Arkady Volozh Fun Facts – # 70 Fun Facts

Arkady Volozh Facts – Biography

Arkady Volozh Early Years

1. Born 1964

Arkady Volozh is born on 11 February 1964 in Guriev (Atyrau), Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic and he currently resides in Moscow, Russia.

He enrolls in Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas for studying applied mathematics and successfully graduates from there in 1986.

2. Arkady Volozh Parents

Volozh’s parents are geologists who work in Kazakhstan at the time of his birth.

It is also during his school years in the same region when he meets Ilya Segalovich who later becomes the co-founder and CTO of Yandex.

Initially, both of them choose separate professional fields but they later come together in achieving the goals of Yandex.

3. Background in Computer Science

Yolozh has a background in computer science and he combines his academic success to become a serial entrepreneur.

Early Career of Arkady Volozh

4. Arkady Volozh Starts a Small Business

After his graduation, Volozh spends some time working at a state pipeline research institute called the Institute of Control Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and there he conducts a significant amount of research in the field of data analysis.

However, Volozh is hardly happy with this line of work and he finds an opportunity when the Soviet bloc started breaking up and small private businesses in Russia became legalized.

Volozh lays the foundation of a relatively small business that imports personal computers from Austria and exports pumpkin seeds.

5. Achievements

Known to his colleagues and professional acquaintances as shy, Volozh currently operates the Yandex Towers located on Leo Tolstoy Street.

One of his earliest achievements includes developing algorithms for Russian Bible and classical literature search, which makes the location of Yandex’s headquarters quite appropriate.

6. Works on Search

In the same year as founding of CompTek International in 1989, Volozh starts working on search, which leads him to establish a search software developing company known as Arkadia Company.

It is at this time when Volozh recalls his friend Ilya and they get together to develop an application that allows the search for ‘non-structured information with Russian morphology.’

In 1987, he is the head of the Wireless Data Committee of Russian Association of Networks and Services (RANS).

7. Journey to the Internet

For Volozh, the journey to the internet world begins when he first gets involved in writing algorithms for Russian Classical Literature.

However, this is just the beginning as his experience and knowledge with the World Wide Web increases over the years, so does his desire and ambition to do something great.

Beginning of Yandex

8. Yandex

Volozh’s partner Ilya suggests the name Yandex for their search engine that basically stands for ‘Yet another Index’.

9. CEO of Yandex

As CEO of Yandex, Arkady Volozh has 23 senior colleagues while in the internet industry itself, Volozh works with colleagues in 229 companies located and operating in 24 different countries.

10. Successful Business Ventures

Volozh is known for founding and co-founding a number of successful IT enterprises.

One of them is CompTek International, which is founded in 1989 and is currently one of the largest distributors of telecom and network equipment in Russia.

Another of his ventures includes InfiNet Wireless, which is a Russian company that provides wireless networking technology.

11. Business and Personal Life

Before 2000, Volozh works as Chief Executive Officer at CompTek International but after 2000, he leaves this job to become CEO of Yandex instead.

For many people who visit these headquarters, the office that uses wood, cork and carpet only tends to reflect the personality of Volozh himself who is not a typical extravagant rich Russian.

Rather Volozh rejects the idea of driving around in limousines and is happy using his old Volvo.

12. Accomplishments

Arkady Yurievich Volozh is best known for founding the Russian search engine, Yandex and playing the role of Chief Executive Officer as well as director ever since 2000.

Since the inception of Yandex in 1997, the company manages to capture 60 percent of the national search market.

Success of Yandex

13. Professional Strategy

One of Volozh’s professional strategies and acumen that need to be lauded include knowing exactly which of Google’s tactics to employ and which of them to avoid entirely.

This means that one of the sources of revenue for Yandex is advertisements and the company offers a relaxed atmosphere at work to its employees.

However, unlike Google, Volozh helps provide Yandex with a grip over local content and in understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is the source of the Russian language.

14. Yandex Money and Yandex Traffic

Volozh steadily increases the services portfolio of Yandex as well offers an online payments system called Yandex Money and traffic related information genius called Yandex Traffic.

15. Giant Killer

Volozh is often known as the ‘giant killer’ as well because of his contribution in Yandex’s acquisition of the business social networking site called Moikrug.ru and of SPB Software which is a mobile developer that makes it easier for people to employ various services on their smart phones.

16. Investors Trust Yandex

Today Volozh enjoys the fact that investors have tremendous confidence in the company owing to Russia’s growing consumer economy, strong internet programming atmosphere, a large number of internet users and numerous potentially skilled technology personnel.

17. Future Possibilities for Yandex

According to Volozh, the future holds countless possibilities for Yandex and he tells Russia Today that the main focus of Yandex in the future will be to target markets and economics that are underdeveloped or developing.

