Vahagn Grigoryan, PhD

This question comes up sometimes: How to further improve tech & innovation in Armenia 🙂 So other countries, apart from Public investment in Sciences, also incentivize Private investment into innovation Startups. One policy example suggested to me yesterday was ESIC. Another one is ESI. On both of these, losses on Startup investments can be tax deductible. There was some work done on this type of a policy in Armenia as well – hope this will continue. This would definitely further improve tech, and general growth outlook. Especially given the current emphasis on tech product building. Cheers ) (Sources in comments)

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On June 27th, Batch 6 startup founders showcase their products on Demo Day. Here's your chance to meet: YAYA: Gives users one pass to access 500+ kids' centers in Kazakhstan —convenience and variety in one space. VideoPoint | Shoppable video for DTC sales: VideoPoint boosts DTC sales by turning Instagram reels into shoppable video widgets for Shopify stores. Katalist.ai: Creates visual stories with consistent characters and scenes using generative AI. Raised: Supports companies to get paired with top-tier, carefully pre-vetted C-level executives for part-time or project-based roles, ensuring the perfect match to drive your company's success. Helio.AI: Intelligent recruiting software that helps companies automate hiring and find the best candidate faster, with a game. Clustr: A research-driven investment platform for web3 users. Clustr highlights the risks behind each coin and protects investors from scams. It connects to a wallet and helps users build balanced portfolios using actionable insights. Optimyzee:  Help companies maximize ROI and optimize Google Ads spending by leveraging AI-driven insights, expert-led strategies, and real-time market analysis. Trag: AI platform that puts software maintenance on autopilot. Laura Yeraliyeva Khachatur Virabyan Iako Jikia David Arshakian Tim Cherkasov Roman Ischenko, PhD Andraz Zvonar Kostas Zhukov

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We provide comprehensive support to investors throughout the entire lifecycle - from the first consultation to project launch and aftercare (from “A to ~”😁). Our “one window” approach streamlines every step, offering guidance and services all in one place and free of charge! #investment #FDI #EnterpriseArmenia #onewindow #businesssupport #investinArmenia #invest #Armenia

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A Comprehensive overview of various funding options available for early-stage startups, highlighting their unique features and suitability for different business stages and needs. As a Startup understand, evaluate, and weigh your options. Thanks Yana Abramova for the info-graph. 👉 Venture Capital (VC) Institutional Capital: Requires an exit plan. Offers expert advice, operational support, and strong networks. Best for tech companies with a product/MVP and some early traction. VCs invest in specific sectors, geographies, and stages. 👉 Angel Investors Individuals or angel syndicates. Invest earlier than VCs with smaller checks (average $25k-1m). Provide support and mentorship in the early days. Faster investment decisions. 👉 Crowdfunding Open to the public to invest. Supporters willing to pay early for the product. Best for consumer businesses and marketing. Platforms: Seedrs, Crowdcube, Kickstarter, Indiegogo. 👉 Accelerators Pre-product stage. Offer mentorship, operational support, and fast-track to start a business. Great brand value for future fundraising if reputable. Examples: Y Combinator, Techstars, Entrepreneur First. 👉 Contests Free capital if you win, but may have non-financial conditions. Good media coverage. Typically small amounts of money. 👉 Grants from Government Bureaucratic and long process. Applicable to certain industries. No need to pay back. Example: Horizon 2020. 👉 Bootstrap Grow without external capital. No equity giveaway. Can include loans or venture debt. #Startup #innovation #entrepreneurship #sustainability #investing #networking #venturecapital #KaariaStartupValuation #Kaaria #KaariaGetFunded

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Don't miss out on this chance to be part of an exciting Solana IRL watch meetup at ftNFT Phygital Space! Startup presentations, IRL watch event, and networking will wait for you. Check out the agenda and register on our event page, places are limited. Ernest Mkrtchyan and I will look forward to seeing you there! #Solana #Blockchain #Meetup #Armenia #Networking #Startups

