Focus on Russian businesswomen: Nina Pogossova, Travelmenu

In honor of International Women’s Day, Modern Russia interviewed Nina Pogossova, founder and chairman of the board of Travelmenu, an online travel booking site, about being a female entrepreneur in Russia.

Travelmenu.ru is a travel booking website targeted specifically at the Russian market. Where did you get the idea?

While attending the MBA program at Harvard Business School, I was invited to join a project in Expedia’s head office. The blend of technology and travel was a match made in heaven, in my view. We had been looking at different markets and the online travel development trends in each, and I decided that it would be good opportunity to pursue in Russia. After the project, in my second year, I wrote the business plan for an online travel agency and needed to name the project. Travelmenu was first thing that came to mind – that is how the project was born. 

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?

I always had a lot of my own ideas and wanted to create something of value. I want to create companies, brands. 

Is it difficult being a female entrepreneur in Russia? 

I think being entrepreneur is very challenging everywhere. In Russia, it is more inspiring, because there are so many opportunities that one needs to focus on and work towards one idea. I always get asked the female question, and the answer is no, it’s not. I would strongly advise people to ignore the country and female factor, and concentrate on what they want to do and do their absolute best at it. 

What do you attribute Travelmenu’s rapid growth to? Why has it been so popular?

The Russian Internet market in now one of the hottest markets in the world. It is already the biggest Internet market in Europe, and currently only 15 million out of 150 million are transacting online. The opportunities are immense. To me, the Russian Internet of 2012 very much reminds me of the Russia of 1990 – regardless of what businesses people started they were successful because of the market demand. Additionally, Travelmenu offers the widest product range in travel packages, hotels and flights. We want to deliver the widest product choice at best prices to our clients and so far they like it!

What trends are you seeing in Russia that will likely have the greatest impact on Travelmenu’s growth?

In my view, the combination of an Internet boom, electronic payments boom and the continuous growth of outbound travel give ample opportunities for Travelmenu’s development. 

What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs trying to make it in Russia?

Ignore the female factor, do what you love and do your absolute best.Have a great complementary team on personal and professional level. Have experienced mentors who will be able to advise you, and, have fun every second!