The positive points mentioned in the article might be valid, namely: 1. Less local competition in adopting Western startups to Russia 2. Easily recruited quali

The positive points mentioned in the article might be valid, namely: 1. Less local competition in adopting Western startups to Russia 2. Easily recruited qualified developers One point not mentioned in the article, this kind of startup specifically favors someone of Russian origin who has lived and breathed Western startup culture for a few years. Someone local might have completely different experience, and so would a Westerner without any knowledge of Russia. Finally, article completely ignores the big white elephant in the room: Russia's rather tenuous grasp on rule of law. Since the original interview was in forbes.ru it is only fitting to mention http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Klebnikov http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Klebnikov Thus, I would argue that it is not less risky to create a successful startup in Russia.