Dimitri’s Platform Improves Cash Flow and Finds New Investment Opportunities
What’s your story?
Originally from Russia, I immigrated to France when I was a child. After graduating from business school in 2000, I worked as a corporate employee in Europe and Asia. In 2015, I decided to start my own business in the trade fintech space. A year later, I co-founded Incomlend, a global invoice marketplace, with my former business school classmate. We raised half a million dollars with a business plan and a PowerPoint presentation. Fast forward to today, the company has made over $350 million US in funded volumes worldwide. Being an ambitious and creative entrepreneur, I also co-founded LC Lite, a blockchain trade finance platform.
What excites you most about your industry?
The idea of improving financial inclusion for companies is exciting and rewarding to me. Alternative finance platforms like ours allow businesses to gain access to finance that they could not otherwise get with traditional lenders. Imagine being able to help companies with their international trading and powering the movement of goods across the globe; this is very compelling to me. In addition, the industry is constantly evolving with a stark need for new disruption.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have been living in Singapore since 2011, when my previous employer, BNP Paribas, asked me to launch a new cash management franchise for commodity traders in the region. During this time, I had the opportunity to travel across Asia and build a host of meaningful personal as well as professional connections. I am personally convinced that Asia, with its strong human and economic power, is the future of the world.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, without a doubt. It has an attractive tax and legal environment, with local authorities actively facilitating new business initiatives. A case in point is how Singapore became a prime global location for fintech companies, with pro-active support from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. It is also a highly fluid, fast, and open environment, with many business-oriented people. Let’s not forget, of course, Singapore is perfectly located at the heart of South East Asia, itself a major global trading and financial hub, as well as a central point for conveniently traveling to many destinations.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I was given is to focus on the process in whatever I do, rather than just obsessing over how much money I might make. This advice has changed my life. Focusing on the process is about delivering the best value you can; it is about covering the risk to protect yourself and others around you; it is about experiencing deep interest in what you do. When I started focussing on the process rather than the money, money started suddenly appearing like a collateral consequence of doing things with passion, value delivery, and risk management.
Who inspires you?
Robert Kiyosaki. I read his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” for the first time in 2013 and it completely changed my perspective on how one can create wealth. I believe that was the catalyst that began my journey to entrepreneurship.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently discovered the “Double Slit experiment” in the field of quantum theory that completely blew my mind. Basically, this experiment shows that quantum particles change their behaviour depending on whether they are being observed or not. That is to say, that the simple fact of observing something or thinking in a certain way about something makes it real. This shows scientific proof of the power of the mind over matter. Finally!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would get a sales job in a big corporation in my 20s, do it for a couple of years and then start building businesses. I wish I could have started my entrepreneurial journey much sooner.
How do you unwind?
To relax, I like to read science fiction books and go for a swim.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
There are so many great places in Asia, it’s really hard to choose. In close proximity to Singapore I would say the Krabi Islands in Thailand because of their magnificent natural beauty, provided you like kayaking. Farther from Singapore, I would say the Kyoto mountains in Japan with their hot springs, for the feeling of serenity, stillness and calm that they inspire.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Art of War,” by Sun Tzu. This might sound cliché, but this is by far the most important and useful book an entrepreneur can read. It teaches so many great lessons in warcraft that are directly applicable to the business world, such as the importance of designing a strategy before working on tactics.
Shameless plug for your business:
Whether you are looking to improve cash flow for your business or find a new investment opportunity, Incomlend is the place to start. Join the award winning global platform that has already been trusted by renowned global companies such as CMA CGM, a world leader in shipping and logistics.
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn is my favourite space and anyone can add me to start a chat.
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