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  **Clean2Go System Concludes Successful Pilot in Negev Region, Israel**   We are excited to announce the successful completion of the Clean2Go pilot project in the Negev region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Chief Scientist of Israel.  This innovative waste management platform has showcased impressive results, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance environmental sustainability.   Key Highlights from the Pilot:   -Waste Account Reduction: Two participating municipalities experienced a remarkable decrease in waste metrics, with reductions ranging from 20% to 27%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Clean2Go in promoting efficient waste disposal practices.   Private Contractor Work Reduction: The pilot also managed to significantly reduce the workload of private contractors, showing a decrease of over 80%. This decrease not only reflects increased efficiency but also promotes a more sustainable model for waste management.   Enhanced Truck Efficiency: There was a notable improvement in the operational efficiency of cleaning trucks, with a 15% increase in their productivity in work mode. This optimization ensures that resources are utilized effectively, leading to better service delivery.   The positive outcomes of this pilot highlight Clean2Go’s potential to transform waste management practices across Israel. As we move forward, we aim to incorporate these findings to further refine the system and expand its implementation including AI capabilities in additional municipalities.   Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our commitment to environmental excellence and community support through innovative solutions like Clean2Go.   For more information, please contact Kobi (Jacob) Kalderon Gold Ventures Investment #Network #Startups #VC #SmartCity #Investor #Goldventuresinvestment

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I appeared on #Azerbaijan's "Modern Talking" with @Rasim Babayev to discuss a variety of latest developments. We touched on: - the unclear direction of the US #Elections2024 - #Azerbaijan's demands on #Armenia in terms of the #Zangezur corridor, constitutional changes, and other implementations required for finalizing a permanent peace agreement. - #Iran's interests and concerns in #Zangezur - Is #Armenia really turning away from #Russia? Contradictory political/#military and economic policies. - US view on Yerevan's turn to the West - and a blind spot towards the continuing #Russian influence. - Is the Armenian #Lobby in the US behind the latest downturn in Baku-Washington relations, including a push for renewed #sanctions, and the shutdown of the #USAID operations in Baku? - What's to make of the pro-Russian parties in #Georgia? - Will US use economic influence to stop the rise of #Russia and #China in the #SouthCaucasus, including #Georgia? - Was the Marshall Plan behind the Soviet Union control of its various republics and consequent influence in various part of the world? - Why is US development aid and investment interest tied to the push for pro-#LGBTQ policies in socially conservative countries? - What's the outlook for the #MiddleEast and the war in #Ukraine under #Trump vs. under #KamalaHarris? ... and much more!

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No matter what challenges reality brings, Israeli startups continue to deliver. Thanks Calcalist כלכליסט and Bank Hapoalim בנק הפועלים for continuing to support our ecosystem. The only thing I would change in the article is my picture.. its about time 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ #nomatterwhat Glilot Capital Partners

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At Formula VC we have various companies innovating and revolutionizing many industries 🍀 It became really difficult to gather all of these global companies under one roof 🤔 10 out of our 19 startups are in the photo below, kudos to them and these missing 🍻 #innovation #funding #venture_capital #armenia_tech_hub

