Russian venture investors transform San Francisco church into place for thought leadership

Russian investors recently purchased a church with an ornate, embellished interior in North Beach for $7 million. The group behind a new venture capital firm investing in Silicon Valley companies plan to turn the space into a meeting place and event venue for international thought leaders coming to San Francisco.

Pavel Cherkashin, co-founder of GVA Capital, said he and the other investors were attracted to the building’s “unique character” and “gorgeous architecture” and believe its design will help foster an environment that brings together an international community around topics of science, technology, art and philosophy. There are also plans to collaborate with universities around the world to offer educational opportunities for the general public.