Specifically Yandex enters Turkey last September and establishes the Turkish version of Yandex accompanied by a myriad of other services for Turkish internet users.

18. Popularity of Yandex

Because of the various features that Volozh adds to Yandex, its popularity soars in recent years.

In a recent survey, it is revealed that within the Russian market, Yandex monopolizes with a 60% market share while Google holds only 26% of the remaining.

No wonder, Yandex is called the Russian Google!

19. More Growth in Yandex

After Yandex becomes public in 2011 on NASDAQ, it fetches a total of $1.43 billion.

No doubt, the mere 10% of the Russian Internet population expands fast and contributes to the growth of Yandex.

At the time of its IPO, observers and experts rated it as one of the biggest technology IPOs in the United States.

20. Dream Comes True

Volozh’s dream to see Yandex at the top is surely coming true.

Recently this Russian Search Engine has ranks as the fifth largest engine worldwide.

Not only this, Yandex’s presence makes Russia one of only four countries where Google has failed to establish a leadership position.

21. Difference between Yandex and Other Search Engines

When questioned about the way Yandex is differentiating itself, Volozh reveals that the main premise for the difference is that the search engine works on machine-learning techniques.

This means that when someone punches in a search, the engine detects the user’s area and 20% of the results are locality-specific, making it a household name in Russia.

22. Interesting Fact about Yandex

Did you know Yandex is formed in 1997, a year before Google is declared as a private limited company? However, operating in a capitalist country like Russia, Volozh fights his way through to the top with extreme zeal and some of the most innovative technology that man has ever developed.

23. His Confidence in Yandex

Volozh’s confidence in his company and the way the search engine is progressing is heartwarming.

Slow and minimal growth in the initial years has fails only in one aspect i.e. dampening the founder’s spirits.

He says, “We’ve been in the business longer than other search engines and have created many original products.”

24. Yandex Beats Google

While Volozh’s personal life and office interior may be modest, the success of Yandex that makes him rich is definitely not.

Yandex is globally, the fifth largest search engine and beats Google to become Russia’s most popular search engine that means that it is one of the four national search engines to have done so.

The white and sparingly simple homepage of Yandex serves the true purpose of surfing through the internet for most Russians.

25. Possible Merger of Yandex and Google

In an exclusive interview, Volozh discloses that in the early days of both Google and Yandex, both founders had gotten together to discuss a possible merger! Such a merger would lead to a globalized consortium of search engines.

However, the deal could not pull through in the end.

Work Philosophy of Arkady Volozh

26. Stays Updated with New Technology

Volozh is a clever entrepreneur, one who believes in staying abreast with technological development and not falling prey to complacency.

After making Yandex, the No.1 search engine in Russia and later introducing it in Turkey, the founder starts planning to make it compatible with mobile devices by acquiring a software company.

27. More on Yandex

For Yandex, providing search results with a little more specification is the key.

As a next step, founder of the Russian Search Engine says; “This year we are developing what we call social context search or social search.

We are partnering with all the social networks available here.

We use this information to provide better search results for some classes of queries.”

28. Talks about Internet Laws

Volozh states in a recent interview that Internet Laws in the country are not very well defined which causes a number of problems when it comes to copyrights and legality of content.

Clearly, running a search engine in a country like Russia is a hard nut to crack.

It is the wisdom and perseverance of entrepreneurs like Volozh that such a useful and much needed startup business not only survives but also expands exponentially.

29. His Business is His Hobby

Being an internet entrepreneur runs in Volozh’s blood.

No doubt, the cliché that managing your own business means ‘living and breathing it’ is definitely true because for him, “any good business is a hobby.”

30. Plans to Create Yandex’s Web Browser

To expand and get a greater hold for Yandex in the Russian market, Volozh’s next step is to plan and develop the search engine’s very own web browser.

Moreover, after the success of various Yandex applications, the next big move is to become the default search engine in iOS Safari Mobile.

31. Strict Philosophy

Unlike Google, the nemesis of Yandex, Volozh has a very strict philosophy with which he wants to direct the search engine.

He believes that ‘going social’ under the same name as the search engine is way out of line and is not in the search-oriented company’s genes.

He says, “Our mission is to be an information company.

We answer questions for people and we try not to diverge from that.”

32. Plans for Yandex

When inquired about plans for Yandex, Volozh reveals that his eyes are on the European market.

Because the six major search engines of the world have their headquarters outside of Europe, the region proves to be a lucrative market.

There is plenty to think about before the Russian giant can start establishing foothold in the European Union.

However, Volozh is everything but discouraged by the challenge.

33. Advice to Entrepreneurs

When asked for one advice that he will give aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make it big in the domain of the Internet, Volozh exclaims, “Dedicate all your time to improvements of your product.

Keep notice of new trends. Be confident in what you do!”

