Where others saw barriers,
we saw opportunity
The STAN Story
From the high-tech heritage of the past to the cutting edge innovations of tomorrow, STAN is empowering a transformation that is seeing Armenia reclaim its innovative potential – by identifying and nurturing the most promising tech ventures with the most prospects for positive outcomes for founders, investors, Armenia, and the world.
Armenia’s renowned Soviet era high-tech ecosystem and talent led to the development of one of the most dynamic industries of independent Armenia - the Information and Communication Technologies sector. In 20 years the industry matured from just a few companies to hundreds of software development outsourcing providers that raised Armenia’s profile as a tech hub.
But the time came to shift focus from outsourced services to investing in native R&D and locally developed technology solutions that would have the most impact globally. The only thing lacking was funding, informed strategic advice, and the courage for untested waters.
Armenia’s renowned Soviet era high-tech ecosystem and talent led to the development of one of the most dynamic industries of independent Armenia - the Information and Communication Technologies sector. In 20 years the industry matured from just a few companies to hundreds of software development outsourcing providers that raised Armenia’s profile as a tech hub.
But the time came to shift focus from outsourced services to investing in native R&D and locally developed technology solutions that would have the most impact globally. The only thing lacking was funding, informed strategic advice, and the courage for untested waters.
Board of Trustees
- Co-founder, Chairman of the Board
- Co-founder, Board Member
- Board Member
- Board Member
- Board Member
Igor Khalatian
Igor is an entrepreneur and entrepreneur with over 20 years of successful expertise in high-tech sector globally.
Igor established a co-browsing and screen-sharing technology startup LiveLOOK in 2007 that was acquired by Oracle in 2014. Later, he assumed the role of Vice President of Development at Oracle. In the mid of 2023, Igor founded the world’s first AI-based dating service IRIS Dating.
He has a master's degree from Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, a doctorate in computer science from the USSR Academy of Sciences, and a Ph.D. from the Bell Labs research facility in the US. Dr. Khalatian is the author of 13 US patents. He is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Igor Khalatian, together with a group of 18 additional angels, established STAN. Starting from 2018, he has held a position as one of the co-chairs within the organization. Igor's influence has been crucial in molding the development and influence of the Armenian startup ecosystem.
Igor established a co-browsing and screen-sharing technology startup LiveLOOK in 2007 that was acquired by Oracle in 2014. Later, he assumed the role of Vice President of Development at Oracle. In the mid of 2023, Igor founded the world’s first AI-based dating service IRIS Dating.
He has a master's degree from Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, a doctorate in computer science from the USSR Academy of Sciences, and a Ph.D. from the Bell Labs research facility in the US. Dr. Khalatian is the author of 13 US patents. He is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Igor Khalatian, together with a group of 18 additional angels, established STAN. Starting from 2018, he has held a position as one of the co-chairs within the organization. Igor's influence has been crucial in molding the development and influence of the Armenian startup ecosystem.
Ruben Arutyunyan
Ruben's diverse background includes being the founder and CEO of the highly successful HENDERSON Russia Group, a prominent men's business and leisure outfit retailer with an extensive presence across more than 50 cities in Russia, and in Armenia.
He graduated from Yerevan Polytechnic University with a mechanical engineering degree in 1989. Additionally, he has an MBA from Moscow's Higher School of Commerce. Between 2017 and 2019, he presided over the board of trustees of the Ayb Educational Foundation. He has supported the UWC Dilijan educational project and has served as chairman of the Ayb School Board of Trustees. He has also been a member of the Aznavour Foundation Board of Trustees since 2019.
Ruben Arutyunyan is one of the initiators of creating the Science & Technology Angels Network in 2018. He has been the founding angels who were with STAN since its inception in 2018. Over the course of 5 years, he was the Co-Chair of the STAN. Ruben has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and impact of technology-focused startups in the region.
He graduated from Yerevan Polytechnic University with a mechanical engineering degree in 1989. Additionally, he has an MBA from Moscow's Higher School of Commerce. Between 2017 and 2019, he presided over the board of trustees of the Ayb Educational Foundation. He has supported the UWC Dilijan educational project and has served as chairman of the Ayb School Board of Trustees. He has also been a member of the Aznavour Foundation Board of Trustees since 2019.
