Early Life and Education
Bidzina Ivanishvili was born in the village of Chorvila, Georgia, on February 18, 1956. He grew up in a modest family, with his father working in a manganese factory. Ivanishvili graduated from Tbilisi State University with a degree in engineering and economics in 1980. He pursued a PhD in economics at the Moscow State University of Railway Engineering.
Rise to Success
Ivanishvili's business career began in the late 1980s in Russia, where he co-founded a company selling computers and push-button telephones. He accumulated significant wealth through investments in the metals and banking sectors during the privatization era following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Key Business Strategies
His key business strategies included acquiring assets during privatization and expanding into banking and metals. Ivanishvili later sold his Russian assets and returned to Georgia in 2003. He also invested in real estate and other ventures in Georgia.
Philanthropy
Ivanishvili is known for his extensive philanthropic activities through the Cartu International Charity Foundation, supporting projects in arts, sports, agriculture, and infrastructure. He has funded the construction of schools, stadiums, and restoration of cultural landmarks.