Interview with Deyan Denchev: Co-Founder at Lexis Solutions

It is our pleasure to introduce Deyan Denchev, the CEO, Co-Founder, and Senior Front-End Developer of Lexis Solutions.

With years of experience in software development and a passion for innovation, Deyan has helped Lexis Solutions to become a premier technology partner for businesses across North America and Europe.

In this interview, we'll learn more about Deyan's background, his role at Lexis Solutions, and how the company stands out in a crowded market.

Hi Deyan, welcome to TechBehemoths. Please tell us about yourself. Your childhood, education, and professional development.

I was born into a family immersed in numbers. My mother, a math teacher, led me to attend one of Bulgaria's top math high schools, 'Baba Tonka', in my hometown of Ruse, just 40 minutes from Romania. Naturally, I continued my education at Sofia University's Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Software Engineering.

Bulgaria's tech universities are known for hosting hackathons. During one such event, my life, along with my fellow students and current co-founders Bilyal, Emil, and Milush, took an exhilarating turn. In 2016, at HackFMI - Hack for Data, we crossed paths for the first time and embarked on a collaborative journey that would lead us to create 'Lexis' - a remarkable machine learning product fueled by Twitter data, adept at analyzing emotions within the text.

A year later, our hard work paid off when we were honored with the Best Startup Company award at the Junior Achievement "Rising Stars" competition. Simultaneously, we're attending another accelerator program called Unistart, which gathers the best startups from Bulgaria in one place. With the help of Unistart mentors, we managed to pivot our initial idea in a better direction and won special prizes from Microsoft.

Over time and after several conferences, we discovered critical red flags for our product idea. Local businesses needed more time to be ready to share their private data so that we could analyze it and use it to optimize their work.

By then, we had started receiving software development requests from different end clients. We started accepting them as we're still in a bootstrapping period with Lexis.

Each accomplished project strengthens our confidence and the bond within our team, paving the way for new and exciting opportunities. As a result, our focus gradually shifted from the Lexis product to expanding and enhancing the Lexis Solutions service company.

Although we had to let go of our initial idea, the wins still infused us with the confidence and motivation necessary to continue forging ahead on our grand adventure, shaping the future of Lexis Solutions as we know it today.

How have your background and education prepared you for your current role at Lexis Solutions?

As I mentioned earlier, mathematics has always been a fundamental part of my life. When I stepped into a school, it became my unwavering companion. Throughout my academic journey, from early to higher education, the focus has consistently been on numbers. Mathematics has equipped me with problem-solving abilities and fostered critical thinking and a meticulous approach to handling complex ideas.

Engaging in competitions has ignited my creativity and instilled a proactive mindset. Collaborating with various teams has played a pivotal role in enhancing my communication skills, enabling me to convey my ideas effectively. Working with diverse groups has also taught me adaptability, allowing me to navigate different situations and present my work and thoughts in a manner that aligns with my objectives.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have had to work in diverse environments, as they have contributed to my growth and development. As a contractor, I have taken on projects of varying scales, ranging from minor undertakings to significant ventures for prominent companies. This diverse professional experience has cultivated versatility and resilience within me.

What do you think sets Lexis Solutions apart from other software development companies?

At Lexis Solutions, we believe that people are at the heart of everything we do. Of course, we highly value hard skills and work ethic, but our personalities set our team apart. When you surround yourself with people you respect, admire, and genuinely enjoy being around, you'll achieve more and have more fun.

At our company, we're all about leveling up - personally and professionally. That's why we create an environment where our colleagues can spread their wings and soar to new heights. We don't just focus on work-related skills but also encourage our team members to develop hobbies, passions, and personal interests. When the workday ends, we don't just disappear into the night - we stay connected, share insights, and celebrate victories.

How do you balance your responsibilities as a Co-Founder and Senior Front-End Developer?

Undeniably, it is a daunting challenge. However, I find comfort that I am not alone in this pursuit. The other three co-founders are here to lend their support and expertise. We have established clear roles and responsibilities, allowing us to synchronize our efforts effectively. We keep each other informed through weekly meetings and ensure sufficient time is allocated for managing our technical team and pursuing revenue-generating projects.

