70 Setbacks to a $700 Million Net Worth- Gurhan Kiziloz, Lanistar Founder, Sits Down

Persistence is a defining trait of Gurhan Kiziloz, a quality he frequently emphasizes.

Gurhan Kiziloz doesn’t frame success in terms of luck, talent, or even strategy. For him, it’s about one thing: persistence. The whole world knows this,” he says, summarizing his entire approach in a single phrase. He moves fast, makes decisions without hesitation, and doesn’t dwell on the past. “I don’t reflect; I just keep moving.”

His influences come from different corners of business, music, and personal connections. He doesn’t follow a single blueprint. “Oh, I have many, from all walks of life,” he says when asked if he has role models. His mentors range from billionaires he calls personal friends to rap figures like Gucci Mane, global business leaders like Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and even businessmen from his own neighborhood. “I get inspiration from everyone.”

Now, with a net worth exceeding $700 million, Kiziloz keeps his focus on scaling further. He sees wealth as a necessary step toward something bigger. “Once I make the wealth, I’ll make the impact.”

Behind the whirlwind of a schedule, Gurhan is also tuned in to do his bit for the community. The lack of conventionality follows him in philanthropic efforts as well. The efforts, mainly in Gambia, don’t have the air stage-managed media events. Rather, they focus on the mission and less on the hype. Gurhan also has plans to ramp up the food distribution and construction of water wells to a bigger scale in time.

Business Without a Rulebook

Kiziloz does not believe in following conventional business strategies. He never had a step-by-step plan when he started. “I’ve had to catch up, get over challenges over the last eight years.” He doesn’t overcomplicate things—his approach is based on speed and instinct rather than slow, structured processes.

For him, waiting for the right moment is a waste of time. “Good things should come to those who don’t wait. They go and get what they want.” He sees obsessing over small details as unnecessary. “It wastes time.” Growth and progress remain key priorities.

Risk-taking is not an occasional event for him—it’s routine. When asked if he would ever bet everything on a single decision, his response is instant: “I do that every week. That’s what every week is.” He doesn’t see obstacles in the way others do. “I have zero challenges. It’s just a matter of time and money.”

Kiziloz also doesn’t let outside opinions factor into his decision-making. If people doubt him, it doesn’t register. “No, they don’t affect me.” He isn’t trying to prove anything to the world. “The noise becomes irrelevant then. I look inwards.”

A Work-First Mindset

Kiziloz doesn’t separate business from personal life. His daily habits revolve around work, and he doesn’t dedicate much time to anything outside of it. Every morning, he listens to motivational videos on YouTube—“I’m a YouTube baby.” The app he uses the most? “Slack. It’s all we use here”

When asked about his biggest personal achievement outside of business, he doesn’t hesitate: “I don’t do anything apart from this.” He doesn’t take long breaks, vacations, or step away from work for extended periods. His idea of unwinding? “Having a shisha.”

Even his answers to lighter questions follow the same theme. His biggest pet peeve? “If you’re slow at doing something.” His theme song? “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. His long-term vision? “Top ten billionaires on earth.”

Kiziloz does not see his story as one of overcoming obstacles – he simply keeps moving forward. He describes his father’s passing as a turning point, saying it made him “determined, persistent.” 

There is no looking back, no final destination in his mind. When asked about a goal that once seemed impossible but he eventually achieved, his response is simple: “I haven’t done it yet.”