Arina Ponomareva isn’t a typical tech entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for fashion, technology, and empowering others, she’s carved her own path in the startup world. Her journey began with an internship at a tech startup, where she discovered her love for the marriage of technology and business. Since then, she’s co-founded exciting ventures like Smarsy and Liberrex, each one fueling her desire to make positive changes to this world.
But Ponomareva’s biggest impact might be yet to come. In 2023, driven by a shared vision with her business partner, Yvonne Teng, she co-founded Flashee, an app that’s more than just shopping. It’s a revolutionary platform that uses AI and social selling to connect eco-conscious consumers with small, mission-driven brands around the world.
“Flashee isn’t just another shopping app, it’s a revolutionary platform that harnesses the power of AI and social selling to connect conscious shoppers with small, mission-driven brands worldwide,” explains Ponomareva. 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 tech industry. Together with Teng, they are reshaping the retail landscape and paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Ponomareva’s inspiration for entrepreneurship comes from her desire for freedom, passion for fashion and beauty, and fascination with technology’s dynamic nature.
“Entrepreneurship is more than just a journey to me: it’s a fusion of freedom, passion, and purpose,” Ponomareva explains. “With each step forward, a new layer is added to the melody, crafting a symphony that resonates deeply within me.”
What sets Ponomareva apart is not just her successes but her resilience in navigating failures. When Smarsy faced adversity during the pandemic, she pivoted, learning invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that failures are just opportunities for growth,” Ponomareva reflects. “They shape us and provide insights into new opportunities.”
Ponomareva’s inspiration goes beyond just business. She’s a vocal advocate for women in tech, inspired by leaders like Natalia Vodianova and Sampriti Bhattacharyya. As an angel investor and mentor, she actively supports aspiring female founders, giving them the tools and confidence to succeed.
“Mentorship has played a crucial role in my journey,” Ponomareva acknowledges. “Engaging with seasoned entrepreneurs in communities like the 500 Global network has broadened 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 the retail industry by leveraging AI and social selling to connect mission-driven brands with conscious shoppers.
Arina Ponomareva’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and innovation. Through her ventures and advocacy efforts, she is making a significant impact in the tech industry and empowering women to succeed in entrepreneurship.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
