Good Bad Billionaire Tatyana Kim: Russia’s online retail queen
Oct 13, 2025
Discover the incredible journey of Tatyana Kim, who transformed from an English teacher into Russia’s wealthiest woman by founding Wildberries. Learn how she navigated the challenges of the e-commerce landscape, innovated with pickup points, and tackled supplier disputes. The podcast delves into the dramatic 2024 office shooting incident, the shadowy merger with Russ Outdoor, and the ensuing political fallout. Find out how Kim balances her billionaire status with philanthropy and public perception, and what the future holds for her expanding empire.
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Humble Startup In Moscow
- Tatyana Kim started Wildberries while on maternity leave after struggling to return to teaching and facing postnatal depression.
- She initially delivered parcels herself across Moscow and built the site with about $700 from her husband, according to her account.
Early Undercut And DIY Operations
- Early Wildberries undercut catalogue resellers by taking no advance payments and charging a 10% commission.
- Kim claims she handled deliveries and returns personally before hiring students and investing in a photo studio.
Pickup Rooms As A Logistics Breakthrough
- Wildberries solved Russian online clothing friction with pickup points that doubled as fitting rooms and micro-distribution centres.
- This network let them absorb high return rates and scale logistics in a vast country.