Yuri Milner

Yuri Milner is a highly influential figure in global technology investing, primarily recognized as the founder of DST Global (Digital Sky Technologies). Established in 2009, DST Global is a venture capital firm renowned for its focus on late-stage, high-growth internet companies. Milner's investment philosophy centers on identifying and backing market leaders with proven business models, often taking significant, non-controlling stakes in these enterprises rather than engaging in early-stage venture capital.

The firm's strategy is characterized by its focus on companies that have already achieved substantial market penetration and are poised for global expansion. DST Global gained widespread recognition for its early and substantial investments in some of the world's largest social media and e-commerce platforms. Notable examples include its investment in Facebook, where DST Global initially invested $200 million for a 1.96% stake in 2009, and its lead role in a $400 million funding round for Twitter in 2011. The firm's portfolio has since expanded to include major global players such as Alibaba, JD.com, Xiaomi, Spotify, and Airbnb, demonstrating a consistent focus on dominant internet companies across diverse geographies.

DST Global operates with substantial capital, enabling it to participate in large, multi-hundred-million-dollar funding rounds. The firm has successfully raised numerous large funds over the years, including DST Global V, which closed with $1.7 billion in 2015, and DST Global IX, which secured $1.5 billion in 2020. This significant financial capacity allows DST Global to provide substantial growth capital to mature startups, often facilitating their global expansion and market consolidation. Milner's strategic approach has played a crucial role in shaping the late-stage funding landscape, providing essential liquidity and growth resources to companies on the cusp of or already achieving global dominance.