By: UFIRST Production
In a world where success is frequently measured by funding rounds and flashy headlines, Igor Sheremet stands out. His journey is not just about achievements—it’s about pauses, deep reflections, and redefining what it means to build with purpose. We sat down with Igor to talk about starting over, finding meaning, food, dreams, and the future he’s now shaping with the team at Aparti.
Q. Igor, you started out in sports. What did you take from hockey into entrepreneurship?
Discipline. And the ability to keep going after setbacks. On the ice, you know it’s going to hurt, you might lose, but you still show up. Business can be the same. Winning isn’t always about results—sometimes winning is just staying in the game.
Q. Your first major success was a chain of EMS fitness studios. Why start with a physical business rather than digital?
I’ve always looked for ways to deliver more in less time. EMS training is all about efficiency—20-minute sessions with results comparable to a 2-hour workout. That challenge excited me. And it proved effective. It didn’t just give me capital—it gave me clarity. I realized I wanted to keep building things that help people save time, energy, and resources.
Q. Then you moved into fintech. Why investing?
I saw a new generation of retail investors emerging—curious, but unsure where to start. That’s how Qooore was born—a social investing platform that aimed to make investing accessible, engaging, and even fun. It wasn’t just about stocks; it was about speaking the language of modern finance.
Q. But Qooore eventually shut down. Why?
Sometimes the right decision is to let go. In 2024, with the economic climate shifting, it became clear the model needed to evolve. Closing Qooore was painful—but it gave me a rare moment to pause and ask: what’s next?
Q. And that’s when you met Anna Naidis. Tell us about that transition.
Anna is incredible—a visionary leader, grounded and driven. Her ideas and energy, plus our third co-founder’s input, sparked something new. That’s how Aparti began: not just a product, but a mission. We wanted to create a platform that could potentially help families and law professionals during life’s most vulnerable moments. It’s not just about tech—it’s about empathy.
Q. In between Qooore and Aparti, you took a role as CBDO at a Swiss fintech company. Was that your step into corporate?
Yes—and it was a valuable learning experience. We closed multi-million-dollar deals, worked with hedge funds and high-net-worth clients, and operated in a regulated environment. It expanded my business perspective. But over time, I realized I missed meaning. I didn’t want to just be a cog in the machine—I wanted to build again.
Q. You’re also active in philanthropy. Why children and cancer awareness specifically?
It’s personal. When illness touches your life, everything changes. I launched a foundation inspired by Make-A-Wish to create moments of joy for kids facing critical illnesses. This isn’t about PR—it’s about purpose. It reminds me why I built at all.
Q. It’s also true you’re a passionate cook. Is that just a hobby?
Absolutely not—it’s love. After my first business exit, I worked as a sous-chef in a professional kitchen. That was a childhood dream come true. Cooking grounds me. It brings me back to the present. And sometimes, some of my best ideas come while I’m chopping vegetables.
Q. What would you say to someone who’s at a crossroads and afraid to start over?
Fear is normal. But not starting because you’re afraid—that’s the real setback. Ending something, whether it’s a business or a relationship, isn’t a sign of defeat. It’s an act of courage. Success isn’t linear—it’s made of waves. And every wave might bring you closer to who you’re really meant to be.
Q. What does Aparti mean to you personally?
It’s more than a startup—it’s a solution that has the potential to transform legal support for families. It’s where technology meets human struggle—and could become a source of strength. We’re not building another app. We’re building a voice of support for real people in hard times.
Q. What’s next for you?
No one really knows. But I know this: I’m just getting started.
