Early Life and Education
Childhood and Parents
Gavril Yushvaev was born on July 23, 1957, in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan. He came from a poor Mountain Jewish family. His parents could not provide him with an adequate life, so Yushvaev left to find work elsewhere.
Education and Early Career
Yushvaev chose a different path from other people. He went to Moscow, where he met people who were into illegal things. This made him commit crimes all his life, and in 1980, he was found guilty of robbery and given a nine-year prison sentence.
Career Beginnings
Release and Entrepreneurial Partnership
When Yushvaev was set free in 1989, he teamed up with David Yakobashvili. They went into business for themselves and started with the Trinity car dealership and the Novoarbat casino “Metelitsa.”
About Trinity
Yushvaev helped start Trinity in the early 1990s. Trinity owned many businesses in Moscow, such as Metelitsa, a dance club and casino where Russia’s new millionaires and mobsters mixed.
Trinity eventually turned into more than 300 different businesses. They set up slot machines on the street, sold stockings and women’s underwear, fixed up kitchens, sold coal, and ran hotels out of boats docked on rivers.
Wimm-Bill-Dann Success
In 1993, Yushvaev, Yakobashvili, Mikhail Dubinin, and Sergei Plastinin took over the Lianozovsky dairy plant and began a private company. This was the start of Wimm-Bill-Dann.
The business did so well that it went public in 2002. Yushvaev became one of Russia’s richest businessmen in part because he sold shares, including in a deal with PepsiCo in 2010.
Overview of Wimm-Bill-Dann
Wimm-Bill-Dann is also known as OJSC Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods. It is a major dairy company in Moscow, Russia. They make various products like yogurt, milk, flavoured milk, fruit juices, and baby food.
They’re quite famous for making juices and dairy items and are well-known in the Soviet Union, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the Americas. In 2010, PepsiCo bought a 66% share in Wimm-Bill-Dann for $3.8 billion, which was a big deal in Russia. In 2011, PepsiCo took the company out of the New York Stock Exchange.
Business Expansion and Ventures
Gorki-2 Agrocomplex
In 2010, Yushvaev and David Yakobashvili secured a controlling stake in CJSC “Agrokomplex” Gorki-2, positioning themselves as the predominant landowners in the region.
Yushvaev assumed the role of President at Agrocomplex Gorki-2 CJSC, consolidating his leadership in the agricultural domain. Beyond this, he serves as a distinguished member of the board of directors for RusAgroProject CJSC, Eisk Port Elevator OJSC, and Cattle Farm Naroosanovsky OJSC, entities closely affiliated with the agricultural sector. This strategic involvement underscores Yushvaev’s comprehensive commitment and influence within the agricultural industry.
OKO Tower and Polyus Gold
In 2013, Yushvaev, in collaboration with another prominent Russian businessman, acquired a substantial 38% stake in Polyus Gold from the renowned entrepreneur Mikhail Prokhorov, in a transaction valued at $3.6 billion.
Polyus Gold stands among the global leaders in gold production, and Yushvaev’s strategic involvement in the company is a notable component of his diverse business portfolio. His extensive ventures extend beyond the mining sector, encompassing investments in various enterprises such as Lyft, Humacyte, Delivery Hero, and Domo.
Venture Capital and Global Investments
Between 2015 and 2017, Yushvaev invested around half a billion USD in foreign startups, earning him the moniker “global investor and philanthropist.”
Timeline of the career of Gavril Yushvaev
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Gavril Yushvaev was born in Makhachkala, Dagestan, to a poor Mountain Jewish family. |
| 1980 | Found guilty of robbery and sentenced to nine years in prison. |
| 1989 | Yushvaev was released from prison. |
| 1989 | Formed an entrepreneurial partnership with David Yakobashvili. |
| Early 1990s | Co-founded Trinity, starting with the Trinity car dealership and Novoarbat casino “Metelitsa.” |
| 1993 | Took over the Lianozovsky dairy plant, laying the foundation for Wimm-Bill-Dann. |
| 2002 | Wimm-Bill-Dann went public. |
| 2010 | PepsiCo bought a 66% share in Wimm-Bill-Dann for $3.8 billion. |
| 2010 | Acquired a controlling stake in CJSC “Agrokomplex” Gorki-2. |
| 2013 | Acquired a 38% stake in Polyus Gold. |
| 2015-2017 | Invested around half a billion USD in foreign startups. |
| Present | Involved in various ventures, including Lyft, Humacyte, Delivery Hero, and Domo. |
| Present | Estimated net worth ranged from $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion. |
| Present | Actively engaged in philanthropy, supporting healthcare institutions and research. |
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family and Personal Life
Gavril Yushvaev is a dedicated husband and father, having raised seven children. Despite his substantial wealth, he maintains a low public profile and is known for a healthy lifestyle and a passion for sports, particularly Caucasian dancing.
