From Language School to Startup Coaching: Daria Tilikanova’s Journey

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Natalie Borovska, we’re joined by Daria Tilikanova, a customer acquisition coach, Venture Fellow at Winner Capital, and Co-Director of Startup Grind Toronto. Daria shares her journey from building and selling an offline English school in Russia to transitioning into online education and coaching, driven initially by financial necessity and later by a passion for entrepreneurship. Now based in Toronto, she works closely with service providers, agencies, and increasingly startup founders, helping them build scalable customer acquisition systems and sustainable businesses.Daria dives into her approach to lead generation through personal branding, LinkedIn, and in-person networking, emphasizing the importance of relationships in today’s digital-first world. She also reflects on her current transition into the startup ecosystem, her focus on learning and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and the challenges of keeping pace with constant change—especially in the age of AI. With a strong belief in continuous growth, Daria highlights how coaching allows her to both guide clients and deeply understand market dynamics while exploring future business opportunities.