Everyone said she needed venture capital. Eleven years later, she’s building a unicorn without it
- Lilia Stoyanov founded TFY in 2015, rejecting venture capital to prioritize customer-driven growth.
- TFY has been recognized among the UK's soon-to-be unicorns and ranks on FT1000: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026.
- The company helps organizations build connected workforces by managing talent acquisition and contractor management through a single platform.
Lilia Stoyanov's approach to building TFY presents a compelling alternative to the conventional startup narrative dominated by venture capital. Her emphasis on ethical AI and the importance of independent professionals challenges the status quo and encourages a broader definition of success in entrepreneurship. This perspective could inspire future founders to explore diverse paths to growth and innovation.
