Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Kazakhstan's Tech Scene

Kazakhstan's tech scene is thriving these days! The fintech market alone has exploded, with the number of startups quadrupling from 50 in 2018 to a whopping 200 in 2024.

The computing market is projected to hit $486.1 million in revenue this year, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.11% through 2029.

It's remarkable! But it's not just about the money - the country is seriously leveling up its digital game, with online banking users increasing 4.6 times between 2019 and 2023.

Cashless transactions are the new norm, accounting for 89% of retail turnover. Experts are predicting big moves in AI, govtech integration, and digital services for SMEs.

If you're trying to make moves in this space, networking is key. Events like the ones hosted by Almaty Tech Meetup are perfect for connecting with other innovators and staying ahead of the curve.

The future is digital, and Kazakhstan is definitely one to watch!

Astana Hub is the real deal if you're trying to make waves in Kazakhstan's tech scene. This place was launched back in 2018 by the government to give a major boost to all the startup action going on.

Located right in the heart of Nur-Sultan, it's like a one-stop-shop for networking with other techies, entrepreneurs, and investors who are in the game.

Now, let me break it down for you.

Astana Hub is always hosting some seriously events and meetups where you can mingle and stay on top of the latest industry trends. We're talking about stuff like:

• Startup Accelerator - This intense program hooks you up with mentors, training, and even funding to help take your early-stage startup to the next level.
• Tech Meetups - Themed get-togethers where you can geek out over blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and more, swapping knowledge and collaborating with like-minded peeps.
• Investor Connect - A platform that lets startups connect with potential investors, opening doors to partnerships and securing that funding.

According to their website, Astana Hub has already supported over 500 startups and hosted more than 1,000 events, drawing in over 100,000 attendees from around the globe.

By getting involved in these events, you can gain some seriously valuable insights, build those all-important connections, and position yourself as a major player in Kazakhstan's tech scene, which is blowing up like crazy.

As Rustam Tazhenov, Director of Astana Hub, puts it:

"Networking is the lifeblood of any thriving startup ecosystem. Astana Hub provides a collaborative environment where innovators can connect, share ideas, and unlock new opportunities for growth."

With its packed lineup of events and focus on building a strong community, Astana Hub is undoubtedly the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in Kazakhstan's tech revolution, which is taking off like a rocket!

TechCentral Asia is where all the cool tech peeps in Kazakhstan and Central Asia hang out. If you wanna network with the biggest movers and shakers in the industry, their events are the place to be.

They host over 50 events a year, from hackathons to pitch competitions, so there's something for everyone.

One of the members, Barbara Martin, said being part of the TechCentral Asia community has been a total game-changer for her career.

She's made connections that have opened up so many doors and helped her level up her skills. It's a supportive crew that's all about sharing knowledge and lifting each other up.

Getting involved is a breeze.

Just hit up their website, create a profile, and start checking out the event calendar. Pick the ones that sound interesting, and register.

Then, show up and work the room – chat with people, ask questions, and soak up all the wisdom from the experts. It's a surefire way to expand your network and stay on top of the latest trends.

They've got different membership levels too, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

The basic one is free and gets you access to select events and networking. The premium and corporate tiers come with sweet perks like discounted tickets, exclusive resources, and customized skill development programs.

No matter which one you go with, being part of TechCentral Asia is a must if you want to make it big in the tech scene.

LinkedIn is a total game-changer for kickstarting your tech career in Kazakhstan! It's like a golden ticket to connect with the movers and shakers of the scene.

But first, you gotta make sure your profile is on point. Craft a bangin' headline that screams "hire me" and shows off your skills. Back it up with a slick headshot and an "About" section that'll make recruiters drool over your experiences and accomplishments.

With your profile looking fresh, it's time to put LinkedIn's search powers to work.

Connect with the coolest tech professionals and companies in Kazakhstan that vibe with your career goals. Join groups like "IT Professionals in Kazakhstan," "Kazakhstan Tech Community," and "Kazakhstan Startup Network" to stay in the loop on all the hottest industry buzz.

These crews are like a goldmine for networking and potential collabs, so get involved!

Now, let's talk outreach. Slide into those connection requests with a personalized message that'll make 'em want to link up.

Shout out your connections for their skills, and don't be shy about asking for recommendations from the peeps you've worked with – it'll boost your cred. As Elizabeth Jackson from QazCloud said, "LinkedIn is the real MVP for building our team and connecting with top tech talent across Kazakhstan and beyond."