Achievements by Arkady Volozh

34. Success in Business

As of 2011, Yandex’s Net Income soars by 51%, making it the largest internet company in Russia.

As soon as his company releases the IPO, Volozh becomes a billionaire overnight with $40.5 million shares becoming worth $1.57 billion.

However, such successes fail to tarnish the humble life that this entrepreneur likes to live.

35. Valuable Asset for Other Companies

Volozh’s business mind and intellect is a valuable asset for other companies who feel privileged to have him on their board.

In a nutshell, he is part of 14 boards of various companies that are spread across 4 different countries and belong to 4 different industries and specialties.

36. Web Browser of Yandex

Also in 2012, Yandex decides to build on its success and comes out with its very own web browser.

It also works on iOS6 maps with Apple later in the year and is reported to replace Google in the future as mobile Safari default search engine.

37. Yandex Represents Russia

For Arkady Volozh, the popularity and international scope for Yandex means more than just endless profits.

He describes the website and the company as a culturally rich center for fusion of the Old Russian Empire and new countries that emerge out of the Federation.

Therefore, he feels immense pride to see Yandex represent the country internationally.

38. Accolade

In 2012, Volozh stars on the cover of GQ Russia as the Businessman of the Year as well as the Man of the Year.

Further Professional Success of Arkady Volozh

39. Face.com

In September 2012, Facebook buys Face.com- a Yandex supported and backed application for face.

Even though the amount decided in the deal is not disclosed, the technology behind Face.com is undoubtedly a precious one for Facebook to scoop it up.

Another thumbs up for Volozh to back a successful startup.

40. Yandex Attracts 56 Million Users Everyday

If you are one of those web users who has never used Yandex, you will be interested to note that every day the search engine attracts 56 million users worldwide and 150 million searches are answered daily, both from within Russia and outside it.

41. Yandex Establishes its Foothold

In June 2012, Yandex buys a 25% stake in Seimotech, which is a Russian Geophysical Exploration Company.

Investment in a company other than an internet-based startup is rare for Yandex.

However, it is proof enough that company is starting to establish its foothold and expand laterally within its reach first before going global.

42. App Store for Yandex

Because most of Yandex’s searches come from laptops and computers, Volozh wants to increase the share of searches coming in from mobiles and Smartphones.

This is no doubt a necessary step if he is to keep the search engine up to date and fight off competition.

Therefore, in a series of plans, launching an app store is another one of Volozh’s dreams for Yandex.

43. Mapping Partner with Apple

Moreover, after securing its place as the mapping partner with Apple, Volozh has yet again charmed his way through to victory for Yandex, owing to his commitment and perseverance.

44. Doesn’t Let Google Grab Yandex’s Market Share

Referred to as the ‘giant killer’, Volozh is very successful at keeping Google away from the market share that he owns.

By understanding and promoting the Cyrillic Alphabets, something that Google has not managed to do, Yandex has maintained its market leadership.

45. Simple Layout of Yandex

Unlike other websites, Volozh believes in keeping the layout of Yandex very simple and basic, just like his office interior! According to him, the focus of his company is to answer people’s queries, not amass users like a social forum.

Such focus and depth clearly shows the kind of commitment he has for his entrepreneurial venture.

Personality

46. Very Innovative

One of Volozh’s most impressive attributes is innovative mind.

Not only is he the father of a multimillion dollar search engine firm, he is owner of Yandex Traffic Jams.

An application that works on smart phones to give real time information about traffic holdups, its creation and launch are a clear sign of the global nature of Volozh’s dreams.

47. Believes in Aiming for Realistic Goals

For Arkady Volozh, there is a stark difference between living ones dreams and being practical while dreaming.

While he does plan to enter markets where Google has a strong hold, possibly even 90% market share- he does not plan to make money his only aim in life and beat Google at any point.

Imparting information and have a sizeable and sustainable market share are his realistic goals.

48. Is a Friendly Boss

Despite such success and fame in his work, Volozh is a friendly boss and a fatherly CEO.

A quick word with his employees reveals that he is an easy going man, one who likes to fight fire but in his own peaceful way.

It would not be a surprise to see Volozh chatting to employees in the hallway and playing pool with them in the game room.

Truly, this is the sign of a humble yet powerful man.

49. Happy with His Family

The father of Russian search engine Yandex, Volozh is happily married, has three children, and enjoys spending time with his family.

50. A Notable Russian and a Billionaire

As of 2013, Volozh is named as one of the most notable Russians who make an immense contribution to society.

In all of Russia, Volozh ranks #94 on the Forbes List of the Richest People.

With a net worth of US$ 1.15 billion, he also makes it to the Forbes list of the most Notable Billionaires of 2013.

