Russian Exiles: European Businesses – DW Report
Russian Entrepreneurs Find New Life (and Business) Abroad
This article details how Russians, fleeing their country after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, are establishing new businesses and organizations abroad. Here’s a summary of the key points:
* exodus of Russians: Hundreds of thousands of russians have emigrated to countries like Israel, Armenia, Georgia, and European nations since the start of the war in Ukraine.
* Entrepreneurial Spirit: Many are starting businesses (startups) in various sectors including IT, media, bookstores, and food production. They face challenges with funding and regulations but are finding success.
* Nebius (formerly Yandex): Yandex, frequently enough called “the Russian google,” was significantly impacted by the war and EU sanctions. It’s founder, Arkady Volozh, left Russia and condemned the conflict. The company sold its Russian assets for $5.4 billion and rebranded as Nebius, relisting on the Nasdaq.
* Babel Books: Natalya Smirnova founded Babel Books, a Russian-language bookstore in Berlin, inspired by a similar initiative in Tel Aviv. It serves as a cultural hub for the Russian-speaking community, offering contemporary literature, events, and a cozy atmosphere. It houses around 5,000 titles in a small space near the former Berlin Wall.
* Dawaj-Dawaj: The article also briefly mentions Dawaj-Dawaj, a business founded by Satanovsky, whose name translates to “Let’s go!” or “Another one, please!”.
The article highlights a trend of Russians leveraging their skills and resources to rebuild their lives and contribute to new economies while often distancing themselves from the political situation in their homeland.