Philanthropy
Yushvaev has donated millions to various causes over the past 25 years, particularly supporting Russian healthcare institutions and contributing to research and development.
Gavril Yushvaev’s Net Worth
As of the latest assessments in 2023, the estimated net worth of Gavril Yushvaev falls within the range of $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion, with varying figures reported by reputable sources. Forbes denotes his net worth as $1.6 billion, while Wikipedia and Celebrity Net Worth present divergent values at $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.
Gavril Yushvaev, a prominent Russian entrepreneur and investor, has garnered recognition for his involvement in diverse business ventures. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the founding of Wimm Bill Dann and has made strategic investments in renowned companies such as Polyus Gold, PepsiCo, Lyft, and Delivery Hero. His extensive portfolio underscores his influence and success within the business and investment spheres.
| Year | Net Worth (in billions) |
| 2014 | 1.7 Billion |
| 2015 | 1.6 Billion |
| 2016 | 1.1 Billion |
| 2017 | 1.2 Billion |
| 2018 | 1.4 Billion |
| 2019 | 1.5 Billion |
| 2020 | 1.9 Billion |
| 2021 | 2.2 Billion |
| 2022 | 1.4 Billion |
| 2023 | 1.9 Billion |
Recent Developments and Challenges
- Current Ventures and Investments
Yushvaev has expanded his investments to include tech startups like Lyft and Delivery Hero, further diversifying his portfolio.
- Challenges and Controversies
Yushvaev faced challenges, including U.S. sanctions and legal scrutiny following a 2017 shootout involving his guards. In 2018, a scandal arose over the Gorki-2 Agrocomplex, accusing him of environmental damage.
Delivery Hero
Delivery Hero, a prominent German multinational enterprise specializing in online food ordering and delivery services, is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Formed in 2011, the company has expanded globally with over 70 countries across four continents. At the core of Delivery Hero’s mission is the commitment to providing an exceptional experience—swift, convenient, and delivered directly to your doorstep.
With a diverse portfolio of local brands unified under their overarching mission, Delivery Hero has cultivated a robust global presence, catering to the needs of approximately 2.2 billion individuals worldwide. The company has gained recognition for trailblazing rapid delivery services through q-commerce and collaborates with an extensive global network comprising riders, restaurants, shops, and strategic partners.
Delivery Hero’s influence extends across four continents through its network of brands, demonstrating substantial growth. In the second quarter of 2023, the company achieved a noteworthy milestone by generating EUR 11.1 billion in gross merchandise value, showcasing a growth of 8% year-on-year growth in constant currency. This remarkable performance underscores Delivery Hero’s position as a leader in the dynamic and competitive online food delivery industry.
Lyft
Gavril Yushvaev, a prominent Russian billionaire with a complex history, emerged as a significant investor in Lyft. In 2015, he allocated a substantial $100 million investment to Lyft, opting for the ride-hailing service at a time when the industry spotlight was predominantly on Uber. Despite the unconventional decision, Yushvaev’s involvement with Lyft eventually concluded, marking the termination of their business association.
Forbes reports indicate that Yushvaev, recognized for his ventures in European and U.S. tech start-ups, has committed a noteworthy $500 million to various initiatives. Among these investments, Lyft stands out as one of the recipients of its financial support. It is essential to note that Yushvaev’s association with Lyft is reported to have ended in the past, signifying a distinct phase in the ride-sharing app’s corporate history.
