An interview with DBT Founder & CEO Alexis Kopylov

DBT, founded by Alexis Kopylov in 2017, is a SMEs specialist lender on the mission to enable innovation and growth for fast growing start-ups and scale-ups. When DBT started their journey they were only two people working from the open workspace area at Epicenter Stockholm. After raising new funds, and the team growing fast, they moved into their first closed office. With a continuously aggressive growth plan ahead the team needed a clear strategy for their workspace: a flexible space that could smoothly grow together with the team and company. Throughout their years at Epicenter they have had four different studio offices –all adapted to their size at the time. 

– When searching for an office we have looked for something that enables us to scale. A workspace where we easily can expand without having to take on a large cost base. Having a flexible cost base including short leases has been an important strategy to ensure that we stay nimble, Alexis Kopylov, Founder and CEO of DBT explained. 

For DBT the workspace is a key element for building culture, and it has been crucial in their efforts of both attracting and retaining talents. Besides flexibility and scalability, an important part of their workspace strategy was also for the team to work from an energizing and inspiring place. 

– We have been at Epicenter since the very beginning, and it has been a great place for us to grow within. Within these walls you have the feeling that things are constantly cooking. It’s a central melting pot of ideas and people. It’s been an essential part of our development as both a company and a team to grow in such an environment, Alexis continues. 

Working from the physical workspace has played an important part in the build up of DBT’s company culture and overall company growth. Meeting the team in person and being creative together are key factors that motivates the entire team to work on site. 

– Many of the great ideas and connections are created during the unofficial and ad hoc meetings that happen when meeting physically at the office. It’s often in the spontaneous discussions where the magic happens, says Alexis. 

Spontaneous interactions are Alexis’ basis for building motivation in the team to work in the office.The key, he says, is to make the workplace an inspiring place where the team finds room to be creative and collaborate. Hosting their office at the innovation house Epicenter also meant support on office management related questions – meaning that DBT could instead focus on their product and growth. At Epicenter they also got support in building relationships within the international community. 

– We always felt the strong support from the Epicenter team in building relationships. At Epicenter you don’t just sit and work, you’re part of a community, Alexis explains.