To really level up your LinkedIn game, here are some pro tips:

• Follow the influencers: Get inspired by bosses like Bek Akhmetov (Unicorn Ventures), Olzhas Zhiyenkulov (Nommi), and Ruslan Sultanov (QAZAQ: Black Wings).
• Join alumni groups: Link up with fellow grads from top tech schools like Satbayev University, KBTU, and NU to leverage those shared experiences.
• Flaunt your achievements: Show off those skills and certs with badges and awards to stand out in searches.
• Stay active: Share insights, comment on posts, and get involved in group discussions to build your rep as a tech whiz.

Master the art of LinkedIn, and you'll be unstoppable in Kazakhstan's tech scene, landing sick career opportunities and connecting with the baller professionals you need to know.

Have you heard about the Go Viral Festival? It's like this insane tech party that goes down every year in Almaty. This year, they're keeping it lit from June 21st to the 24th at Issyk-Kul State University and Miras University in Shymkent.

Seriously, it's gonna be wild - they've got speakers from all over Central Asia and even the US dropping some major knowledge bombs on everything from entrepreneurship and tech to media and culture.

But it's not just about sitting and listening, you feel me? They've got all these sick interactive workshops, networking sessions, and even a regional startup competition where you can pitch your million-dollar ideas to investors.

Last year they had over 6,300 people show up to get their hustle on! It's like a massive meetup for all the movers and shakers in the region.

Now, if you're trying to level up your game and make some serious connections, here's the play:

• Register for the festival. Make sure you register for the festival before August 5th. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity.
• Do your homework. Check out the agenda to see which sessions and workshops are a must-hit for your goals.
• Don't sleep on networking events. That's where the real magic happens! Network with other attendees and industry movers.

Oh, and one more thing - make sure you follow the festival's updates on their socials using the hashtag #GoViralKZ. You'll be able to connect with other attendees, get the inside scoop on events, and maybe even land some sweet giveaways or opportunities.

It's a total no-brainer if you're trying to get your foot in the door of the tech scene around here.

Almaty is poppin' for techies tryna expand their networks and skills! The Almaty Tech Meetups are where it's at, bringin' together a diverse crowd for all sorts of cool events and workshops.

Whether you're a newbie coder or a tech guru, these meetups got somethin' for everyone.

They host coding workshops for beginners, expert-led seminars on the latest tech trends, and even epic conferences on data science and machine learning.

You'll find meetups focused on web dev, mobile apps, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, startups, and more. It's like a buffet of tech knowledge, and you get to network with fellow techies while you're at it.

These meetups are a game-changer for building connections and staying in the loop.

People have landed jobs and collabs just from attending and minglin' with the right crowd. One attendee, Christopher Jones, said, "The Almaty Tech Meetups have been clutch for expanding my professional network and keeping me updated on the industry." Plus, a recent survey showed that 82% of attendees made meaningful connections through these events.

That's how you know they're legit!

Alright, let's talk about the amazing women of Kazakhstan and how they're killing it in the tech scene! The IT Women Community is a total gamechanger, empowering ladies to smash through barriers and make their mark.

With over 1,500 members across major cities, this crew is all about lifting each other up and creating opportunities.

From mentorship programs connecting newbies with seasoned pros to tech workshops and bootcamps for leveling up skills, the IT Women Community has your back.

And let's not forget the networking events where you can connect with industry bosses, entrepreneurs, and potential collab partners. It's a whole vibe!

But here's the real tea: a recent study showed that even though women make up 57% of Kazakhstan's workforce, they only hold 28% of technical roles.

The IT Women Community is on a mission to change that, creating a level playing field where talents are celebrated, not overlooked.

Their goal? To help women in tech absolutely slay!

Keen to get involved? Just hit up their website (itwomen.kz) and sign up as a member – it's free! You'll get access to all the deets on events, job openings, and online forums.

Or, you can swing by one of their meetups or workshops first to get a taste of the vibes before joining. Either way, it's a solid move for anyone wanting to level up their tech game and be part of an amazing community.

Alright, let's talk about the Digital Bridge Forum, an epic tech gathering happening yearly in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital city.

This isn't your ordinary conference - it's a hub for Central Asia's most innovative minds to connect and kick off groundbreaking ideas.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with industry giants, investors dropping big bucks, and entrepreneurs turning dreams into reality.

