Oskar Hartmann

Oskar Hartmann was born in 1982 in Kazakhstan, moved with his family to Germany at the age of 8, and then to the USA at 17 to study English.

Hartmann pursued a degree in International Economics at WHU University — Otto Beisheim School of Management, earning accolades as a top student. His academic journey took him to diverse global locations, including internships at esteemed multinational companies like BMW in Malaysia, Boston Consulting Company, and GameGoods UG in Cologne.

Having received education in Germany and the USA, he began his entrepreneurial journey in 2010 by creating Sapato and the first Russian TV shopping channel, Shopping Live.

In 2012, Sapato was acquired by Ozon, and the sale of his stake in Shopping Live enabled Hartmann to launch a series of successful online projects, such as Teamo, Carprice, Relevant Media, HomeMarket, Aktivo, Vitaportal, AutoSpot, Iqcard, and Hlebnoe mesto.

Oskar Hartmann's transition to venture capitalism solidified his status as one of the world’s most successful business angels. As a co-founder and partner of Fast Lane Ventures, Simile Ventures Partners, and LARIX funds, he meticulously curated a portfolio that spans over 70 companies.

His investments, managed through the family holding entity Hartmann Holdings, boast an impressive tally of 14 companies reaching a $1 Billion-plus capitalization. This remarkable achievement earned him the moniker 'Unicorn Angel,' and in 2018, he was acknowledged among Germany's 1000 wealthiest residents. Global awards, including the "Master of Investment" at EY’s “Russia Entrepreneur of the Year 2015” awards, bear testament to his influential presence in the business world.

Thanks to his determination, innovative approach, and ability to find promising niches, Oskar Hartmann is one of the most famous and influential entrepreneurs in the Russian internet industry.

Oskar Hartmann has been happy for many years in his one and only marriage. He is married to Tatiana Hartmann, with whom the entrepreneur has four children: three sons and a daughter.

Oskar met his future wife while still a student in Moscow on an exchange program. Tatiana is Oskar’s loyal companion in all spheres of life, and her love, solidarity and support provide the foundation for the family’s success.

The couple believes that basic human qualities are developed in childhood and the Hartmann’s attach great importance to the upbringing and education of their children. They have decided against sending them abroad to study to protect their strong family ties and actively participate in their education.

Applying his decathlon principles, Oskar limits his attention on professional activities in order to devote as much time as possible to his family.

“I am grateful to my wife Tatiana. Thanks to her, I was able to remain human. She didn’t allow me to turn into a business machine and helped me to achieve peace and harmony in my life.”
— Oskar Hartmann

Oskar and Tatiana enjoy traveling with their children and have made more than a hundred trips discovering the world together. Oskar is convinced that if parents want to give their children a solid foundation they must provide a positive example in life–in their relationship with their spouse, by creating a calm and respectful atmosphere at home, and by engaging in quality pastimes with the family.

The Hartmanns encourage the ideas and uniqueness of their children, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.

In addition to the philosophy of action, Oskar Hartmann defines his decathlon philosophy as a derivative of the meaning of life—the principle by which he lives his life.

Oskar is convinced that a person should not put all their efforts into just one sphere: business, career, sports, or family. Otherwise, the remaining aspects of life will be left. A wealthy person may have money, but could end up sick and lonely, while a once-successful athlete might later find themselves without means of subsistence.

According to Hartmann, harmony in ones life appears when an individual equally develops in a combination of directions. The entrepreneur is convinced that one can be truly active in multiple directions, constantly moving towards their life dream, while still being in balance and harmony with oneself.

Oskar demonstrates this philosophy by his own example, showing that with great diligence, balance is entirely achievable. "If you can effectively dose all the components of your life—family, career, relationships, health, and hobbies—you will obtain the most beautiful composition of your life," Hartmann believes.

By applying great attention not only to business but also to sports, creativity, and family, the entrepreneur has identified for himself ten disciplines in which he strives daily to excel:

• Being a healthy, energetic and life-loving person
• Being a loving husband and father
• Being an active participant in his extended family roles of son, brother & uncle
• Being a trusted friend and partner
• Being an innovative entrepreneur
• Being an investor in other’s ideas, businesses and success
• Being a philanthropist, supporting & developing other entrepreneurs
• Being a disciplined athlete: cyclist, sprinter & rower
• Being a spiritual person, developing his life beliefs and foundation.

In his books "Just Do It! Do it Easy!" and "Alternait", on YouTube and his Telegram channels, Oskar encourages others to follow his example.

He explains how to develop and apply your own decathlon philosophy and why it is crucial for achieving harmony and success not only entrepreneurs but for any person desiring to live a fuller, richer life.