From Tech CEO to War Zone: Why Igor Risked Everything After His Exit
Founders Unplugged
Founders Unplugged is a web series capturing long-form conversations with startup founders from all over the world.
After selling his startup for millions, Igor Volzhanin could have taken the easy road. Instead, he volunteered to fight on the front lines in Ukraine.
In Part Two of our conversation, Igor shares the raw, unexpected reality of what happened after his exit—from the camaraderie of war to the struggles of post-startup identity, and why he’s now writing a book and launching a new company.
?? Watch here → https://youtu.be/vV1E3QWhWaY
?? Catch up with Part One here → https://youtu.be/F_ghC8O5G0U
Why This Founder Went to War After Making Millions
For most founders, selling a company is the ultimate goal. But for Igor, something was missing.
?? He wanted purpose, not just profit. The exit didn’t bring instant fulfillment—it left him searching for what was next. ? He craved risk & adventure. After years in the startup grind, Igor wanted to push himself in a different way. ?? He needed clarity. Seeing life on the edge gave him a new perspective on fear, leadership & decision-making.
"Once you overcome the fear of death, you become freer in every other part of life," Igor explains.
The Hidden Struggles of a Startup Exit
?? Money doesn’t fix everything. Many founders assume an exit will bring peace—but it often brings an identity crisis. ?? Post-acquisition roles aren’t for everyone. Igor lasted just long enough to transition his team before leaving. ?? Extreme experiences bring clarity. War reinforced what mattered to him—and what didn’t.
"We take stability for granted until it's gone. One day you’re having coffee, the next you’re hearing missile strikes," he recalls.
What’s Next? A New Book & Another Startup
After his time on the front lines, Igor returned with a fresh perspective—and a new challenge.
?? He’s writing a book on the 50 biggest startup struggles—and how founders actually solve them. ? He’s launching a new startup—but already facing his first pivot. ?? He’s embracing uncertainty—because he knows firsthand that nothing in life is guaranteed.
Would You Risk It All for Something Bigger?
For Igor, selling a startup wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a bigger question: What now?
?? What would YOU do after a big exit? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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