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Which Startups are Selected for Plug and Play Program in Armenia? Yesterday, the startups selected to join the program were announced at Kick-Off Day. Here is the list of selected startups ⬇️ Kerpak is an AI-powered grab-and-go solution provider with an autonomous "micro store in a box" concept. Doctor Yan is the first application to book medical services in Armenia, simplifying the search system by booking a visit to a doctor. Prodmap.ai is an all-in-one platform that uses AI to streamline product creation, roadmap management, and team communication. Zegashop is an e-commerce provider that allows anyone to easily create a store and sell online. FiveBrane is a data science platform for disease analytics that builds reliable medical imaging AI solutions and precision medicine. LunarTech is an AI and Data Science company that helps professionals, businesses, and institutions integrate Data Science and AI into their operations. Hirebee is an AI-powered international HRTech platform with advanced technologies that help individuals and businesses accelerate growth. The Fintch is a mobile application designed to empower kids of 9-14 age with essential financial literacy skills. Sestive is a platform that facilitates both online and offline therapy processes, simplifying communication between therapists and mental health seekers. doodooc is a music visualization platform designed for the music industry, enabling users to create professional background videos with just a click. EdMap is an IT industry simulator that provides the necessary tools for planning careers, getting industry experience, and successfully moving up the career ladder. Hoviv is a mobile application delivering solutions for tracking animals, managing milk production, and monitoring ovulation cycles. Wearify is a 3D virtual fitting room for online clothing brands, delivering precision and style through virtual try-ons. Doccy is developing automated medical speech recognition technology for the Armenian market to reduce doctors' time on report generation. Biocentric.ai integrates AI and Computational Biophysics to advance drug discovery. Text'nPayMe delivers seamless, conversational payments and transactions within their favorite social and messaging apps. Moby Concierge is an AI-powered travel assistant. It manages guest inquiries, shares local recommendations, and provides instant support. TACTUN is a no-code software platform that empowers domain experts to design complex machinery without requiring electronic or software engineering expertise. PEARCH.AI is a people search engine that accelerates talent discovery, reducing the search process. CaseLens is an AI-powered tool designed to accelerate factual research for law firms. Congratulations to all parties involved and the ecosystem in general Plug and Play Tech Center Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia Mkhitar Hayrapetyan Ruben Simonyan, PhD, PMP® Alfredo Gomez Soria Katya Rozhkova

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This is very exciting! We’ve been maintaining the #Israeli #fintech map for over 10 years, but now we've taken it a step further. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞!! 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫, designed to provide more value to the entire ecosystem (link in the comments).   The map brings together over 300 trailblazers in the financial technology sector, each contributing to how the world saves, invests, and transacts. Alongside the map, we’re presenting a 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, providing an overview of the latest developments in the FinTech industry globally and in Israel. Check out the first link for the map - and ping me if you think we're missing a logo! Omry Ben David Uri Lampert Adam Shalem

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Behind every successful GenAI solution you will always find one hell of a robust HW infrastructure :-) Want to thank the wonderful participants of the “Trailblazing Hardware: The role of Israeli Startups in transforming AI Hardware” panel at the AI week in the Tel Aviv University: Orr Danon Co-Founder and CEO of Hailo, Moshe Tanach, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuReality and Elad Raz Founder and CEO of NextSilicon– the leaders of the next generation Israeli semiconductor companies for a wonderful enlightening panel, where they shared their thought, experience and vision about the present and future of the Israeli AI and chips industry. For those who missed the event - we will upload the video to our site in several days - https://aiisrael.org.il/.  Stay tuned. #semiconductors #electronics #semiconductor #engineering #technology #semiconductorindustry #vlsitraining #computers #semiconductores #siliconvalley #engineer #ai #microelectronics #electroniccomponents #embedded #pcbdesign #transistor #artificialintelligence #iot #artificialintelligence #ai #machinelearning #technology #datascience #deeplearning #programming #tech #innovation #bigdata #coding #computerscience #data #dataanalytics #datascientist #software #automation #analytics #ml #digitaltransformation

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Behind every successful GenAI solution you will always find one hell of a robust HW infrastructure :-) Want to thank the wonderful participants of the “Trailblazing Hardware: The role of Israeli Startups in transforming AI Hardware” panel at the AI week in the Tel Aviv University: Orr Danon Co-Founder and CEO of Hailo, Moshe Tanach, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuReality and Elad Raz Founder and CEO of NextSilicon– the leaders of the next generation Israeli semiconductor companies for a wonderful enlightening panel, where they shared their thought, experience and vision about the present and future of the Israeli AI and chips industry. For those who missed the event - we will upload the video to our site in several days - https://aiisrael.org.il/.  Stay tuned. #semiconductors #electronics #semiconductor #engineering #technology #semiconductorindustry #vlsitraining #computers #semiconductores #siliconvalley #engineer #ai #microelectronics #electroniccomponents #embedded #pcbdesign #transistor #artificialintelligence #iot #artificialintelligence #ai #machinelearning #technology #datascience #deeplearning #programming #tech #innovation #bigdata #coding #computerscience #data #dataanalytics #datascientist #software #automation #analytics #ml #digitaltransformation

