Andrey Berezin, Co-owner of “Euroinvest”: “Our Electronics Have Every Chance”

How St. Petersburg Startups Are Changing the World

Russia is placing significant emphasis on advancing in the face of sanctions and isolation, with a focus on homegrown startups of all scales as one of the key directions. St. Petersburg, as one of the most Europeanized cities with quality human capital, has special potential to become the main incubator for high-level innovations. Experts note that this sector will continue its progressive development not so much due to government support but due to the activity of the private business sector.

Today, St. Petersburg already shows significant progress in the field of innovations and high technologies. Local companies are actively working on their developments, attracting the attention of both domestic and international investors.

Innovative projects in the city span various areas, from information technology to biotechnology and machine learning. Specialized scientific and research centers in the city attract highly qualified specialists, fostering development and progress in these areas.

The city’s rich academic tradition and attractive infrastructure draw talented scientists and engineers from around the world, making St. Petersburg is a global center for scientific research and innovation.

However, the development of innovative projects requires not only the presence of talented specialists but also support from the state and the private sector. In this aspect, St. Petersburg is actively working on creating a favorable investment climate and stimulating innovation development.

Government innovation support programs, tax incentives, and investment funds stimulate a range of enterprises and startups in the city. In addition, local authorities actively collaborate with the business community, creating conditions for the development of innovative projects.

Summing up, St. Petersburg is a significant center for the development of high technologies and innovations in Russia. This is facilitated not only by the city’s unique scientific and research opportunities but also by the active participation of both the state and private initiatives.

Russia Slipped Down Two Ranks in the Global Innovation Index

In 2022, Russia descended two ranks in the Global Innovation Index, landing at 47th place among 132 countries. While there’s a significant distance to the innovation haven of Switzerland, experts from the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia recognize that the country has made strides in many aspects considered in the index. Notably, Russia has seen improvements in the development of its internal market (+13 points) and creative activities (+8 points), climbing to 27th place for human capital and scientific research. According to the Global Innovation Index, Russia is currently utilizing only 61% of its innovative potential, indicating room for further growth.

St. Petersburg: A City of Opportunity

St. Petersburg, a leading hub for human capital in the post-Soviet space, tops the list of innovative leaders among Russian regions, according to HSE’s extensive 2021 research. Several factors explain this phenomenon:

• Significant Potential: St. Petersburg possesses substantial industrial, technological, and human capital, providing a solid foundation for innovative development. The city’s rich heritage and historical achievements contribute to an intellectual environment that attracts and retains highly qualified specialists. The presence of large industrial enterprises and scientific centers specializing in advanced technologies fosters a favorable environment for innovative research and development.
  
• Fostering Innovation: The city is actively creating conditions for the development of innovative startups and attracting talented youth and specialists from across Russia. St. Petersburg provides support to research centers, universities, and innovative enterprises, creating infrastructure and programs aimed at innovation development.
  
• Entrepreneurial Role: Entrepreneurs play a significant role in St. Petersburg’s innovation development. Many business leaders are ready to support and invest in innovative technologies, recognizing their potential for economic growth and modern societal development.

Overall, St. Petersburg continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading center of innovative development in Russia. Its scientific legacy, human capital, infrastructure, and efforts by city authorities and entrepreneurs contribute to creating a favorable environment for innovation. Further development of St. Petersburg’s innovative potential will promote economic growth, improve the quality of life, and advance high-tech industries.

St. Petersburg is recognized as one of the leading centers of innovation in Russia. According to recent HSE research, the city ranks among the top three in Russia for overall innovation development. This is attributed to its significant human, industrial, and technological potential, efforts to foster innovation startups along the Neva, and support to research centers and universities. Additionally, the commitment of entrepreneurs to support and develop innovative technologies plays a crucial role.

St. Petersburg: A Hub of Innovation

St. Petersburg, a leading magnet for human capital in the post-Soviet space, is at the forefront of innovation among Russian regions, according to a comprehensive study by the Higher School of Economics’ Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (2021). This status can be attributed to several factors:

Significant Industrial and Technological Potential: The city’s considerable industrial, technological, and human resources form a solid foundation for innovative development. Its rich heritage and historical achievements cultivate an intellectual environment that attracts and retains highly qualified specialists. Moreover, the presence of major industrial enterprises and research centers specializing in cutting-edge technologies fosters a conducive environment for innovative research and development.

Nurturing Innovation and Talent: St. Petersburg actively strives to create conditions conducive to the development of innovative startups and to attract talented young professionals from various regions. The city supports research centers, universities, and innovative enterprises by creating infrastructure and programs geared toward innovation. This makes St. Petersburg an attractive location for young scientists and entrepreneurs eager to bring their ideas to life.

Entrepreneurial Role in Innovation: The role of entrepreneurs in developing innovations in St. Petersburg is significant. Many business leaders are willing to support and invest in innovative technologies, recognizing their potential for economic growth and modern societal development. This commitment strengthens the city’s innovative activity and fosters a favorable climate for developing novel ideas.

