Yuri Milner 101: The Versatile Journey of an Iconic Entrepreneur

Zatrun Published at August 30, 2024

Yuri Milner, born into a Jewish family on November 11, 1961, in Moscow, Russia, began his academic journey in the field of theoretical physics. He graduated from Moscow State University in 1985 and subsequently worked at the Lebedev Physical Institute, aligning himself with the renowned nuclear physicist and human rights activist, Andrei Sakharov.

His experiences there would significantly influence his future investment strategies. Zatrun.com brings you a comprehensive exploration of the life and achievements of Yuri Milner, a multifaceted individual whose journey is as intriguing as it is inspiring.

In 1990, Yuri Milner made a pivotal decision to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. This decision marked the transition from physics to the world of business. He eventually graduated and went on to become a commencement speaker for the Wharton Business School in 2017. Milner’s commitment to education is further demonstrated through the establishment of the Friends of Israel MBA Fellowship at the Wharton School in 2020, supporting numerous Israeli students.

From Academia to Business

Yuri Milner’s journey into the business world took an unconventional path. He initially dabbled in selling gray market DOS computers in the Soviet Union, a venture that did not sit well with his father. But with the collapse of the USSR, he shifted his focus and enrolled in business school to earn an MBA.

In the mid-1990s, Milner worked at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., specializing in Russian banking. His time at the World Bank was marked by observing the privatization of government holdings during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency, a period he later referred to as his “lost years.”

In 1995, Yuri Milner became the CEO of Alliance-Menatep, a stock brokerage company under the ownership of oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. His journey continued with various positions in banking and investments, leading him to ultimately establish Digital Sky Technologies (DST) in 2005.

Russian Internet Investments and Mail.ru Group

Yuri Milner’s venture into the Russian internet landscape was marked by the creation of NetBridge, a company focused on internet incubation and investment. The merger of netBridge and Port.ru resulted in the birth of Mail.Ru, where Milner served as CEO.

In 2009, DST invested significantly in Facebook, marking the beginning of Milner’s global technology investments. Digital Sky Technologies underwent a transformation and became Mail.ru Group. The company went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2010, with a valuation of $5.6 billion.

Yuri Milner: Global Technology Investments

Milner’s investments extended well beyond the Russian market. Digital Sky Technologies (DST) became DST Global and ventured into technology investments on a global scale. Some of the world’s most prominent internet companies, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and others, became part of DST Global’s portfolio.

Milner’s investments also reached over $12.5 billion in over 80 companies between 2009 and 2021. Notably, less than 3% of this capital came from Russian institutions, and DST Global had no Russian office or investments in Russia since 2014.

Yuri Milner’s philanthropic and business journey has taken him from the heart of academia to the pinnacle of global technology investments. His commitment to education, scientific research, and humanity’s future is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the world. As he continues to explore new frontiers in technology and beyond, his legacy remains an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists worldwide.

Promoting Science and Humanity

In addition to his contributions to the business world and technology investments, Yuri Milner’s philanthropic journey is equally remarkable. He has dedicated significant resources to support scientific research and the advancement of humanity. One of his notable initiatives is the Breakthrough Prize, which recognizes and rewards outstanding contributions to fundamental physics, life sciences, and mathematics. By awarding substantial cash prizes to scientists and researchers, Milner encourages groundbreaking discoveries that can reshape our understanding of the universe.

Furthermore, Milner’s commitment to humanitarian causes is evident through his response to global challenges. He has donated substantial sums to support various relief efforts, particularly in response to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These actions reflect his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.