Using the historical method, the author reviews the process of formation of the Russian entrepreneurship, since the birth of the statehood up to the beginning of industrial growth at the end of the 19th century. It is shown that, unlike European countries, the Russian entrepreneurship was strongly influenced by the character of the political system — patrimonial economy. This led to dissociation of entrepreneurs, impossibility to concentrate their capitals, and slow economic growth compared with the leading countries of the world. The initiative business activity was less effective than the business orientated to satisfaction of state needs.