Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova is an entrepreneur and investment professional with a diverse prior expertise in technology, finance, and asset management. Throughout her professional journey, Larisa Kuznetsova progressed from an entry-level programming role to overseeing the financial unit as its principal executive at Special Technologies (Spetsialnyye Tekhnologii), an IT enterprise that achieved multimillion-dollar annual revenues. Her professional path is marked by a combination of technical expertise and strategic financial leadership.
Following her successful tenure in the technology sector, Kuznetsova Larisa transitioned to the field of real estate investment, where she continues to implement a business-oriented approach focused on long-term asset growth and operational efficiency.
Parental and Early Life Circumstances
Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna was born in Baku. However, her upbringing took place within a Russian cultural setting.
Her family history is closely connected to the realities of wartime and postwar Soviet life. Both of her parents endured the challenges of the Great Patriotic War. Kuznetsova’s father embarked on a professional role within a manufacturing facility when he was just 14 years old. In the years that followed, he combined employment with studies, ultimately receiving academic credentials in the field of commodity science and higher learning institutions. Over time, he assumed a regulatory position within a government body responsible for monitoring the quality of goods designated for export. He continued in this role until his retirement and passed away in 2011. His dedication to professional duty left a lasting impression on his daughter.
Early Life and Youth
Larisa Kuznetsova attended school in Baku, specifically School No. 66, from 1971 to 1981. Her school years were marked by exemplary behavior, numerous awards, participation in academic competitions, brief involvement in various athletic and recreational programs — just a few highlights of Kuznetsova Larisa achievements as a student. Upon graduation, she had a perfect GPA of 5.0.
After finishing secondary education, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova enrolled at the Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Chemistry (AZINEFTEKHIM) in Baku, where she specialized in automated control systems. Starting in 1981, she was actively involved in university life, joining a traditional dance group. Together with the group Gənclik, she even traveled abroad. This ensemble earned recognition from the trade union for its performances. Larisa Kuznetsova's first trip abroad was a visit to Nepal (India) in 1985, followed by participation in a Mediterranean cruise during early 1986.
After graduation, Larisa Kuznetsova obtained the professional title of systems engineer and received an assignment to a factory.
First Steps in Her Profession
Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna first job was at a computing and information department at the Novo-Baku oil refinery. Beginning in 1986, she began learning programming and gaining hands-on experience. As part of a project team, Larisa Kuznetsova worked on automating the payroll department. Despite the plant having more than 100 employees, all payroll calculations had previously been done manually. During her initial year of employment, Kuznetsova Larisa was awarded multiple bonuses, and her productivity along with her innovative ideas were highly valued by management.
After automating payroll, Kuznetsova Larisa helped transition the center from outdated ES-1022 computers to more modern ES-1036 models. The team needed to promptly adapt all applications for the updated systems. She remained employed at the plant for seven years (1986–1993), excluding a period of absence due to maternity leave (1989–1993). Upon resuming work after maternity leave, Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna quickly resumed work and began studying personal computers, as the factory had undergone an equipment upgrade. Her first major project involved the automation of business processes.
At this time, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova also began studying accounting principles to more effectively handle engineering tasks, laying a strong foundation for a future professional transition. Despite promising growth prospects and engaging work, Larisa Kuznetsova stepped down from her role in 1993 to dedicate time to raising her son.
A Bit About Her Personal Life
Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna married in 1988. Her husband was a fellow alumnus of the same university, graduating with distinction and holding a qualification in radio electronics engineering. Kuznetsov was also a water polo athlete and had earned the title of Master of Sports. His professional career began in 1986 in a technical role related to his field of study.
The young couple faced many hardships. Civil unrest in Baku began in 1988 with protests accompanied by strikes, altering public attitudes toward Russians. In late 1989, troops were deployed into Azerbaijan. Adding further to the turmoil was the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Following much deliberation, Larisa Kuznetsova, together with her husband, son, and parents, chose to establish residence in Russia in 1994.
Career Continuation in St. Petersburg
As early as 1995, Kuznetsova Larisa established residence in St. Petersburg. The family had spent a year deciding between Moscow and Russia’s northern capital. Initially, her husband was the sole breadwinner, while Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova took bookkeeping courses. After obtaining her certification, she took a position as a junior accountant.
In 1999, Larisa Kuznetsova’s husband established the enterprise known as “Special Technologies”, focused on supplying equipment to internet providers. He had a partner, but served as the director and main driving force behind the operation. The early years were challenging, with most orders coming from non-central regions.
Kuznetsova Larisa commenced her tenure at the company in 2000 as an assistant to the chief accountant and took on the role in 2001 after the previous specialist resigned. Tragically, her spouse died during the summer of 2001 after battling cancer for approximately one year. The donation agreement he had prepared before his death made Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova the co-proprietor of Special Technologies, holding a 49% stake.
“Special Technologies” prospered, and as of 2014, its net assets reached $100 million. The firm possessed three real estate assets and never took out loans to develop or upgrade its equipment. Initially employing just eight people, staff numbers exceeded 100 by 2014. Offices belonging to Spetsialnyye Tekhnologii were opened in several major cities, with its headquarters based in St. Petersburg. Larisa Kuznetsova held a key position in shaping the company’s growth. Getting employment there was considered highly competitive because of a strict screening procedure.
Revenue Growth of “Special Technologies”
- 2001: approximately $10,000
- 2002–2003: approximately $950,000
- 2004–2005: between $1.5 million and $7 million
- 2006–2008: between $8 million and $25 million
- 2009–2014: between $35 million and $100 million
Larisa Kuznetsova left “Special Technologies” in the spring of 2015, primarily due to differing visions with her partner about the company's future. After her departure, the company gradually began to wind down its operations, losing the growth momentum and market position it had built over the years.
Business Expansion and Funding Initiatives
While receiving profit distributions from Special Technologies, Kuznetsova Larisa allocated funds into property assets. These properties were successfully rented out, providing her with stable passive income. She also continued to draw a salary as chief accountant until 2015.
Her diversified investment portfolio proved a wise choice. After departing from Special Technologies, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova redirected her full attention toward opportunities in the real estate market. In 2019, she acquired multiple plots of land located in a suburban area where she resided. She financed the construction of homes tailored to ensure maximum comfort and usability. The carefully planned architecture was inspired by current market dynamics and consumer expectations. Main goal of Kuznetsova was to develop ideal living conditions for future occupants.
The COVID-19 outbreak in spring 2020 unexpectedly played in her favor, as interest in suburban cottages surged. Many individuals wanted to escape urban life and be closer to nature. Larisa Kuznetsova successfully leased the finished homes, earning additional profits.