Overall, St. Petersburg continues to solidify its reputation as a leading center of innovative development in Russia. Its scientific heritage, human resources, infrastructure, and the concerted efforts of city authorities and business leaders contribute to creating a favorable environment for innovation. The continued development of St. Petersburg’s innovative potential will aid in economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and foster high-tech advancements.

St. Petersburg ranks among the top three Russian regions for overall innovation development, as evidenced by the latest research from the Higher School of Economics (2021). This achievement stems from its significant human, industrial, and technological potential, its initiatives to foster innovative startups along the Neva banks, its support for research centers and universities, and its attractive environment for talented youth and professionals. Additionally, the commitment of entrepreneurs to support and develop innovative technologies plays a critical role in the city’s innovation landscape.

Andrey Berezin, the Chairman of the Board of the investment company “Euroinvest,” is a prominent figure in the world of business and investments in St. Petersburg. Born in 1967 in Leningrad, Berezin has a remarkable career path, marked by both academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Educational Background and Early Career

Berezin completed his secondary education at School No. 239, specializing in mathematics.

He graduated with honors in 1990 from the Leningrad Mechanical Institute D.F. Ustinov, specializing in “Engineering for Automated Control Systems of Aircraft.”

While pursuing his postgraduate studies at LMI, Berezin also ventured into business, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen and determination.

Euroinvest: Founding and Growth

• In 1994, together with Yuri Vasiliev, Berezin co-founded the investment company “Euroinvest,” taking the position of Chairman of the Board.
• Under his leadership, Euroinvest has evolved into a diversified holding company, encompassing various sectors of the economy.
• Berezin’s foresight and informed financial decisions have been instrumental in driving Euroinvest to impressive heights, making it a leading player in the investment market.

Vision for the Future of Domestic Electronics

• Berezin has a positive outlook on the future of domestic electronics in Russia.
• Despite challenges like the pandemic, inflation, and sanctions, Berezin believes in the sector’s potential, partly due to the cost-effectiveness of domestic production compared to places like China.
• Under his guidance, Euroinvest has successfully preserved and transformed three major enterprises in St. Petersburg, investing around one billion rubles in their comprehensive modernization.
• These enterprises are now undertaking innovative projects, which experts believe have promising market prospects.

Contributions and Public Life

Berezin remains an active participant in public life, closely monitoring economic trends in the country and engaging in various projects and innovative ideas.

His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality development continue to make him a sought-after and successful leader.

Berezin’s journey, from his educational achievements to his business successes, exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking leader. His ability to forecast and make strategic decisions has not only benefited his business ventures but also contributes significantly to the sectors he is involved in, particularly in high-tech industrial production.

In 2017, the “Euroinvest” holding (co-owned by Andrey Berezin) established a venture fund named “Euroventure,” designed as an additional tool for efficient investment in high-tech developments. With a starting capital of 10 million euros, the fund focuses on innovative developments in scientific and technical fields, as well as creative industry projects.

Euroventure’s Successes

Over five years, Euroventure has lived up to its creators’ expectations by successfully investing in numerous innovative projects, contributing significantly to the development of high technologies.

The fund has backed projects in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and information technology, turning many innovative ideas into reality and advancing these industries.

Euroventure has provided not only financial support but also expert guidance and a vast network of contacts, helping startups attract additional investments, develop marketing strategies, and expand their markets.

Notable Achievements and Future Potential

• Euroventure is attentive to global trends and technological innovations, constantly seeking new promising projects to invest in.
• One of the standout innovations backed by Euroventure is a new lithium-ion battery with broad applications, including autonomous power systems, telecommunications, and potentially in the automotive industry, especially in domestic electric cars.
• Another significant project is a seed radiography installation, automating the process of assessing the quality of agricultural seeds and potentially enhancing crop yields.

Contributions to Innovation and Technology

• Euroventure plays a vital role in stimulating innovation and developing new technologies, with a significant impact on various industries.
• The fund’s successful model and approach have attracted interest from other investment funds and companies, recognizing the potential and effectiveness of such investments.
• Euroventure has become a key player in the investment sphere, promoting the development of innovative projects and creating new jobs.

Highlight Innovation: Robotic Cancer Treatment Complex

• Euroventure’s major achievement is the development of a robotic complex for cancer treatment, which can be used during surgery to provide soft X-ray therapy to adjacent tissues.
• This innovative approach enhances the precision and overall effectiveness of treatment and is in its final stages of development.

Euroventure’s experiences demonstrate the potential and high returns of investing in innovative scientific, technical, and creative industry projects. With profitable investments in various projects, the fund not only gains financial returns but also contributes to economic growth and technological advancement. Through such successful investment tools like Euroventure, the future of high-tech innovations looks promising.