More 20 Facts:

1) Arkady Yurievich Volozh (ARKADY VOLOZH) is best known for founding the Russian search engine, Yandex and playing the role of Chief Executive Officer as well as director ever since 2000. Since the inception of Yandex in 1997, the company has managed to capture 60 percent of the national search market.

2) Arkady Volozh was born on 11 February 1964 in Guriev (Atyrau), Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic and currently resides in Moscow, Russia. He enrolled in Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas for studying applied mathematics and successfully graduated from there in 1986.

3) Arkady Yolozh has a background in computer science and he has combined his academic success to become a serial entrepreneur.

4) Volozh’s parents were geologists who were working in Kazakhstan at the time of his birth. It was also during his school years in the same region when he met Ilya Segalovich who would later become the co-founder and CTO of Yandex. Initially, both of them chose separate professional fields but they later came together in achieving the goals of Yandex.

5) After graduating, Volozh spent some time working at a state pipeline research institute called the Institute of Control Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and there he conducted a significant amount of research in the field of data analysis. However, Volozh was hardly happy with this line of work and his opportunity came when the Soviet bloc started breaking up and small private businesses in Russia became legalized. Volozh laid the foundation of a relatively small business that imported personal computers from Austria and exported pumpkin seeds.

6) Known to his colleagues and professional acquaintances as shy, Volozh currently operates the Yandex Towers located on Leo Tolstoy Street. One of his earliest achievements includes developing algorithms for Russian Bible and classical literature search, which makes the location of Yandex’s headquarters quite appropriate.

7) In the same year as founding of CompTek International in 1989, Arkady Volozh started working on search, which led him to establish a search software developing company known as Arkadia Company. It was at this time when Volozh recalled his friend Ilya and they got together to develop an application that would allow the search for ‘non-structured information with Russian morphology.’ In 1987, he was head of the Wireless Data Committee of Russian Association of Networks and Services (RANS).

8) It was Volozh’s partner Ilya who came up with the name Yandex for their search engine that basically stands for ‘Yet Another Index’.

9) As CEO of Yandex, Arkady Volozh has 23 senior colleagues while in the internet industry itself, Volozh works with colleagues in 229 companies located and operating in 24 different countries.

10) Volozh is known for founding and co-founding a number of successful IT enterprises. One of them is CompTek International, which was founded in 1989 and is currently one of the largest distributors of telecom and network equipment in Russia. Another of his ventures includes InfiNet Wireless, which is a Russian company providing wireless networking technology.

11) Before 2000, Volozh was working as Chief Executive Officer at CompTek International but after 2000, he left this job to become CEO of Yandex instead. For many people who have visited these headquarters, the office that uses wood, cork and carpet only tends to reflect the personality of Volozh himself who is not a typical extravagant rich Russian. Rather Volozh has rejected the idea of driving around in limousines and is happy using his old Volvo.

12) While Volozh’s personal life and office interior may be modest, the success of Yandex that has made him rich is definitely not. Yandex is globally, the fifth largest search engine and has beaten Google to become Russia’s most popular search engine, which means that it is one of the four national search engines to have done so. The white and sparingly simple homepage of Yandex serves the true purpose of surfing through the internet for most Russians.

13) One of Volozh’s professional strategies and acumen that need to be lauded include knowing exactly which of Google’s tactics to employ and which of them to avoid entirely. This means that one of the sources of revenue for Yandex is advertisements and the company offers a relaxed atmosphere at work to its employees. However, unlike Google, Arkady Volozh has helped provide Yandex with a grip over local content and in understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is the source of the Russian language.

14) Volozh has steadily increased the services portfolio of Yandex as well offering an online payments system called Yandex Money and traffic related information genius called Yandex Traffic.

15) Volozh is often called as the ‘giant killer’ as well because of his contribution in Yandex’s acquisition of the business social networking site called Moikrug.ru and of SPB Software which is a mobile developer that makes it easier for people to employ various services on their smart phones.

16) In 2012, Volozh starred on the cover of GQ Russia as the Businessman of the Year as well as the Man of the Year.

17) Also in 2012, Yandex decided to build on its success and came out with its very own web browser. It was also working on iOS6 maps with Apple later in the year and is reported to replace Google in the future as mobile Safari default search engine.

18) Today Volozh enjoys the fact that investors have tremendous confidence in the company owing to Russia’s growing consumer economy, strong internet programming atmosphere, a large number of internet users and numerous potentially skilled technology personnel.

19) According to Volozh, the future holds countless possibilities for Yandex and he told Russia Today that the main focus of Yandex in the future will be to target markets and economics that are underdeveloped or developing. Specifically Yandex entered Turkey last September and established the Turkish version of Yandex accompanied by a myriad of other services for Turkish internet users.

20) The father of Russian search engine Yandex, Volozh is happily married, has three children, and enjoys spending time with his family.