Aleksandr Volodarsky

Aleksandr Volodarsky

CEO & Founder at Lemon.io

About the author

Aleksandr Volodarsky is the founder and CEO of Lemon.io, a marketplace that connects startups with vetted engineers from Europe and Latin America. With a background in bootstrapping tech businesses, he’s spent the last 10+ years obsessing over how to match the right engineers with the right teams.
He writes and speaks openly about startup growth, founder mistakes, and why vetting matters more than velocity when it comes to building great teams.

Experience

Aleksandr started building online businesses in his early 20s. He bootstrapped Lemon.io after multiple failed startups and years of learning how not to hire engineers. He’s made every mistake—from running out of money to hiring the wrong team—and used those lessons to build a profitable, remote-first company that matches vetted developers with startups. Today, Lemon.io operates across 40+ countries, with a team built entirely from scratch, no VC funding, and a focus on long-term sustainability.

The moment I stopped trying to grow at all costs and started focusing on profit, everything changed. I was finally building a real business.
Aleksandr Volodarsky

Aleksandr’s latest articles

Toptal vs. Upwork for Hiring Developers [2025]

For Employers Reviews
Are you navigating the complexities of hiring freelance developers? This detailed comparison uncovers the true costs associated with popular platforms like Toptal and Upwork, including hidden fees, service charges, and commission structures. Drawing from extensive firsthand experience and user insights, we clarify pricing structures to help you accurately budget and make informed hiring decisions. Discover where each platform shines, potential pitfalls, and why Lemon.io might offer a more transparent and cost-effective alternative tailored to your project's specific needs.
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Apr 14
15 min read

Arc.dev Review [2025]: The Good, Bad, and Better Alternatives

For Employers Reviews
Are you considering Arc.dev for hiring freelance developers? This detailed review uncovers the true costs associated with Arc.dev, including hidden fees, service charges, and commission structures. Drawing from extensive firsthand experience and candid user stories, we clarify the platform's pricing, vetting processes, and overall reliability to help you accurately budget and avoid common pitfalls. Discover where Arc.dev excels, where it falls short, and why alternatives like Lemon.io might offer a more transparent and effective solution tailored specifically to your project's needs.
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Apr 14
8 min read

Rand Fishkin’s secrets to succeeding in a unicorn-obsessed VC world

For Employers
Are you considering raising venture capital for your startup? This insightful review dives into the realities of VC funding through the experiences of Rand Fishkin, founder of Moz and SparkToro. Learn about the hidden pressures, potential pitfalls, and the true costs of chasing unicorn valuations. Discover why focusing on sustainable profit, long-term stability, and customer satisfaction can lead to greater fulfillment and success.
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Aleksandr Volodarsky
May 24
8 min read

M&A Expert Alejandro Cremades’ 5 red flags to watch for during M&A negotiations

For Employers
Every startup acquisition has a story—yet it's usually only the successes we hear about. But what happens when M&A deals don't go as planned? In our candid conversation with M&A Advisor Alejandro Cremades, we uncover the often-overlooked challenges and red flags founders need to recognize to protect themselves from tire kickers and bad-faith buyers. Learn what to watch for and how to ensure your exit is a story worth sharing.
Aleksandr Volodarsky
Aleksandr Volodarsky
May 19
7 min read