Feb 14
The World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos is where the financial secrets of our age are supposedly both safeguarded and revealed. And the results of this annual event significantly impact global investor decisions. This year, to my delight, an important tactic was disclosed: how it is possible to double or triple your money by investing in Russia at a reasonably low risk. continue reading
Earlier this week World Class, a network of upmarket Russian gyms, declared a change in its ownership structure. Goldman Sachs and VTB have jointly bought a 50% stake in this well-known fitness chain which has over 60 centres in 22 cities across Russia. continue reading
Yesterday it was announced the Russo-Armenian investment banker, Ruben Vardanyan, will become the first Russian member of the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). According to RBK Daily, the internationally-renowned businessman will step down from his current position as an advisor to the President of Sberbank, to advise the IFC on investment policies.
For a long time UK Trade And Investment (UKTI) has assisted UK businesses entering the Russian market. Today, however, UKTI announced it will broaden its sphere of activity, by launching schemes to support Russian companies interested in investing in the UK.
For the third year Bloomberg has published its list of the “Best Countries for Business”. Though I am slightly sceptical of the restrictive parameters of such league tables, it is always welcome to see Russia climbing a rankings compiled by an internationally recognised organisation.
Last week I followed the dialogues emerging from Moscow’s annual economic forum. It congregates world renowned opinion leaders to discuss the Russian economy. This year’s theme was: “Russia and the World: Sustainable Development”. continue reading
An article published earlier this week in the Russian publication, RBK Daily, encourages private investors in Russia to venture beyond familiar investment bonds and to consider ‘alternative’ forms of investment.
Ahead of the New Year, Forbes (Russia) has published a new list of the top 10 most successful Russian venture capital investors in 2013. Interestingly almost all of these investors are involved in internet-related projects, a sector that is flourishing in Russia. It would be nice to see the rating developing to include not only VCs but PE Managers as well next year. continue reading
Interesting snapshot in the International New York Times today: not only does Moscow currently hold the record for having the tallest building in Europe, but 6 other buildings in the capital also make it into the top 10. Most of these skyscrapers are located in Russia’s version of Canary Wharf, “Moscow-City”. continue reading
I came across this article which provides a great example of how Russia, contrary to perception, is leading the European market in a number of sectors. The article refers to the development of Russia’s first smartphone – a state-of-the-art device – which has been designed and developed by the Russian company Yota Devices. Russia is gradually being recognised as an innovator in technology, and is penetrating industries dominated by the US and Asia. This dual-screen model provides all the benefits of a standard smartphone, with the added attraction of an easy-on-the-eye ‘paper’ screen. This is one of many such ground-breaking European products emerging from Russia. continue reading
Andrey Yakunin