Ruben Arutyunyan is one of the initiators of creating the Science & Technology Angels Network in 2018. He has been the founding angels who were with STAN since its inception in 2018. Over the course of 5 years, he was the Co-Chair of the STAN. Ruben has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and impact of technology-focused startups in the region.
Avetis Antaplyan
Avetis is an award-winning CEO, mission-driven Technologist, Entrepreneur and Angel Investor.
He is the Founder & CEO of HIRECLOUT, a 2-Time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company and a Global Tech Recruiting and Consulting firm with partners such Uber, Hulu, SonyPS, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Rivian, Stubhub and many of the best tech companies in the world. He has helped hundreds of companies scale their Tech & Engineering, leading to acquisitions and IPOs.
Avetis’s educational background includes completing the Executive Leadership program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Business & Economics degrees California State University, Northridge. Avetis is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council
Avetis Antaplyan joined STAN in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting Armenian startups as an investor and advisor. Avetis is among the most active angels of the STAN. His portfolio includes startups such as Saima, Doodooc, BrandLens, PopUp School, DoctorYan, Bliink, and many others.
Avetis's main passion lies in empowering the Armenian tech ecosystem to reach new heights and emerge as a global leader. Through his active involvement with STAN and dedication to supporting local startups, he endeavors to propel Armenia's tech landscape to international prominence.
He is the Founder & CEO of HIRECLOUT, a 2-Time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company and a Global Tech Recruiting and Consulting firm with partners such Uber, Hulu, SonyPS, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Rivian, Stubhub and many of the best tech companies in the world. He has helped hundreds of companies scale their Tech & Engineering, leading to acquisitions and IPOs.
Avetis’s educational background includes completing the Executive Leadership program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Business & Economics degrees California State University, Northridge. Avetis is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council
Avetis Antaplyan joined STAN in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting Armenian startups as an investor and advisor. Avetis is among the most active angels of the STAN. His portfolio includes startups such as Saima, Doodooc, BrandLens, PopUp School, DoctorYan, Bliink, and many others.
Avetis's main passion lies in empowering the Armenian tech ecosystem to reach new heights and emerge as a global leader. Through his active involvement with STAN and dedication to supporting local startups, he endeavors to propel Armenia's tech landscape to international prominence.
Alexandre Meterissian
Alexandre has deep expertise in public policy, communications and corporate strategy
and has advised the senior leadership of many high-profile organizations in managing
through strategic policy issues as well as regulatory, financial and business challenges.
Some of his clients have included Uber, Expedia Group, Intuit, Coca-Cola, BlackRock
Metals, Altasciences, Syneos, HEXO, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Shoppers Drug Mart and
GlaxoSmithKline.
Prior to joining Teneo, Alexandre was a partner at HATLEY Strategy Advisors which was
acquired by Teneo in 2020. He led the government affairs group advising clients on policy
issues both provincially in Québec and federally in Ottawa.
Previously, Alexandre worked for Canada’s Foreign Affairs and Immigration Ministers in
Ottawa. Alexandre received his bachelor’s degree (B.A. Arts) at McGill University and his
master’s in business (M.Sc. Strategy) at HEC Montréal.
As a proud Armenian-Canadian, one of Alexandre's passions is the economic development
of the Republic of Armenia. He is currently the Canada representative for Enterprise
Armenia, which is the national promotion authority of the country.
Alexandre is an angel investor and an LP in a Canadian-based venture capital fund.
Alexandre joined STAN in January 2023, and in this brief period, has already showcased an active commitment to supporting STAN programs and engaging with Armenian startups. With a demonstrated passion for fostering growth and innovation, Alexandre's active involvement in STAN initiatives and his extensive background make him a valuable board member.
and has advised the senior leadership of many high-profile organizations in managing
through strategic policy issues as well as regulatory, financial and business challenges.
Some of his clients have included Uber, Expedia Group, Intuit, Coca-Cola, BlackRock
Metals, Altasciences, Syneos, HEXO, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Shoppers Drug Mart and
GlaxoSmithKline.
Prior to joining Teneo, Alexandre was a partner at HATLEY Strategy Advisors which was
acquired by Teneo in 2020. He led the government affairs group advising clients on policy
issues both provincially in Québec and federally in Ottawa.
