Startup Story: how the problem of finding technology inspired the launch of the project

In the Startup Story section, we continue to share stories of launching interesting projects. Today, the project “Zon.uz” and its founder, Raju Ramazanov, are visiting the rubric.

Raju graduated from the Tashkent University of Information Technologies in 2009, and in 2014 from the Tashkent State University of Economics. From 2009 to 2016, he was an employee of the Scientific and Information Center for New Technologies of the State Tax Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.  In the center, Raju, together with colleagues, worked on large projects that they launched across the republic.

 “During my work at the center, more than 10 large projects were launched with my participation.  In 2011, Alisher Botirov joined us.  We worked very closely and participated in the implementation of several very large business ideas, such as “Electronic Digital Signature” and “Automated Tax Inspector Workstation”.  And then, in 2015, we got the idea to create our own business and open an office.”

When they began to look for equipment for the new office, they stumbled upon one problem: nowhere on the Internet they could find equipment with up-to-date prices.

 “This problem took us by surprise. But then we thought: why not try to solve it?  So, at the end of 2019, we started developing our Zon.uz online store”.

How does the project help society?

Now the project team consists of 6 people: a director (financier), a project manager, a backend developer, a frontend developer, a call center operator and a designer.

According to Raju, the Zon.uz online store is a real find for people.  Its goal is to provide customers with quality products at affordable prices.

“We did not have many such platforms on the market. And those that were, did not always have time to update the range of products and prices. We tried to make it convenient and comfortable for any user, so that he can go to our website and find what he needs at real prices. We also help entrepreneurs with quality products sell more products online”.

According to Raju, literally everything can be found on the website Zon.uz.

“We sell at a fair price and provide a guarantee because we believe that online shopping should be as comfortable and safe as possible.  Every time someone clicks “Buy”, we understand that we are doing the right and important thing”.

What was the most difficult part of the project?

As the hero of the story recalls, there were no big difficulties with the launch of the startup.

 “Because both Alisher and I have a lot of experience in developing and creating projects, this gave us a huge advantage.  And we may not have faced the same problems that other startups have.  But there were still some difficulties.  For me personally, the most difficult thing was to organize the turnover” – admits Raju.

Despite this, the team coped with the difficult stage and now confidently continues its path in the world of the start-up industry.

How do you plan to develop the project?

The guest of the column says that the team did not receive investments for the development of the startup.

“In Zon.uz, we invested about $220,000 from our own funds. Any product can be ordered from us with delivery. We deliver in Tashkent within 24 hours from the moment the order is confirmed. There is no advance payment, goods can be purchased in installments.  Perhaps soon we will expand the geography of services and the range of goods”.

He wishes young startupers strength and patience in working on projects.

 “In any business, it is important to remember: not the one who is stronger or more experienced wins, but the one who is ready to go to the end and win!”