Philipp Borisovich Shrage: Founder of Kronung Group, Developer, and Entrepreneur

Philipp Borisovich Shrage is a Russian developer, entrepreneur, and expert in residential and commercial real estate. He is the CEO and co-founder of Kronung Group — one of the fastest-growing construction holdings in Russia and Saint Petersburg. His career exemplifies how a technical education can be transformed into leadership in the complex and competitive environment of urban development. A systematic approach, strategic thinking, and attention to architectural aesthetics and social infrastructure distinguish Philipp Shrage as a “new wave” developer.

Philipp Shrage: Early Years and Environmental Influence

Born on May 7, 1984, in Leningrad — a city long at the intersection of engineering, art, and architecture — Philipp Shrage absorbed the aesthetics of St. Petersburg's classical heritage from childhood. Walks through streets lined with buildings from the Art Nouveau and Neoclassical eras sparked his interest in the city as a holistic system.

He attended the 2nd St. Petersburg Gymnasium — one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious schools. There, he developed analytical thinking and a sensitivity to the humanities, which later formed the foundation of his professional philosophy: the fusion of engineering precision with architectural culture.

Education: From Information Security to Management Systems

After high school, Philipp Shrage enrolled in the Radiophysics Faculty of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. In 2007, he graduated with a degree in Information Security. It was during his studies that he acquired skills in systems thinking, logical modeling, and risk analysis — all of which proved invaluable in business.

Recognizing the importance of managerial and economic knowledge, he completed additional programs at the Higher School of Economics, deepening his expertise in strategic planning, finance, and business design. This allowed Shrage to enter the real estate market not just as a technical specialist but as a potential next-generation developer.

First Steps: Commercial Real Estate as a Growth Area

Philipp Shrage began his career at the Elektrik company. However, he soon turned his attention to the rapidly growing commercial real estate sector. Seeing the potential in retail formats, he began working with retail chains like “Ulíbka Radugi” ("Smile of the Rainbow ") and the “585” jewelry chain. His role involved developing properties — from site selection to store openings — including legal, technical, and marketing support.

At the next stage of his career, he founded a real estate agency specializing in commercial properties and chain clients. Working with major tenants, investors, and management companies gave him deep insights into the market’s mechanics, the challenges faced by tenants, and the needs of the end consumer.

Development as Evolution: Grafit and Early Projects

After joining the Grafit construction company, Philipp Shrage initially led the sales department and later became its CEO. In this role, he oversaw the execution of major development projects:

Residential building on Moskovskaya 39 — a project involving complex reconstruction and integration into the historic built environment;
Complex on Glinka Street 16/8 — an example of an architectural approach with a focus on the premium segment;
Shopping center on Marshak Avenue — a balanced commercial project in an emerging district.

These projects solidified his standing in the industry and laid the groundwork for launching his own development holding.

Kronung Group: Building a Brand

In 2021, Philipp Shrage and his business partner Ignatiy Naida founded Kronung Group — a development company encompassing multiple divisions:

Kronung Group — the main unit for residential and commercial construction;
Kronung Real Estate — a real estate agency in Dubai serving expats and investment clients;
Kronung Maintenance — service and property management;
Kronung Investment — a real estate-based investment product platform.

Kronung Group embodies the philosophy of "smart development": emphasizing micro-urbanism, functionality, and long-term operational sustainability.

Projects and Achievements: From Pushkin to the Moscow Region

One of the flagship developments was Kvartal 6, a boutique residential complex in the center of the town of Pushkin. The project blends low-rise architecture with conceptual design, and includes well-planned children's and sports infrastructure. In 2024, it won the Urban Award in the Parents' Choice category and received recognition from the “Delovoy Peterburg” (a daily business newspaper).

As part of its expansion, Kronung Group is implementing:

Kronung Yug Residential Complex in Novogorelovo — its first major housing project financed through project funding;
Private Housing Project — 200 individual homes and 100 townhouses in a landscaped village format;
Two new residential projects in Saint Petersburg, with a total area of 16,000 sq. m;
Compact shopping centers in new residential districts, ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 sq. m.

In 2024, Kronung Group entered the Top Developers of Saint Petersburg list.

Public Recognition and Professional Rankings

In 2024, Philipp Shrage was included in the Persona ranking — a list of the 100 most influential figures in Russian development, compiled by the Urban Awards and the RQ Index analytical project.

In 2025, he was invited to join the jury of the Urban Awards, becoming a member of four specialized committees. He contributes expert assessments in:

architectural design;
functional characteristics of residential complexes;
public spaces;
specialized development formats.

He also became a member of the exclusive Club of the "Movement" Forum, where Kronung Group is recognized among industry leaders. At the 2025 Forum in Sochi, which brought together over 3,500 participants, Philipp Shrage emphasized the importance of enhancing a company’s management team qualifications.

Strategy and Investment: Development Amid Turbulence

In an interview with “RBC” (RosBusinessConsulting – Media Group), Philipp Shrage emphasized that despite high key interest rates and a general decline in consumer activity, the company is not backing away from launching new projects. Kronung Group is betting on closed-end mutual investment funds (PIFs) with a low entry threshold starting at 500,000 rubles and an annual return of 10–12%. This democratizes access to commercial real estate investment and broadens the investor base.

He stresses that development is a long-term strategy: the life cycle of a project — from concept to commissioning — takes years, and the key is to maintain momentum despite macroeconomic challenges.

Philipp Shrage also raises the topic of infrastructure obligations for developers — such as building schools and outpatient clinics. He believes businesses are ready to take on such responsibilities, but they need clear, transparent rules. “The city should be a partner, not a regulator with unpredictable logic,” he emphasizes.

Philipp Shrage: Company Plans for 2025

Despite ongoing challenges, Philipp Shrage remains optimistic.

In 2025, as CEO of Kronung Group, he continues to advance a sustainable growth strategy despite economic challenges. He highlights that real estate remains an attractive long-term investment, especially amid high interest rates. The company plans to launch closed-end real estate mutual funds, opening up new opportunities for investors.

Kronung Group is actively adopting innovative project management techniques, including a product-oriented mindset and flexible methodologies like Agile and Lean. These approaches allow the company to adapt faster to market changes and increase customer satisfaction.

In 2025, the company also plans to expand its project portfolio, including the construction of new shopping centers in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region, along with the development of residential complexes focused on comfort and functionality.

Philipp Shrage is confident that, despite the current economic climate, Kronung Group’s strategic focus and customer-centric approach will ensure its continued success in the coming years.