The forum is jam-packed with networking gold, like panel discussions featuring tech royalty, hands-on workshops led by subject matter gurus, and an exhibition showcasing the hottest innovations from local and global companies.

And the real magic happens - making connections over a few drinks and swapping stories.

But the deal is, you have to come prepared to slay the networking game.

Study the agenda like it's your final exam, identify the key players you want to link up with, and polish your online presence to dazzle them. Do your homework on the attending companies, their challenges, and how you can bring value to the table.

When you're there, be the one sparking conversations, asking sharp questions, and flexing your expertise.

Digital Bridge 2023 is the place to be if you want to tap into Kazakhstan's thriving tech scene.

Just ask David Wilson, CEO of Troff.io, who credits the forum for scoring game-changing connections and partnerships that skyrocketed his business. With the right mindset and hustle, you could be the next big success story emerging from this epic networking extravaganza.

So you wanna get connected with the dev scene in Kazakhstan, right? Well, Meta's Developer Circles used to be a way to link up with other coders and learn the hottest tech.

They had all these events like workshops, talks, hackathons, and study groups where you could level up your skills and network with industry pros.

Unfortunately, after 7 years, they decided to shut it down and focus on more product-specific communities. But don't worry, there are still plenty of ways to get involved in the tech scene here!

Check out videos from past Developer Circle events to get a taste of what went down.

You'll find tutorials, talks, and insider tips on everything from data privacy to app development. And while the official circles may be gone, you can still join local tech meetups, hackathons, and online communities to connect with fellow devs and stay ahead of the curve.

The key is to keep learning, sharing ideas, and building your network – that's how you'll score the best opportunities in this booming industry.

TechHive Kazakhstan is the spot where all the coolest tech nerds hang out. These guys are all about bringing together the brightest minds in the game to create some seriously next-level CleanTech innovations.

From coding bootcamps that'll turn you into a programming wizard to hackathons where you can flex your problem-solving muscles, TechHive has got your back. And let's not forget about those dope tech talks where industry bigwigs drop knowledge bombs on the latest trends and hacks.

It's like a buffet for your brain, ya dig?

But it's not just about leveling up your skills. TechHive is all about building connections and making things happen.

You'll meet like-minded peeps who are as hyped about tech as you are, and who knows, you might even find your next business partner or start cooking up some crazy passion project together.

Just ask Jennifer Smith; she landed her dream gig and found mentors through TechHive's networking events. She's living proof that this community is the real deal.

So, if you want to get in on the action, you gotta put yourself out there.

Get involved in those online discussions, volunteer at events, and don't be shy about introducing yourself to the cool kids.

As Nurlan, the community manager, says, "Don't be a wallflower. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and share your experiences—that's how you'll unlock the true power of this awesome community." Trust me, you don't wanna miss out on this golden opportunity to be part of something big.

If you want to really crush it in Kazakhstan's tech scene, you gotta know how to network like a boss. It's all about being strategic and culturally aware, ya dig? One key tip is to master the follow-up game.

According to some research, you're way more likely to land a gig if you follow up after meeting someone. But in Kazakhstan, patience is key. Don't expect an instant reply - it's polite to give it some time, according to this Astana Hub CEO. Here are some networking essentials to make you look like a pro:

1. Exchange biz cards: This formal move shows respect and lets you follow up later.
2. Mind your body language: Make eye contact, give a solid handshake, and stand tall to look confident.
3. Leverage social media: Connect on LinkedIn to nurture relationships and share industry insights.
4. Express gratitude: Follow up with a thank-you note, reiterating your interest and key discussion points.

Cultural nuances are clutch in Kazakhstan.

Hierarchy and respecting elders are huge deals. Here's a quick look at some etiquette to embrace:

Cultural Norm	Networking Implication
Hierarchical structures	Defer to senior pros and address them formally.
Indirect communication	Avoid confrontation; convey messages subtly and patiently.
Gift-giving	Offering modest gifts can strengthen professional bonds.

As the former President of Kazakhstan said,

"Success in the modern world depends on cooperation, not confrontation."

By blending strategic networking tactics with cultural sensitivity, you can pave the way for fruitful professional relationships within Kazakhstan's thriving tech ecosystem.

Just remember to stay calm, be patient, and most importantly, have fun with it!