The term "Russian Mafia" is just as general and shallow as "corruption". The reality is that "the mob" runs the gamut from petty thugs to sophisticated criminal corporate raiders.
The root of the issue is whether Russia's criminal tactics for corporate raiding apply to software startups. One can take over physical means of productions, but the same is close to impossible to do with software.
Arguably the most important factor stopping growth of startups in Russia is personal safety. Founders do startups to get rich. However in Russia financial success brings unwanted attention to founders. There are plenty of thugs salivating at an opportunity to go after a newly minted millionaire.
Most startup incubators in US & Europe offer help with networking, business & investment mentoring. Perhaps incubators in Russia need to help founders with personal security services.
The root of the issue is whether Russia's criminal tactics for corporate raiding apply to software startups. One can take over physical means of productions, but the same is close to impossible to do with software.
Arguably the most important factor stopping growth of startups in Russia is personal safety. Founders do startups to get rich. However in Russia financial success brings unwanted attention to founders. There are plenty of thugs salivating at an opportunity to go after a newly minted millionaire.
Most startup incubators in US & Europe offer help with networking, business & investment mentoring. Perhaps incubators in Russia need to help founders with personal security services.