Striving for New Heights

Striving for New Heights
Oxon Solutions, founded by Sandro Tavkhelidze and brothers Data and Giorgi Potskhveria, boasts a diverse portfolio consisting of development, construction and agricultural projects. The young founders have achieved rapid growth by basing their vision and decisions on market analysis.

The young team of Sandro Tavkhelidze, Data Potskhveria and Giorgi Potskhveria has implemented an innovative business model in several different directions in a short space of time. The activities of their diverse and successful conglomerate extend into the development, construction and agricultural sectors. The impressive list of companies under Oxon’s management includes Idea Development, Idea Construction and Mkisa. Apart from the management, these companies also share the same ethos: quality and attention to detail.

Construction and development are Oxon’s core business areas. The company has already left its mark on Tbilisi’s urban environment by combining sustainability and comfort. Idea Development and Idea Construction have several ongoing and completed projects, including multifunctional office spaces and elegant residential complexes, which are setting new standards in customer-focused design. The company’s projects all share the same concept: they offer unique residential and office spaces in an ecologically clean environment near the city center of Tbilisi. Another business that stands out in its sector is Mkisa – an agricultural enterprise with sustainable hi-tech practices and significant employment opportunities. Mkisa owns 200 hectares of land, which it uses to cultivate almonds and blueberries. Founded in 2020, the company offers seasonal employment to around 1,000 people.

So, how did these companies create a business model that ensures such rapid growth? The answer lies in data-based decision-making. Oxon Solutions strives for new heights by conducting in-depth research and employing high-tech solutions. The company’s real estate management portfolio comprises 15 commercial and residential facilities. This allows Oxon to always have its finger on the pulse regarding real estate supply and demand statistics by observing the latest market trends.

Oxon Solutions founders Sandro Tavkhelidze, Data Potskhveria and Giorgi Potskhveria spoke to Forbes Georgia about the inner workings of their businesses.

Idea Development has several ongoing and completed projects, including Tiflisi. Please tell us more about this project.

Sandro Tavkhelidze: “Tiflisi Phase I” (2019-2021) and “Tiflisi Phase II” (2021-2023) are located near Lisi Lake. The project incorporates private homes with a courtyard and a large terrace, allowing residents to live in a healthy environment.

When implementing the Tiflisi project with Idea Development, we studied the area’s potential and development prospects. Based on the results and analysis of the research, we were one of the first companies to start building private homes in Lisi. This was followed by widespread development in the area. Apart from the exciting concept, the quality of Tiflisi’s construction also stands out. Idea Construction, which employs experienced professionals, carried out the building works. The company prioritizes quality, the adoption of international standards and their implementation in the construction process.

You are also about to implement the Idea Panorama project. What will this project offer?

Sandro Tavkhelidze: Idea Panorama is a new project recently announced by Idea Development. It involves the construction of a modern multi-apartment residential complex on Giorgi Danelia Street in the Vake-Saburtalo area. This is a large project. The construction area is three hectares, while the total cost exceeds 100 million lari. Idea Panorama will have everything necessary for healthy and harmonious living. The project consists of three separate apartment blocks with indoor and outdoor parking, a square with children’s playgrounds, and padel courts. Additionally, Idea Development will create common recreational spaces, including walking paths and a shared green terrace. The complex’s first building will incorporate eleven residential and three commercial floors. Construction has already started and is due to finish in autumn 2025.

What distinguishes Idea Panorama from other construction projects?

Sandro Tavkhelidze: The building has unique modern architecture. It imitates nature and merges with its surroundings. The project stands out because of its stunning panoramic views: each Idea Panorama apartment overlooks the Vere Ravine in the direction of Tskneti. For that reason, the apartments have an open multifunctional terrace instead of a balcony, and each room boasts excellent views.

Future residents will be able to enjoy fresh air, panoramic views, and nature, while central locations such as the Vake-Saburtalo road, the city’s main park, the Saburtalo-Bagebi Bridge and the State University metro station are only a few minutes away.

Is this an interesting project for investors?

Sandro Tavkhelidze: Based on our research, we can confidently say that this project is attractive both for residential and investment purposes. Idea Panorama is in an area that is rapidly developing in terms of construction, transport links and infrastructure. Examples include the rehabilitation of University Street and the construction of the Saburtalo-Bagebi road bridge. Therefore, we can foresee an increase in demand and market value. Buying an apartment in Idea Panorama as a rental property is a smart move, as the project meets all the essential criteria for good living (clean air, quiet surroundings, an easily accessible location, and high-quality construction). Idea Panorama will attract a lot of interest from Georgians and foreign nationals looking to rent an apartment.

The project is being funded by Bank of Georgia, meaning buyers can confidently invest in Idea Panorama. Furthermore, Aldagi has insured the construction process itself.

