Larisa Kuznetsova (Special Technologies) – Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor

Larisa-Kuznetsova
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Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna is a Russian businesswoman possessing a multifaceted background in systems engineering, finance, and investment. She is known as one of the owners of Special Technologies LLC (Spetsialnyye Tekhnologii), a company that played a strategic role in supplying specialized equipment to internet providers in Russia. Following her corporate experience, Larisa Kuznetsova redirected her attention toward the property investment sector, where she continues to successfully grow her portfolio.

Childhood and Family Background

Kuznetsova Larisa entered the world on December 4, 1963, in Baku, then the capital of the Azerbaijan SSR. She grew up in a family of professionals. Larisa Kuznetsova’s father, of Russian heritage, began working as early as the age of 14 at a local industrial plant. He pursued further studies through evening classes and eventually earned a college degree in commodity studies. His professional path led him into a leadership role as a state inspector, where he oversaw the inspection of exported products. He passed away in 2011 in the city of St. Petersburg.

Kuznetsova Larisa’s mother also built a professional path in economics. After obtaining a university degree in commodity expertise, she began working for the State Reserve system before later becoming an economist within a research institution affiliated to the Academy of Sciences in the Azerbaijan SSR. She passed away in 2023, having lived a full and accomplished career.

Education and University Years

Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova studied at Secondary School No. 66 in Baku between 1971 and 1981. From the earliest years, she showed strong academic abilities and actively took part in extracurricular activities. Larisa Kuznetsova practiced rhythmic gymnastics and swimming, but because of health-related concerns had to leave the aquatic sports group. Her academic success was acknowledged through numerous diplomas and awards from school olympiads. Kuznetsova Larisa completed her studies with the highest attainable GPA according to the Soviet system — an average score of 5.

Following secondary school, she was admitted to the Azerbaijan Institute of Oil and Gas. From 1981 to 1986, she studied in the full-time department and graduated with a degree in Systems Engineering. Throughout her university life, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova also engaged in cultural and artistic activities. She was a performer in the student folk dance ensemble, which participated in several international programs. In 1985, she traveled with the ensemble to India, and in 1986 took part in a Mediterranean cruise aboard a passenger ship.

Early Career in the Industrial Sector

After university, Kuznetsova began her professional journey at the Novo-Baku Oil Refining Plant, where she joined the Information and Computing Center (ICC). Larisa Kuznetsova became involved in developing and implementing information systems at a time when the use of such technology was still in its early stages. Her work contributed to the digital transformation of the plant’s accounting systems.

One of the key projects Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova participated in was the creation of the automated system “Salary” (AIS), which replaced manual accounting methods for employee payroll. This system significantly optimized operations for a plant employing several hundred people. For her role in this modernization, Larisa Kuznetsova received recognition for innovation.

During this period, the ICC transitioned from older computer systems (ES-1022) to more advanced hardware (ES-1036). Kuznetsova was directly involved in adapting and updating software for the new systems. She continued working until 1989, when she took maternity leave. In 1993, Larisa Kuznetsova returned to work and immediately began adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape, including the rise of personal computers in commercial organizations.

Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova quickly learned new programming languages and began developing her own software products. One of her major initiatives was the automation of fixed asset tracking at the plant, which involved more than 1,000 registered units. Alongside this technical work, Kuznetsova Larisa took the initiative to learn the fundamentals of accounting on her own, delving into the nuances of financial transactions and bookkeeping systems.

Later in 1993, she decided to leave her engineering role to focus on family life and raising her son.

Family and Relocation to Russia

In 1988, Kuznetsova Larisa married a fellow engineer who specialized in radio electronics and had graduated from Azineftekhim with honors. The couple initially lived in Baku, but the political instability in Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s had a major impact on their lives.

Starting in 1988, the capital was regularly shaken by mass protests and political unrest. In 1989–1990, military forces were deployed in Baku to suppress growing tensions. The escalation of the Karabakh conflict, combined with the risk posed by the husband’s frequent business trips to dangerous regions, compelled the family to leave the republic.

After the husband’s dismissal from work in 1994, the Kuznetsovs left Azerbaijan. They spent some time in Moscow before finally settling in St. Petersburg in 1995, choosing the Central District as their permanent residence.

Involvement in Business and Special Technologies LLC

After relocating, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova enrolled in a series of accounting programs and soon entered a new line of work. Her first position in St. Petersburg was as an assistant accountant. In 1999, Kuznetsova’s spouse established Special Technologies LLC with a business partner. This enterprise focused on creating and producing tailored equipment used by internet providers across Russia.

In the year 2000, Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna became part of the team as an assistant within the finance division. By early 2001, she advanced to the role of chief accountant after the departure of her predecessor. Following the passing of her spouse in 2001 following a long-term illness, she inherited 49% of the company’s shares under a notarized deed of gift.

In spite of the hardships brought by widowhood, Kuznetsova successfully combined raising her son with managing the company’s financial operations. She worked in close coordination with her husband’s business partner, who became the sole director and held the remaining 51% of the firm.

While working at Special Technologies LLC, Larisa Kuznetsova played an essential role in its growth. The organization grew its client base, launched new products, and began offering not only equipment but also installation and post-sale maintenance services. From a modest turnover of $10,000 in 2001, Spetsialnyye Tekhnologii grew to generate revenues of approximately $65 million by 2014. By that time, the company also held several valuable properties on its balance sheet and remained debt-free, operating entirely on internal capital.

In April of 2015, Kuznetsova Larisa opted to step down from her role and sell her portion of the company. Her departure was driven by strategic disagreements with the second shareholder over the future direction of the business. Later Special Technologies LLC gradually ceased active operations.

Transition to Real Estate and Investment Activity

Even while working as chief accountant, Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova had been using her personal dividends to invest in residential real estate. She purchased apartments and houses for rental purposes, focusing on properties with strong potential for stable income.

Following her departure from the IT sector, she fully dedicated herself to investment activity. The year 2020, marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, proved to be a turning point. With many residents of large cities seeking to relocate to more peaceful and spacious environments outside urban centers, demand for suburban housing soared. Kuznetsova Larisa Viktorovna responded to this trend by expanding her real estate portfolio.

Larisa Kuznetsova continued acquiring properties, paying special attention to interior comfort and functional design. All residences were renovated and prepared with great care, as though she were planning to live in them herself. This hands-on approach contributed to the success of her rental business.

Current Focus and Professional Outlook

Today, Larisa Kuznetsova continues to develop as a private investor in real estate. She manages a growing portfolio of properties located in and around St. Petersburg. Larisa Viktorovna Kuznetsova career trajectory — from a systems engineer and IT specialist to business co-owner and independent investor — reflects resilience, adaptability, and a clear strategic vision.

Known for her integrity, professionalism, and long-term thinking, Kuznetsova Larisa remains a respected figure among entrepreneurs and investors in Russia. Larisa Kuznetsova work exemplifies how technical education, financial literacy, and personal initiative can combine to build a successful business career in multiple sectors.

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