As the CEO of Lexis Solutions, I occupy a demanding position involving various duties that constantly evolve. Beyond the expected tasks of maintaining solid partnerships, seeking new ones, and representing the company externally, I also engage in numerous behind-the-scenes actions to ensure the smooth functioning of the organization. When necessary, whether due to my technical expertise or suitability for a particular project, I willingly take on additional responsibilities.

What are some key qualities that you think are necessary for success?

To thrive in any industry, adaptability is critical. Possessing specialized skills or expert knowledge is also a must, but if you can't adapt to your surroundings and the people in it, you might end up in the punchline of a cruel joke.

The desire to learn is crucial in a world of ever-evolving trends, rapid technological advancements, and the rise of AI. Falling behind or feeling uninformed can be overwhelming, but take the time to educate yourself, even in areas that may seem foreign.

True character is not built on success alone but rather on the determination to push through failures and never give up. After all, what you do on the third and fourth tries truly defines who you are.

It's beneficial to look forward with a positive outlook while also being mindful of your mental and physical health. And most importantly, a positive and healthy attitude is essential for success. By maintaining a healthy mindset and balance in all aspects of your life, you'll be well-equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.

Can you walk me through a recent successful project that Lexis Solutions delivered?

In an exciting partnership with OnnoPlus, a dynamic marketing company based in Berlin, our objective was to revolutionize and enhance their daily operations. By creating a comprehensive suite of web apps, we successfully streamlined their processes, resulting in an impressive 2X increase in sales within a year.

The project's core revolved around creating the OnnoPlus CRM, which manages customer and order information, invoicing, and review removals. We exceeded expectations by implementing an automated review scraping service, revolutionizing order creation and lead generation. Our collaboration is still ongoing, but the initial outcomes have been encouraging.

The project requirements encompassed crucial elements such as customer and order management, comprehensive review scraping services, efficient lead generation, seamless integration with Aircall and Gmail, customizable email templates, internal task management, detailed statistics tracking, a customer newsletter summarizing monthly reviews, and a flexible architecture for future changes and third-party integrations. By employing agile methodologies and effective communication, we delivered stable versions of the system within two months, allowing the client to transition from their old system in the fourth month.

The results achieved thus far have been impressive. OnnoPlus experienced a remarkable sales increase of 2.1X in the first year while successfully handling thousands of orders and attracting thousands of new customers. They also established themselves as the leading provider of review removal services in Germany, with 50,000 successful removals. The project has paved the way for further success and growth as we continue to collaborate and optimize the system for OnnoPlus's future endeavors.

What challenges have you faced as a Co-Founder, as well as Senior Front-End Developer, and how did you overcome them?

Lexis Solutions began as a bold university idea almost six years ago that caught fire, winning not one but two prestigious competitions. But that was just the beginning of our journey. My co-founders and I faced many challenges and obstacles that we could never have anticipated - from navigating the labyrinthine world of legal documentation to mastering the nitty-gritty details of running a company. But as you can see, we refused to let those hurdles slow us down.

What is your favorite thing about working at Lexis Solutions?

What would be the best part of working at Lexis Solutions? It is simply being a part of its team. We've built a company culture that puts the team at the center of everything we do. I can proudly say that our work time is far from the soulless corporate grind.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I've recently discovered a hidden talent for chess. So after dinner, my significant other and I engage in some friendly competition to see who's the ultimate strategist. I also enjoy traveling with my partner - we recently visited California and the UK.

Not only, but at least a few days a week, when the clock strikes five or at the weekend, my colleagues and I channel our inner athletes with volleyball and football.

If you could travel back a decade, what advice would you offer to Deyan Denchev from that time?

Don't settle for mediocrity!

While high school and university may provide a good foundation, the additional activities allow you to excel. Volunteering, networking events, and hackathons are all great opportunities to push yourself and discover new passions.

It was, in fact, at a hackathon where I met the other three co-founders of Lexis, and it was a game-changer. By diving into the pool of the unknown and going beyond the 'academic' horizons, I enhanced my skills and added color to my life. So, to my 18-year-old self: take a leap of faith and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

P.S. Reading books is crucial.