What is the primary driver of the rapid progress achieved by Idea Development?

Data Potskhveria: Apart from the quality of the projects, the company’s success is driven by its team and management style. Our organizational structure has ensured rapid progress. When we established the company, we encountered obstacles, such as having difficulty assembling the right team. However, we overcame these challenges, and our team of around 50 people has been at the core of the company’s activities since the beginning.

It was always vital for us as company founders to create an environment where everyone could realize their full potential and achieve professional growth. Another key goal was to assemble a team of professionals and establish a working process built on teamwork. Together, we strive towards achieving our goals through a passion for our work. We grow and develop together.

Mkisa, another company managed by Oxon Solutions, is an agricultural project with nothing in common with the construction industry. How did it come about?

Data Potskhveria: Mkisa is a company with an interesting concept and approach. It has been operating in the agricultural sector for quite some time. The company has big plans, which it is implementing step by step. A well-planned operational strategy, a structured working environment, and modern approaches have ensured its rapid growth. Mkisa has the support and trust of important institutions operating in Georgia, including the Rural Development Agency (RDA), Enterprise Georgia, the USAID Agriculture Program, TBC, Bank of Georgia, and others.

Before establishing this company, we analyzed its business model, consulted domestic and international experts, studied the sector, and assessed the local and export market potential. We then decided to cultivate blueberries in Western Georgia and almonds in Eastern Georgia. This is called portfolio diversification, which has always been a feature of Oxon Solutions’ business strategy.

Where exactly are Mkisa’s almond and blueberry orchards located, and how were they built?

Data Potskhveria: The almond orchard is in Bolnisi. Its total area is 100 hectares, and it is being developed gradually in accordance with our plan. The current cultivated area is 40 hectares. The company’s first harvest was this year.

As for blueberries, the company owns a 100-hectare plot of land in Western Georgia, 55 hectares of which have already been cultivated. The first blueberry harvest will be towards the end of May 2024.

We did not shy away from taking on challenges. The two orchards, which cover an area of 200 hectares in total, were built on previously undeveloped land. Even during the difficult pandemic period, investments were implemented according to our plans. Mkisa performed large-scale works in several fields, including:

  • Construction of a 5 km water pipeline;
  • Construction of a pumping station;
  • Provision of electricity and irrigation for a 200-hectare orchard area;
  • Construction of drainage channels with a total length of over 9 km.

We are delighted that the measures taken by our company and the challenges we overcame have motivated several local farmers to start agronomic activities nearby.

How do you develop and implement cutting-edge approaches at Mkisa?

Giorgi Potskhveria: Mkisa was one of the first companies in Georgia to implement modern technology in agriculture on a wide scale. From the beginning, we chose a high-tech style. For example, our weather station and sensor management system provide precise and accurate data to implement preventive and planned measures in our orchards.

When was the first harvest?

Giorgi Potskhveria: In 2023, Mkisa harvested almonds and built its first processing enterprise, which allowed us to strengthen manufacturing in Georgia further. The enterprise is equipped with high-tech almond processing devices, ensuring a top-quality final product.

What are the stages of the production process, and where do you plan to sell your produce?

Giorgi Potskhveria: The almonds go through several production stages, including outer rind removal, drying, breaking and storage in a suitably equipped space, which requires compliance with the appropriate environmental and temperature conditions. The production cycle does not end there: Mkisa produces and packages various healthy and tasty snacks, such as roasted and salted almonds. Due to high demand, the company plans to expand the retail and wholesale sales of these products in local and foreign markets.

Mkisa’s orchards fully comply with all the appropriate standards and have attained HACCP and GLOBAL G.A.P. certification. This has opened the door to the markets of Europe and the Gulf. The implementation of international standards has helped us systematize the operational cycle, which minimizes the risk of errors, as well as facilitating the export of Georgian produce to leading global markets, which has a positive effect on Georgian economic development and serves to present our country in a positive light on the international stage.

What are Oxon’s plans regarding Mkisa and Idea Development?

Giorgi Potskhveria: Mkisa has ambitious plans to expand its orchards and diversify its almond products. The blueberries will primarily be sold in raw form. This requires a production chain that ensures the product is delivered to stores in perfect condition. This means more jobs, economic growth, and the increased production of Georgian goods.

Idea Development and Mkisa are making huge strides through hard work, analysis and quick decision-making. It is hard to plan every step in a constantly changing world, so we try not to be afraid of challenges, learn from our own and others’ mistakes, and, most importantly, not deviate from our original plans and the initial goal of maintaining high quality.

It is great to see that the development paths and modern approaches of the companies under the management of Oxon Solutions are encouraging other young entrepreneurs. We all have our contribution to make towards our country’s economic development. Together, we can create a positive chain reaction.