Maxim co-founded Cian, the leading real estate platform - essentially the Zillow/Zoopla/Idealista of Russia.
As CEO of Cian PLC for more than eight years, he scaled the company from a seven-person startup to a national market leader with over 1,000 employees. Under his leadership, Cian went public on the NYSE in 2021 at a $1.1B valuation and launched several category-defining products, including a mortgage marketplace, online escrow and property transactions, AI-powered valuation tools, and auction-based ad formats.
In 2022, Maxim transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Board, continuing to guide the company’s strategy. Today Cian generates more than $200M in annual revenue with ~30% EBITDA margins.
Maxim is an entrepreneur and angel investor with 30 years of experience across media, marketplaces, and technology, currently focused on angel investing and incubating a new startup for the U.S. market.
Proudest Mentor Moment
"For me, the greatest reward is seeing my mentees move from uncertainty to clarity and action – and knowing I helped unlock that shift."
Experience Maхim brings to founders
- Digital marketplaces
- Board governance
- Strategic partnerships
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Executive succession
Operating and investing experience
A selection of companies and roles connected to Maхim Melnikov.
Ventures
Cian
Board Chair; former CEO
Media3 Holding
Former CEO and director
Highlights
- Led Cian as CEO through its 2021 public listing.
- Transitioned from Cian CEO to executive chair in 2022.
- Led Media3 Holding’s print-and-digital media portfolio.
Questionsfounders ask aboutMaхim Melnikov
Who is Maхim Melnikov?
Maxim Melnikov is Cian’s board chair and former CEO, with experience in digital marketplaces, governance and executive succession.
What experience does Maхim Melnikov bring to mentoring?
Their experience spans digital marketplaces, board governance, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions and executive succession.
The best mentors spot the best founders early.
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