Tech in motion. People in mind.

A community for founders, builders & visionaries with Russian-speaking roots — shaping what’s next
in Australia’s tech scene.

/ Our goal

To create an environment where startups get the support, tools, and momentum they need to launch, grow, and make meaningful impact.

/ Our Vision

A future where startups with Russian-speaking roots become part of Australia’s tech landscape and jointly help shape the global market.

/ Our approach

We believe true innovation happens where technology meets human values.

/ About

We’re here to build what doesn’t exist yet — with intention, energy, and humanity

Road sign kangaroo ahead

It all started on a rainy Sunday evening, when our group gathered to hear Miro founder Andrey Khusid speak. By the end of the night, we knew one thing for sure — we wanted to keep growing together. That’s how KANGARU was born: not just another meetup, and deeper than yet another accelerator.

We’re creating an ecosystem where:

  • ideas gain momentum,
  • products get real support,
  • and people show up for each other — with action, advice,
    and a true sense of shared purpose.

We have zero tolerance for

Harassment or discrimination of any kind. Unsolicited DMs or pitching. Always ask before you offer. Sharing others’ info or stories without permission. Exclusion or passive aggression. We keep things open, kind, and direct. Spam, self-promo bombs, or cold intros. This is not a mailing list.

How we show up

Be human first. Listen with care. Disagree with ideas, not people. Be generous. Share your experience, offer support, make space for others to speak. Respect different paths. We welcome people of all identities, backgrounds, and career stages. Give before you get. This is not just a place to pitch — it’s a place to contribute and collaborate. Keep it real. Speak honestly. Ask for what you need. Say thank you. Keep it in the circle. Respect privacy. What’s shared in the group stays in the group.

/ our mission

We connect Russian-speaking tech talent to launch bold ideas, share insights, and grow Australian tech space together.
We move fast — but never aimlessly.

/ we are working at
Amazon LogoANZ LogoCanca LogoGoogle LogoMonday LogoCognizant LogoTelstra Broadcast Services_ LogoCommonwealth BankOptus LogoKPMG LogoANZ LogoCanca LogoGoogle LogoMonday LogoCognizant LogoCommonwealth Bank
Amazon LogoANZ LogoCanca LogoGoogle LogoMonday LogoCognizant LogoTelstra Broadcast Services_ LogoCommonwealth BankOptus LogoKPMG LogoANZ LogoCanca LogoGoogle LogoMonday LogoCognizant LogoCommonwealth Bank
/ Our Team

The Brilliant Minds Behind community

max kraynov

co-FOUNDER

Max is a seasoned executive, exited founder, and M&A advisor with deep experience in scaling tech businesses and leading strategic deals. He’s been CEO of two companies valued at over $100M each, including Aviasales, where he played a key role in growing the business into a travel tech leader.

Now, through his firm IQaaS Advisory, Max works with startups valued between $10M and $250M, offering investment quality as a service to help ambitious founders raise smart capital and scale with confidence.

He brings sharp strategic thinking, deep operational insight, and a founder’s mindset to every conversation — and is passionate about helping others build businesses that last.

25+
years of experience
$100m
in company valuations
Max Kraynov
Svetlana Nevskaya

Svetlana Nevskaya

co-FOUNDER

Ex-science journalist turned startup builder, Svetlana blends sharp logic with a passion for making things simpler, faster, and more human. At UTS Startups, she founded Englivate — an AI app that helps people speak clearly and confidently, because how we speak shapes how we think and how others see us.

With 10+ years in digital education and automation, she’s built three edtech products, sold over 3,000 card sets, and kept a 4.9★ rating by focusing on what works.

Now she’s exploring what it really takes to build something that lasts — and growing a founder community through KANGARU.

10+
years of experience
3,000+
copies sold

Vitaliy stepanenko

co-FOUNDER

After 10+ years running an international education agency and helping thousands start new lives abroad, Vitaliy knows how to navigate complexity and build real solutions. He’s led operations, product launches, and market expansions, and now manages IT projects in Australia’s public health sector — always connecting systems, people, and purpose.

His first startup, co-founded with his wife, showed him that great ideas and design aren’t enough — the key is solving the right problem with the right team.

That’s why he’s building this community: a space he once needed himself. A place for founders to test ideas, stay focused, grow together, and support each other in turning vision into reality.

10+
years of experience
1,000+
people helped move abroad
Vitaliy Stepanenko
/ contact

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Tech in motion. People in mind.