TB Members Calling #104 | Daniil Khanin: "We believe we can replace Excel"

Daniil Khanin (Ulaanbator, 1980) used to study the electronic structure of nanomaterials during his Master’s degree in Physics in the early 2000s. Paradoxically, he soon developed an interest in programming and entrepreneurship, applying similar concepts about small units and their capabilities to this new field. With over 20 years in startups and IT, selling five companies and achieving one exit as a business angel, Daniil has become a reference in Unit Economics, demonstrating how each unit generated by a business is crucial for making data-driven decisions. ueCalc.com is one of his latest projects.

 

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

DK: ueCalc, the flagship service of d2decisions, is designed to empower entrepreneurs and startups by enabling them to build robust financial models based on product unit economics, using Goldratt’s theory of constraints. We aim to revolutionise financial modeling for businesses, making it easy and clear.

 

TB: The project is currently in what stage?

DK: We have just begun our first sales and have over 8,800 users and 20 paying customers.

 

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

DK: One of our boldest ideas is the belief that ueCalc can supplant Excel in the financial modeling market.

 

TB: What is the greatest challenge you have faced?

DK: The greatest challenge we’re working with is to compete with and potentially surpass Excel.

 

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

DK: A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of work and a little luck, by Mark Rich.

 

TB: A professional role model who inspires you.

DK: Best-seller author Ash Maurya, for his data-driven vision. He wrote “Running Lean” and “Scaling Lean,” as well as the foreword to my book “Unit Economics.”

 

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

DK: Artificial Intelligence, coupled with advanced Data Analysis.

 

TB: In-person or remote?

DK: It doesn’t matter, but in-person is more comfortable.

 

TB: How do you unwind?

DK: By traveling.

 

TB: A book to recommend.

DK: “Unit Economics”, by me 🙂

 

TB: A series, movie, or song that defines your life right now.

DK: Twin Peaks.

 

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

DK: Okroshka, a cold Russian soup.

 

TB: A place in the world.

DK: Istambul.

 

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

DK: I would invest it in my own project, ueCalc.

 

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

DK: I would likely remain true to my origin, and be a scientist.