Illya Bakurov

Co-Founder, CTO

Backed by Floodgate and Rainfall Ventures.

Where it started

Stella Foster

Our first agent — works over the phone number, understands time, checks the web, orders an Uber, buys things on Amazon.

Visit stellafoster.com →Now a platform · Latest

Outside Agent

The platform behind Stella — now anyone can build reliable AI agents that interact with the outside world, knowing what to say, when to act, and when to bring in a human.

Visit outsideagent.ai →

Past experience

Feels Music Messaging

Senior Software Engineer, Advisor

2022 - 2023

past

A Music Data Analytics Company dedicated to enriching human experience by redefining music as connection not content. Led development of mobile applications, and web development.

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Snap Inc.

Camera Lead Design Engineer

2020 - 2022

past

Led and mentored a team of 3 design engineers to develop designs and prototypes for Camera, Creative Tools, and Memories. Key achievements include launching features used by 500M users daily, driving 1.7B interactions, including Filters Carousel, Voice Over, Auto-Caption, and Green Screen.

Story Star

Co-founder, Head of Mobile

2016 - 2020

past

Built and led development of 20+ iOS and web applications. Final product Spotlight was acquired by Snap and launched as a core feature in Snapchat. At various projects we had 250k+ monthly users and $20k+ monthly revenue.

RBC Wealth Management

Senior iOS Developer & Tech Lead

2017 - 2020

past

Led development of applications serving 25k DAU users with $463 billion AUM. Achieved high security standards and crash-free rate. Projects won 'Best Private Bank for Digital Client Communication in North America' award.

My Values

Optimism in Life

I choose optimism as my lens to live life. Even the hard moments carry hidden gifts. I believe that (almost) anything is possible, I trust people by default, I believe in the power of kindness, and I see life as a deeply beautiful thing.

Acorn Thinking

I try to make decisions that will still matter in a hundred years. I plant seeds for systems, products, and communities that will outlive me. Long-term thinking guides how I build and who I build for.

Radical Curiosity

I ask questions others overlook. I dig deep, learn fast, and cross boundaries between disciplines. Curiosity keeps me moving—it fuels my creativity, helps me connect dots, and pushes me to explore the edges of what's possible.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

I don't want to hold the answers—I want to help others find their own. I share ideas, frameworks, and tools so people can act with confidence. Empowerment, for me, is about making others more capable.

Integrity in Creation

I care about what I put into the world. I try to build things that are thoughtful, honest, and built to last. I don't chase hype—I focus on usefulness, trust, and the kind of quality that compounds over time.

"An idea is a gift to you from the universe, an action is a gift from you to the universe"

Everyday Life

Featured Talks

Can tennis reduce conflicts, and even wars?

TEDxPacific Avenue

Seniors Want AI

LA Tech Week · 2025

Tennis & Pickleball Community

Community Organizer & Coach

current

Organizing and leading a vibrant community of 20+ players who share a passion for tennis and pickleball. As a community organizer and coach, I run live ball sessions, teach fundamental skills, and coordinate friendly games. Creating an inclusive environment where players of all levels can improve their game while enjoying the social aspects of these sports.

Health & Wellness

Active Lifestyle

current

Staying active with tennis, volleyball, pickleball, gym workouts, yoga, and swimming. Taking a holistic approach to health, focusing on eating well, getting good sleep, staying mindful of breathing, and making exercise a regular part of life.

TEDxPacific Avenue

Event Organizer

current

Helping organize and curate talented speakers for TEDxPacific Avenue, focusing on bold provocative ideas that will change the world. A platform for sharing innovative ideas and inspiring stories that have the power to transform attitudes, lives, and ultimately, the world.

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Children's Books

Author

current

Author of children's books, including 'Bruno the Fox and the Butterfly' (available in English and Ukrainian). Always open to collaborate with parents, education professionals, illustrators, editors, and publishers.

Pro Groshi Community

Financial Education

current

A community focused on financial education and personal growth. Sharing knowledge and experiences to help others achieve financial freedom.

Financial Planning Tool

Retirement Calculator

current

A comprehensive financial planning tool designed to help individuals plan for retirement. Features include investment projections, tax considerations, and lifestyle planning.

Financial YouTube

Content Creator

current

Creating educational content about personal finance, investing, and financial independence. Sharing practical advice and strategies for financial success.

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Gossips Art Game

Creative Project

current

An innovative art game that combines creativity with social interaction. A unique platform for artistic expression and community engagement.

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Learning Spanish

Language Learning

current

Aprendiendo español porque me encanta aprender más idiomas. Actualmente hablo cuatro idiomas: ruso, ucraniano, inglés y español. También me encanta la idea de viajar por América Latina y trabajar allí enseñando a niños.

Family Tree

Genealogy Project

current

Building a comprehensive family tree with over 400 individuals, preserving our family history and heritage. Documenting stories, photos, and connections across generations to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Family Recipe Book

Culinary Heritage

current

Collecting and preserving traditional family recipes, creating a digital cookbook that captures our Ukrainian culinary traditions. Documenting cooking techniques, family stories, and food memories.

Philately

Stamp Collector

past

Built an extensive collection of over 1,000 Canadian and Ukrainian stamps, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Canada through its postal history.

Education

KINN

Oct 2024

Public Speaking Course with Richard Greene
Author of "Words that Shook the World" and renowned speaker who worked with Tony Robbins, Princess Diana, and many others. Completed a 6-week in-person course focused on becoming an incredible and effective speaker.

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USC Marshall School of Business

Sep 2024

Leadership Development for Building High Performing Teams. Taught by professor Dave Logan, during this course I gained hands-on experience applying organizational design frameworks to real-world leadership and business challenges.

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Exos

Mar 2023

The Game Changer. A 6-week digital program by Exos that builds self-awareness, personal responsibility, resilience, and adaptability — that empowered me to make a meaningful impact at work and in life.

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