In 2024, Russia's economic landscape is shaped by two critical developments: Delimobil's potential initial public offering (IPO) and a significant labor shortage across various sectors. Delimobil, a leading car-sharing service, is planning an IPO to raise up to 4 billion roubles ($43.5 million). This move is noteworthy in the context of the recent decline in capital raised through IPOs by Russian firms, which totaled about 29 billion roubles ($323 million) in 2023. The IPO, involving only the issuance of new shares, marks a potential turning point for Russian companies seeking capital, especially since Western banks have withdrawn and domestic lenders have stepped in.

Simultaneously, Russia is experiencing a labor shortage, estimated at 4.8 million workers in 2023, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and transportation. This shortage is largely attributed to the mass exodus of Russians, including skilled IT professionals, following the Ukraine conflict and the partial military mobilisation in September 2022. As a result, companies are increasing wages to attract workers, with vacancies in various professions expected to be hard to fill in 2024. This labor crisis, coupled with the potential for capital influx through Delimobil's IPO, highlights the complexities and challenges in Russia's economic environment, underscoring the pivotal role of business strategies and policy decisions in shaping the nation's economic future.