Citizenship
Citizenship and Recognition
In 2022, reports emerged that Yushvaev, certified as a descendant of Sephardic Jews, is awaiting Portuguese citizenship, adding another layer to his multifaceted life.
Gavril Yushvaev’s Role in a US Biotech Company: A Deep Dive into Humacyte’s Controversial Shareholder
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the North Carolina-based biotech company Humacyte found itself ensnared in a controversy linked to its second-largest individual shareholder, Russian billionaire Gavril Yushvaev. As the company’s technology played a role in aiding civilians and soldiers affected by the conflict, concerns emerged due to Yushvaev’s shadowy history, described by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project as the “head of a Russian criminal gang.” These concerns extend to both the ethical and financial associations of the company.
Yushvaev’s Background
Gavril Yushvaev’s controversial past involves serving nine years in a Soviet prison camp after being convicted of a violent crime in 1980. Forbes estimates his family’s fortune at approximately $1.9 billion, largely amassed through the sale of a stake in the dairy and juice company Wimm-Bill-Dann to Pepsico in 2010. Despite facing sanctions from Ukraine and being included in the “Putin List” in 2018, Yushvaev has not faced sanctions from the US government, allowing him to maintain his significant stake in Humacyte.
Overview of Humacyte
Humacyte, a Nasdaq-listed company specializing in harnessing the body’s natural healing abilities, prominently showcased its technology, the Human Acellular Vessel (HAV), in efforts to treat patients affected by the Ukraine conflict. However, controversy surrounds Yushvaev’s undisclosed role as the second-largest individual shareholder in the company, holding an 8.7% stake valued at nearly $28 million.
Questions of Disclosure
Experts posit that Humacyte may have had an obligation to disclose Yushvaev’s checkered history to investors, given the potential impact on the company’s reputation and financial stability. While the company asserts that Yushvaev is a minority shareholder with no control over its business, concerns persist regarding the lack of transparency regarding the investor’s background.
Series B Funding and Lack of Disclosure
Yushvaev’s participation in a 2015 Series B funding round, where he invested $150 million in exchange for preferred stock, raises eyebrows, especially considering the timing following Russia’s invasion of Crimea and subsequent Western sanctions. Critics argue that Humacyte’s acceptance of funds from an investor with Yushvaev’s history demonstrates poor judgment and raises concerns about the thoroughness of due diligence.
Calls to Action
Despite Yushvaev’s absence from the US sanctions list, experts suggest that Humacyte should contemplate severing ties with him to protect its reputation and address potential risks associated with having a shareholder with alleged ties to organized crime. The controversy prompted questions about whether Humacyte should have disclosed the risks posed by its association with Yushvaev in its SEC filings.
The controversy surrounding Gavril Yushvaev’s involvement with Humacyte underscores the delicate balance companies must strike between financial interests and ethical considerations. As the biotech company continues its humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, the scrutiny of its association with the controversial shareholder raises broader questions about transparency, due diligence, and corporate responsibility in the face of geopolitical conflicts.
Are there any sanctions on Gavril Yushvaev?
Ukraine has sanctioned him, describing him as a “quintessential example of the criminal world tying in with law enforcement and the Russian government.” The US government, however, has not sanctioned him.
Summary
Gavril Yushvaev, born in 1957 into a poor Mountain Jewish family in Makhachkala, Dagestan, faced a challenging early life. After a prison sentence for robbery, he co-founded Trinity in Moscow. Wimm-Bill-Dann, a major dairy company, emerged in 1993, going public in 2002. In 2010, PepsiCo acquired a 66% share for $3.8 billion. Yushvaev diversified into agriculture with Gorki-2 Agrocomplex, acquired a stake in Polyus Gold, and made global investments.
His net worth fluctuated between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion. Family-focused, he has seven children and supports healthcare philanthropy. Recent challenges include U.S. sanctions and environmental controversies. Investments in tech startups like Delivery Hero and Lyft have expanded their portfolio. His pending Portuguese citizenship adds complexity. Yushvaev’s involvement in Humacyte, amid controversy due to his shadowy past and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, raises ethical and financial concerns for the biotech firm.