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AI in video production and the meaning and importance of 3 finger combination gesture in giving feedbacks in Armenian culture 🎥 🔗 Link in comments #speakAD #podcast #podcast #advertising #advertising #advertising #promotional #podcast #marketing #business

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Ready to participate in the Startup World Cup and compete for a $1,000,000 investment in Silicon Valley? We announce the start of the regional stage of the Startup World Cup – the world's largest pitch competition ⚡️ We are holding it together with Sigma Software Labs with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The Ukrainian final will be held in Kyiv and Warsaw on September 4, 2024. The event will determine the champion of Ukraine, who will perform on the Startup World Cup stage in San Francisco. SID Venture Partners covers the ticket and accommodation expenses of the winners. We are waiting for your application if the startup meets the following criteria: 🖇 Present in Ukraine (registered company, office, development center, or remote team) 🖇 More than 50% of the startup belongs to Ukrainians. Early-stage startups that will finish the UNICORN program can participate, and already successful projects that meet at least two of the following criteria - have at least 15 employees, have at least $5 million in investments or at least $1 million in ARR can apply to the competition. The deadline for applications for early startups for the UNICORN program is August 11; for other startups – August 15. Ukrainian final: September 4, 2024, offline Kyiv/Warsaw. We are waiting for your applications via the link: https://lnkd.in/deAFRw6u

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𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐔𝐒 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐔𝐒 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥.    Founders of US-based VC-backed companies who graduated from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology are 21 times more likely than average to achieve unicorn status in the US.    Odds ratios for other universities in Israel:    Reichman University: 10.5 more likely  The Hebrew University of Jerusalem: 5.9  Tel Aviv University: 5.6  Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: 5.2    In three cases – Tsinghua University, Fudan University, and Savitribai Phule Pune University – we could not determine a ratio because EVERY founder graduating from these universities ended up with a unicorn (at least, in our sample)!     These are all astonishing odds.     The following schools with at least 10 founders among their undergraduate students also had good odds of producing unicorn founders:    Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (3.0 times more likely than average)  Bar-Ilan University (2.2)  Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (2.0)  University of Waterloo (1.6)  Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (1.6)  Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (1.4)  Queen's University (1.4)    Any other universities you expected to see in this post?    Thank you to the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Venture Capital Initiative team for spearheading this research.    Note: In our sample of 2,897 founders of 1,110 US-based VC-backed unicorns, 607 founders earned a bachelor’s degree outside the US. Among the 2,337 founders from the random sample of 1,027 US-based VC-backed companies, 345 did so. Undergraduates from the Israel Institute of Technology include 26 unicorn founders and 1 random sample founder. Dividing one on the other, and correcting for the different number of unicorn founders and random sample founders, the odds ratio is 21.      #stanford #stanfordgsb #venturecapital #startups #innovation #technology 

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Lately, I’ve been talking to various stakeholders in the Georgian startup ecosystem, and one thing keeps coming up—something I’ve noticed as well: the quality and quantity of successful early-stage startups is dwindling. There has never been more "smart" capital, international expertise, and accumulated entrepreneurial experience available to Georgian startups than there is now. Yet, there’s a chasm between the idea-stage startups and the heavyweights that have been building their businesses for years. But where are the startups in the middle? The ones with recent funding, international customers, and rapid growth in global markets? Why has this gap widened? And what’s needed to push early-stage startups to the next level? Share your thoughts in the comments 👇 #startups #entrepreneurship #Georgia #startupecosystem

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