Why Did a Russian Social Media Platform Skyrocket to $5,000? Inside Envato’s Sanctions and Pricing Drama

Earlier this month a Russian organization announced the launch of its domestic app store NashStore to counter Google Play’s closure of paid services for Russian users, citing loss of revenue for developers.

However, the revenue loss extends beyond Google; Russian developer Mansur reported that his earnings from the Envato marketplace can no longer be withdrawn.

“$1,000 for a software?”

Envato, the world’s largest marketplace for themes, tutorials, and digital assets, allows creators to sell their work. In 2020 Mansur released ColibriSM, a modern media‑sharing platform positioned as an easy‑to‑deploy alternative for building social networks similar to Twitter and Instagram.

For two years ColibriSM gained attention, with a reasonable price of $69 attracting many customers.

Recently the price abruptly rose to $1,000, a move Mansur says is intended to discourage further purchases while he struggles to support existing users without income.

Envato Stops Paying Russian Developers

Mansur explained that Envato has halted payments to Russian authors due to sanctions, refusing to transfer funds to any Russian financial institution. Payments are only possible to non‑Russian, authorized banks.

Envato offered him two options: freeze his account or privately sell the entire account to someone who can receive the money.

This forces him to work for free or sell his product, which he says is unsustainable.

Despite the extreme price, a buyer still purchased the $1,000 version, raising total sales to 687 copies, and the price later increased to $5,000.

Russian IT Talent Exodus

Following Mansur’s situation, various community members suggested alternative hosting and distribution options, and Mansur confirmed he can now sell his product outside Envato.

His personal profile shows a relocation to Turkey.

Beyond Mansur, many Russian IT professionals face sanctions, prompting a mass exodus. The Russian Electronic Communications Association reported that by March 23, 50‑70 thousand IT specialists had left, with an additional 70‑100 thousand expected in April, mainly to Turkey, the UAE, Armenia, and Georgia.

The Russian Digital Development Ministry responded by offering three‑year income‑tax exemptions for IT companies and deferments of military service for software developers.

The article ends by asking readers for their views on Mansur’s predicament and possible solutions.