of generative AI in 2023, we reimagined and rebuilt the product, now based in Israel.
Host: That’s incredible. Before we go deeper into PitchBob, could you share more about your personal and professional journey?
Dmitry Maslennikov: Of course. My journey began at 14 when I worked as a courier. By 18, I had launched my first business—a digital agency. From that point on, I immersed myself in everything related to the internet and technology. Over the years, I’ve worked with large corporations, including Yandex, and consulted on innovation projects.
One of my milestones was co-founding a startup at Tinkoff Bank in 2017. However, after moving to Israel, I decided to focus on creating something new and exciting. I shifted my efforts toward building PitchBob and contributing to the vibrant startup ecosystem here.
Host: Speaking of Israel, how does the startup ecosystem here compare to other markets you’ve experienced?
Dmitry Maslennikov: Israel is unique. It’s called the “Startup Nation” for a reason, but it’s also a land of contrasts. When I first arrived, I had high expectations. I imagined an ecosystem that would fully support entrepreneurial efforts. However, the reality was different.
While there are amazing resources and networks, like trade offices and innovation programs, the local market can be tough for newcomers. Repatriates like me face challenges in building connections and navigating the ecosystem.
That said, there are success stories. For example, the Israeli Trade Ministry has a network of trade offices worldwide that provide invaluable support. They helped me connect with top universities in the UK, opening doors that I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise.
Host: That’s a fascinating insight. Let’s return to PitchBob. What stage is the company at now, and what problems does it solve?
Dmitry Maslennikov: PitchBob is at the pre-seed stage, operating as a bootstrapped startup. We’ve grown organically to over 50,000 users and built partnerships with accelerators, universities, and innovation ecosystems worldwide.
Our platform addresses the “blank page problem.” It helps entrepreneurs take their rough ideas and transform them into structured documents like pitch decks and business models. While we primarily target early-stage entrepreneurs, we also serve ecosystem players, universities, and corporations looking to harness internal innovation.
Host: Have you seen tangible successes from users of PitchBob?
Dmitry Maslennikov: Absolutely. We’ve had users secure startup visas, attract investments, and join top accelerators. Our goal is to support super-early-stage entrepreneurs, helping them transition from “wannabe founders” to actual startup leaders.
Host: Beyond PitchBob, you’re involved in mentoring. How do you approach this role?
Dmitry Maslennikov: Mentorship for me is very hands-on. It’s about solving real problems and providing actionable advice. In Israel, I’m proud to have been the first non-Israeli-second name mentor at Founders Institute.
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about empowering people. I focus on creating a safe space where entrepreneurs can grow, learn, and make mistakes without fear.
Host: Let’s shift gears to a more personal note. Could you share about your wife’s artistic project?
Dmitry Maslennikov: My wife Anna is a ceramic artist. She’s incredibly talented and has a project called “5=3,” which explores the challenges of parenthood, particularly the journey of raising children. Her art pieces—tables crafted from ceramics—represent resilience and hope. They’ve been displayed in Austria, Israel, and other countries. It’s her way of turning a deeply personal story into a message that resonates universally.
Host: That’s beautiful. As we wrap up, what’s next for you and PitchBob?
Dmitry Maslennikov: My focus right now is scaling PitchBob and continuing to support early-stage entrepreneurs. While I used to make long-term plans, I’ve learned to adapt and prioritize short-term goals.
For PitchBob, the immediate goal is to expand our reach, secure funding, and refine our offerings for different audiences. I’m excited about the future and the impact we can make.
Host: Thank you, Dmitry, for such an insightful conversation. It’s been a pleasure having you on the podcast.
Dmitry Maslennikov: Thank you for having me! I wish you and your audience all the best. Let’s keep innovating and supporting entrepreneurs.
