Inside the Visionary World of Ilya Flaks, CEO of Fibrum

Ilya Flaks, the founder of Fibrum, has been captivated by fantastical worlds since childhood. It's no surprise that his entrepreneurial journey is deeply intertwined with virtual reality technology.

Growing up in a family of engineers, Ilya created his first game at the age of 15. His passion for immersive digital realms led him to co-found several companies, including Races Of Chance, Fibrain, and IMMO Games. Two years ago, he launched Fibrum, a company specializing in mobile VR headsets and software solutions.

What Drives Your Work?

As the founder and CEO of Fibrum, I lead a team dedicated to developing cutting-edge software and hardware for the mobile virtual reality market. Back in 2013, I assembled a group of like-minded innovators to create Russia's first VR headset, the Fibrum Pro. By early 2016, we sold over 11,000 units, and our mobile VR apps have been downloaded more than seven million times worldwide.

How Can VR Headsets Enhance Everyday Life and Work?

Virtual reality offers limitless possibilities—you can travel to the Earth's core inspired by Jules Verne, ride thrilling roller coasters, battle zombies, soar like a bird, explore outer space, and much more.

While entertainment remains the most popular use of VR today, these headsets have practical applications across diverse fields such as medicine, education, defense, construction, and tourism.

My dream is to introduce innovations that improve people’s lives in meaningful ways.

For example, VR is transforming anatomy education by enabling interactive, immersive study experiences. Real estate developers are leveraging virtual models of residential complexes, saving time for both buyers and companies. Imagine downloading an app and exploring every detail of an apartment, including breathtaking window views!

Why Has Mass Adoption of VR Devices Been Slow?

Society divides into innovators (about 2.5%), early adopters (10-13%), and later followers. Bridging the gap between early and late adopters requires intuitive, engaging, and comprehensive products.

Virtual reality is currently a 'blue ocean' market, actively explored by new products, technologies, and development studios. Widespread adoption is only a matter of time.

What Is Your Professional Background?

Raised in a tech-savvy family, I got my first computer at age four. By seven, I was playing games and dreaming of creating my own virtual worlds. At 15, I developed my first game and launched my first business during high school. Our team won the national competition for the best student gaming business project.

I hold two degrees from Kazan State Technological University and a third from the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Education is crucial—it separates the essential from the trivial and provides a framework for organizing your work. Technical education, in particular, nurtures systematic thinking.

Balancing studies with extracurricular activities like music, art, and student comedy helped me develop time management skills and multitasking efficiency. This foundation was vital to my current success.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

• Leadership skills
• Determination
• Ability to motivate others
• Planning expertise
• Systematic approach

I'm also a perfectionist, which can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On the downside, I struggle with self-criticism and occasional emotional intensity.

Describe Your Workspace

My office includes a desk, computer, bookcase, chairs, and a meeting table. It’s decorated with diplomas, awards, and meaningful gifts from friends and partners, including a painting depicting me with Fortuna.

I use Apple products extensively, except for smartwatches—I prefer classic Swiss timepieces over wearable gadgets.

Essential Apps and Tools

• Worksection: Our project management platform for daily task planning and project oversight.
• Gmail: Primary email service.
• Apple Calendar & Google Calendar: For scheduling events and meetings.
• Mindjet: Mind mapping software to visualize business processes and tasks.
• Messaging apps: iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram for communication.
• Casher: An in-house financial planning system I developed to manage budgets efficiently.
• Dropbox: Cloud storage for files and archives.
• Chrome: Preferred web browser.
• Facebook and Instagram: Popular social media platforms I engage with.

I also enjoy using Pocket to save articles for later reading.

Do You Use Paper in Your Work?

I rarely use notebooks or print materials; I prefer digital reading and note-taking.

What Is Your Daily Routine?

I'm definitely a night owl, going to bed around 2-3 a.m. and waking between 8-9 a.m. Although I’ve tried waking earlier to boost productivity, my peak performance still occurs in the morning hours. Oversleeping tends to reduce my daily efficiency, which only recovers by evening.

How Do You Spend Time in Traffic?

I check emails and task statuses, brainstorm new ideas, create mind maps, and read saved articles on Pocket.

What Are Your Thoughts on Delegation?

I have mixed feelings about fully trusting and delegating responsibilities. Sometimes, I feel that doing tasks myself ensures quality. However, building a cohesive dream team requires effective delegation. I value how each team member integrates and grows within the company.

What Are Your Hobbies?

As a child, I enjoyed music, painting, chess, and skiing. Nowadays, my main passion is my work. I plan to try skydiving and yoga in the future, and occasionally practice archery.

I love traveling to warm destinations with beaches, oceans, stunning nature, and waterfalls. Europe is less appealing to me as a vacation spot.

How Important Is Sports in Your Life?

Unfortunately, I often lack time for sports. I used to train with a coach and go to the gym. Now, I spend weekends outdoors with my family, cycling in the countryside. I recently purchased a new bike.

I understand the significance of physical activity for maintaining energy and a positive mindset, so I plan to dedicate more time to it.

Life Hacks from Ilya Flaks

My favorite childhood book is Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings," which profoundly shaped my worldview at age 12. I also admire Ayn Rand’s "Atlas Shrugged."

Two business books stand out for me:

1. Jeffrey Moore’s "Crossing the Chasm" – an insightful guide on bringing high-tech products to mainstream markets, highly recommended for marketers and innovation leaders.
2. Kelly McGonigal’s "The Willpower Instinct" – a valuable resource for overcoming procrastination and boosting productivity, essential for fast-paced innovation sectors.

I regularly follow VR and technology news on sites like hi-news.ru, vc.ru, vrgeek.ru, and vrfocus.com.

My favorite TV series is "Game of Thrones." Favorite films include "Gladiator," "Braveheart," "The Lawnmower Man," "Johnny Mnemonic," and "The Matrix." The last three inspired my venture into virtual reality.

What Is Your Life Motto?

Always pursue your goals with honesty and openness, never stepping on others to get ahead.

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