“Don’t let where you come from limit your ambitions”: an interview with the founder of NV

NV is a social network that brings messaging, communities, stories, short videos, live streaming, map-based friend discovery and digital gifts together in a single app. The platform is owned by AKHMADS MEDIA LLC and is available on the App Store and Google Play.

• NV has over 15,000 registered users and 8,000–9,000 monthly active users (company figures)
• The project is fully self-funded, with a team of more than 20 people
• Main revenue: premium numbers and in-app digital gifts
• Next step: a super app combining payments, ride-hailing and delivery

How did the idea for NV come about?

— It came from my own experience with different social media platforms. I noticed many limitations and problems in existing apps and started thinking about how they could be improved. My goal wasn’t to create just another social network. I wanted to build a platform that brings several digital experiences together in one app, makes people’s everyday digital lives easier and provides real value to users.

What makes NV different from Telegram, Instagram or TikTok?

— Most platforms focus on one main function. On NV, users can discover content, communicate, share moments and interact with friends without constantly switching between apps. Another difference is creator monetization. We aim to make it available to creators in all countries, rather than limiting it to selected markets.

Tell us about your team.

— More than 20 people are currently involved in developing and growing NV: software developers, UI/UX designers, content creators, marketing specialists, project managers and community managers.

Is NV self-funded, or have you raised investment?

— NV is entirely self-funded. I started building it with my own resources, without external investors. We have recently received several investment proposals, but we are evaluating them carefully. Our priority is finding partners who understand our long-term vision.

How many active users does NV have today?

— NV has more than 15,000 registered users and roughly 8,000–9,000 monthly active users. Our audience comes mainly from Uzbekistan, Russia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

How do your safety features against fraud and harmful content work in practice?

— For example, NV restricts potentially dangerous executable file formats such as APK, BAT and EXE. We also warn users before they open unfamiliar or suspicious links, which helps protect them from phishing and malicious websites.

How does NV make money?

— One of our main revenue sources is the sale of premium digital phone numbers, including memorable combinations such as +777 numbers. We also earn from digital gifts that users can buy and send within the platform. In the future, we plan to expand our monetization ecosystem with new opportunities for creators and businesses.

What has been the biggest challenge in building NV from Uzbekistan?

— Building a product with global ambitions in a still-developing startup ecosystem. A social network isn’t just an app: it needs reliable infrastructure, talented people and users’ trust. On top of that, you are competing for attention with some of the world’s largest technology companies. But I believe a company’s location should not determine the scale of its ambitions.

“A global product can be built from anywhere, including Uzbekistan.”

Abdulloh Ahmadjonov, founder of NV

How do you see the startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan and Central Asia?

— It has significant potential. The region has many talented developers and entrepreneurs, and more young people are building their own products. But the ecosystem still needs more international investment, mentorship, global partnerships and access to international markets. We have the talent and ambition. The next step is turning that potential into globally competitive technology companies.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

— We want to turn NV from a social network into a global digital ecosystem, an all-in-one super app. Alongside social features, it would include payments and money transfers, ride-hailing, food delivery, a marketplace and other everyday services. People shouldn’t need dozens of separate apps for their daily lives. At the same time, we will keep expanding internationally, improving our infrastructure and security, developing creator monetization and building strategic partnerships.

What advice would you give young founders in Uzbekistan who want to build global products?

— Don’t let where you come from limit your ambitions. You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley or have millions of dollars to start. What matters most is finding a real problem, understanding your users and being determined to solve it. Don’t wait for perfect conditions: start with what you have, listen to feedback and keep improving. Above all, think globally from day one. I believe the next generation of major technology companies can come from Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

NV Social Network is available on the App Store, Google Play and at thenv.org.