Meet Talifa Isgandarli | Entrepreneur & Founder at Startup Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Talifa Isgandarli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talifa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It was a mix of frustration, ambition, and the realization that I was spending too much energy acting like the owner of businesses I didn’t even own. I kept seeing bold ideas and untapped potential drowning in systems that were, frankly, outdated. One day it hit me: founders shape their businesses with their own values, and no matter how much I tried to steer the ship, I’d always be rowing someone else’s boat. So, I thought, “Why not build my own?”

This wasn’t about being anti-feedback—I love constructive feedback. But let’s be honest: values vary, and not everyone will share mine. After a decade of working for other companies and agencies, I realized I was ready to stop adapting to someone else’s vision and start building something bold, unapologetic, and 100% mine. It was time to stop waiting for change and create it. So I did.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
B2BB Startup Studio was born out of a simple yet powerful belief—bold ideas deserve to be built, not just imagined. I saw too many brilliant minds with the potential to create globally scalable businesses, yet they lacked the right platform, resources, and community to turn their ideas into reality. So, I decided to build that platform myself.

What sets B2BB apart is our approach. We don’t just offer mentorship or funding; we co-create. Each year, we focus on developing five main startups internally while supporting a community of founders with sales, mentoring, and fundraising opportunities. Our focus areas—AI, R&D & Life Sciences, Fashion & Art Tech, and Health & Beauty Tech—are not just industries of the future; they are industries we believe Azerbaijan can lead in.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Leaving a stable career to start something that didn’t yet exist in our region was a leap into the unknown. There were skeptics, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But what I’ve learned is that uncertainty is part of creation. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never start. Instead, I focused on building, on surrounding myself with people who share the vision, and on proving that Azerbaijan doesn’t have to just follow global innovation—it can drive it.

B2BB isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of my values. It’s a space where creativity meets execution, where ambitious founders find the support they need, and where being “too bold” is a requirement, not a flaw. I want the world to know that innovation knows no borders, and that change happens when people dare to build. This is just the beginning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend is visiting me in Azerbaijan, Baku, we’re starting the day at United Coffee Beans Morning Club, where the morning crowd is a mix of founders, artists, and thinkers. After that, we’ll dive into the soul of the city with a walk through Icherisheher, stopping by Mugam Restaurant for an authentic Azerbaijani breakfast with a view of ancient stone walls.

For a midday recharge, we’ll head to Heydar Aliyev Center, because no visit to Baku is complete without experiencing Zaha Hadid’s architectural masterpiece. Lunch will be at Zakura, a vibrant spot for sushi lovers, before heading to the Baku Book Center for a quiet, inspiring break.

Afternoons are for slow walks along the Caspian Boulevard—maybe even a quick boat ride—before sunset drinks at The ROOM, where the creative crowd gathers, and the conversations are just as good as the cocktails. For dinner, we’d go to Scalini Baku, the city’s first Italian restaurant with over 25 years of history—timeless, authentic, and always a great choice. Or, if we’re in the mood for something more traditional, Sumakh offers a refined take on Azerbaijani cuisine.

And of course, Baku’s nights don’t end early. We’ll stop by FOMO or 4Loft, depending on the vibe—both are perfect for cocktails, music, and an atmosphere that blends elegance with edge. If the night keeps going, who knows? The best experiences are always the unplanned ones.

Azerbaijan is all about contrast—old meets new, tradition meets rebellion, and the best way to experience it is to keep it spontaneous, bold, and a little unpredictable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, absolutely! Success may look like magic, but it’s always a team effort. My biggest shoutout goes to my family and my partner—my ultimate support system. They’ve been my rock, reminding me of my strengths and standing by me through every late-night brainstorming session and wild idea.

I also owe so much to the incredible teams I’ve worked with. Every collaboration and challenge shaped the person I am today.

And, of course, a special thanks to the critics and doubters. To those who said, “That’s not possible,” or “You’re just a girl—don’t meddle in a man’s world,” you were like the perfect blend of a Boggart and a Dementor. Facing you only made me stronger, braver, and more determined.

Here’s to my family, my partner, my teams, and even the naysayers. You’ve all been part of this journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for shaping my story.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talifa.is/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talifa-isgandar-459910192/