Moscow is not without major technology events. However, there is one that stands out from the crowd.
For the third year in a row, TechCrunch Moscow has gathered the brightest minds from the Russian Internet and venture capital communities.
More than 1,000 people attended this year's event in the former chocolate factory Red October. Here are the top 10 discoveries that came out of discussions at this year's event, which was held from Dec. 9 to 10.
1. The Venue
Digital October is located in the Red October former chocolate factory, which is now full of design and media offices. It not only organizes and hosts tech events but also holds popular lecture series Knowledge Stream.
2. The Host
Maria Adamian, curator at Digital October, is a driving force behind all the center's activities.
3. Russian startups are no longer local
For now, Web startups from Russia do not need to go to Silicon Valley and Europe to attract a global audience. The conference is a launchpad for startups to pitch their Web products. It was broadcast live over the Internet in both English and Russian.
4. The conference featured a host of stellar speakers
TechCrunch European editor Mike Butcher, Mail.ru Group CEO Dmitry Grishin, Runa Capital's senior partner Serguei Beloussov and KupiVIP.ru CEO Oskar Hartmann were just some of the speakers to address conference attendees.
5. Russian online travel companies beat global players on the Russian market
Being a category killer in e-commerce, online travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors on the Russian market. Leading online travel companies such as Oktogo.ru, OneTwoTrip and Anywayanyday revealed how building strong brands helped them beat global competitors in Russia.
6. Online fashion retailers are performing well
In spite of the fact that cash-on-delivery remains the major payment method for buying fashion online, it is a sector where venture capital investors are eager to put their money. Guess who benefits mostly from this? Russian women.
7. In mobile gaming, Russian developers come out on top
Though you may not have heard of Zeptolab or Game Insight, you may have their heard of game titles such as Cut the Rope or Mystery Manor, which are popular smartphone apps. Mobile gaming companies are a good illustration of the fact that global brands from Russia can prove successful.
8. Sci-tech is still possible in Russia
Two new Russia-based firms Grishin Robotics and Quantum Wave claim to have lined up millions of dollars of investment in personal robotics and quantum computing, respectively. In fact, the companies say they have already started receiving investments.
9. Excursiopedia wins startup competition
TechCrunch Moscow organized a two-day startup contest. The online marketplace for tours and activities, Excursiopedia, won the competition, finishing ahead of TeamLab, Oh My Stats!, RealtimeBoard, AdEasy and Endorphin.
10. There will be a new TechCrunch Moscow conference next year
So be sure to make it to next year's event!
Yakov Sadchikov is the founder of Quintura, an online search engine.
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