Podcast video
Podcast transcript
Building MageCloud & Evolving Beyond It
Donna:
Hi everybody. Welcome back to Founders Stories, where I’m joined on the couch by Paul Ryazanov. Thank you, Paul, for joining me today. I’ve been particularly excited about this episode. I think you’re an interesting person, and your business is interesting — but I think you’re even more interesting than the business.
Before we get into you, let’s talk about Mage Cloud. Tell us a bit about the company — what you do and the problems you solve.
Paul:
We started initially as a platform-as-a-service hosting business. About 10 years ago, we helped founders launch e-commerce websites without technical knowledge.
We created a platform where you could pick themes and get started quickly. Eventually, we transitioned into a digital agency handling all technical and UI/UX needs for founders.
Now we understand that launching a website is no longer the problem — anyone can do that. The real challenge is making the website convert and stay stable during traffic spikes. Most businesses already have websites; they just need help optimizing them. That’s what we do.
Donna:
Are you a payment platform behind the website that enables it to trade?
Paul:
I’d say a hosting platform, not a payment platform. Payments are handled by tools like Stripe or PayPal. We provide hosting plus all the services on top.
Donna:
And what types of clients do you work with?
Paul:
Typically, SMB e-commerce businesses generate $1–10 million annually from their website. It’s a big market, especially in the UK, but we also work in the US, Australia, and Europe — mainly English-speaking markets.
Donna:
How old is the business now?
Paul:
We started in 2014, so we’re almost 11 years in. We’ve grown — and probably outgrown our name. Next year, we’re planning a rebrand.
Donna:
Is that because you’ve outgrown the startup phase?
Paul:
Yes, but also because of how technology evolved. Our name, “MageCloud”, is tied to Magento, but now that limits us.
My advice to founders: don’t tie your company name to a specific technology or niche. It can become a bottleneck later.
Donna:
So what’s the new name?
Paul:
Camarics. It’s flexible — we can build anything under that brand, not just tech services.
From Ukraine to Global Business: Hard Lessons & Growth
Donna:
Are you based in the UK now?
Paul:
Yes, in Chester. We have a small office for sales and marketing. Our tech team is mainly in Ukraine, with people across Europe.
We also learned that understanding culture and local markets is critical — we even shut down an office in Denmark because of that.
Donna:
Tell us about your journey — how did you get here?
Paul:
I started in Ukraine as a developer, then moved into project management and sales. Later, I moved to Silicon Valley.
That was a huge lesson: even if you’re well-known in your home country, when you enter a new market, nobody cares. You have to build everything from scratch.
Competition is intense, and building trust takes years. That experience hit me hard — but it shaped how I approach business today.
After that, I realized being a software engineer isn’t enough. You must understand marketing too.
I joined a digital marketing agency, and that gave me both pieces of the puzzle: tech and marketing. That’s a big reason for our success today.
“Don’t Sell — Help”: Networking, Community & Personal Brand
Paul:
The best sales pitch is when it doesn’t feel like a sales pitch.
You talk to people, understand their needs, connect them with others, and offer advice. That works better than selling.
That’s why we started e-commerce meetups in the UK — to build community, not sell.
Donna:
I completely agree. The best networking isn’t about pitching — it’s about helping.
Paul:
We created “Ecommerce Camp” — not as a business, but as a community.
We host events twice a year — no memberships, no pressure. Founders come together to share challenges. Many feel lonely and don’t have peers to talk to.
We give them that space.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: From School Hustles to Leadership
Donna:
What were you like growing up?
Paul:
I was a good student, but also entrepreneurial.
In school, I used to write exam answers and sell them. Not exactly appreciated by the school director — but it taught me how to sell.
Later, my family grew potatoes and sold them. That’s where I learned: it doesn’t matter what you sell — selling itself is the key skill.
Paul:
My career growth was organic. I started as a PHP developer, worked on projects, and then moved into project management because of my communication skills.
I always wanted to be involved in business decisions — not just execute tasks.
Paul:
People think being a founder means freedom. But in reality, I have 120 bosses — my clients.
It’s hard to scale. You shouldn’t work in the business — you should work on it. That’s my goal for 2026.
Challenges, War & Adapting Under Pressure
Donna:
What were your toughest challenges?
Paul:
For Ukrainians, the war is the biggest one.
From a business perspective, failing in Silicon Valley was a major setback. Also, trying to raise funding unsuccessfully for 1.5 years.
But the key lesson: don’t stick with a bad idea too long. If it’s not working — move on.
Paul:
When the war started, clients were worried. I sent daily updates explaining everything — our infrastructure, backups, and how we stay operational.
Transparency built trust.
You must always think: “What would I do if I were the client?”
The Future: Scaling, Investing & Life Balance
Paul:
I also became CTO of an e-commerce business (Cabin Luggage UK).
I wanted to understand the full flow — from order to fulfillment. Founders should experience their customers’ journey firsthand.
Paul:
Many opportunities came from random conversations.
If you’re a founder, go meet people. Help without expecting anything back. It always comes back to you.
Donna:
What’s next for you?
Paul:
Personally, more time with family and better health.
In business, rebranding, investing in other companies, and partnering as CTO.
If I started today, I wouldn’t build an agency — it’s too crowded. Instead, I’d partner with businesses and share risk.
Paul:
Give without expecting anything in return — that’s the best thing you can do in life.
Donna:
That’s a perfect note to end on. Paul, thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure.
Paul:
Thank you very much.