Dmitry Asonov’s solo startup software company, Proofreading Lab, recently became the 89th firm to gain residency at the Skolkovo innovation center. Skolkovo offers a grant of $50,000 for small businesses like Asonov’s, and more importantly, according to Asonov, will match any investments his business can attract by a factor of up to three. This co-finance strategy adds immediate value to a startup and is a powerful incentive to outside investors. Skolkovo residents also receive immediate tax breaks — they pay no profit tax and a significantly lower salary tax than nonresidents.
To gain resident status, a company must be a Russian legal entity and must submit an application. Applications are then evaluated by a randomly selected group of 10 of the approximately 100 Russian and international businesspeople and researchers on the Skolkovo evaluation committee. If more than half the evaluators give a positive review, as was the case with Proofreading Lab, it means acceptance as a Skolkovo resident.
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ReplyDeleteHello. If I manage my own software related startup, What are the basic demands for applying for such a grant? Please leave me your contact information so I could ask further questions.
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