Previously, Alexandre worked for Canada’s Foreign Affairs and Immigration Ministers in
Ottawa. Alexandre received his bachelor’s degree (B.A. Arts) at McGill University and his
master’s in business (M.Sc. Strategy) at HEC Montréal.
As a proud Armenian-Canadian, one of Alexandre's passions is the economic development
of the Republic of Armenia. He is currently the Canada representative for Enterprise
Armenia, which is the national promotion authority of the country.
Alexandre is an angel investor and an LP in a Canadian-based venture capital fund.
Alexandre joined STAN in January 2023, and in this brief period, has already showcased an active commitment to supporting STAN programs and engaging with Armenian startups. With a demonstrated passion for fostering growth and innovation, Alexandre's active involvement in STAN initiatives and his extensive background make him a valuable board member.
Suzanna Shamakhyan
Suzanna Shamakhyan, is an ex-officio board member of STAN appointed by FAST. She is a versatile leader dedicated to education, network-building, and youth empowerment. As Vice-President of Strategic Programming at the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), she helps develop Armenia's science and innovation ecosystem, driving initiatives to modernize education and advance research. With extensive experience in leadership roles over the last 12 years, she spearheads impactful projects, creating a multiplying impact.
Additionally, Suzanna is an Associate Professor at the American University of Armenia, contributing to students' academic development by combining practical knowledge with a global perspective. Previously, as the Head of International Cooperation at Russian-Armenian University, she facilitated partnerships with institutions from 40 countries, implementing 25 major projects that fostered global collaboration. As the driving force behind building the university's internationalization strategy and structures, she established the department from the ground up.
Beyond her professional work, Suzanna is actively involved in volunteerism, supporting causes ranging from human rights to educational opportunities for indigenous communities. Her dedication to creating impact led her to establish the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in Armenia. As the Founding President of EYP Armenia in 2012, she created a platform for over 10,000 young Armenians to become active participants in society, fostering dialogue, leadership skills, and civic responsibility.
Additionally, Suzanna is an Associate Professor at the American University of Armenia, contributing to students' academic development by combining practical knowledge with a global perspective. Previously, as the Head of International Cooperation at Russian-Armenian University, she facilitated partnerships with institutions from 40 countries, implementing 25 major projects that fostered global collaboration. As the driving force behind building the university's internationalization strategy and structures, she established the department from the ground up.
Beyond her professional work, Suzanna is actively involved in volunteerism, supporting causes ranging from human rights to educational opportunities for indigenous communities. Her dedication to creating impact led her to establish the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in Armenia. As the Founding President of EYP Armenia in 2012, she created a platform for over 10,000 young Armenians to become active participants in society, fostering dialogue, leadership skills, and civic responsibility.
Filling the
funding gap
funding gap
The Science & Technology Angels Network was created to unite prominent Armenian entrepreneurs and technology supporters worldwide to invest in and mentor
early-stage science-intensive startups that had something to offer the world, if given the opportunity.
The network helps angel investors to contribute their financial, network, and intellectual capacity in support of Armenian founders and entrepreneurs that are once again putting Armenia on the global innovation map.
early-stage science-intensive startups that had something to offer the world, if given the opportunity.
The network helps angel investors to contribute their financial, network, and intellectual capacity in support of Armenian founders and entrepreneurs that are once again putting Armenia on the global innovation map.
A Platform for Impactful Investment in Armenia STAN offers individual investors access to pre-seed and seed-stage investment opportunities with a growing focus on AI as a platform technology. We also provide a platform through which idea-stage funding can be allocated to high-risk, high-return deeptech projects, as well as an opportunity for special impact investment in women-led idea-stage startups to leverage female entrepreneurial potential in Armenia. |
A 5-year Journey At its inception in early 2018, STAN was the first and only angel group in Armenia, creating a new pathway for direct foreign investment and private equity flow into Armenia’s burgeoning ICT ecosystem. Since then, the network has grown from 18 founding angels to over 40 and growing. We are proud of the journey we’ve taken and the foundations we’ve laid. But we are squarely looking to the future. As STAN celebrates its 5th year of investing in the next generation of Armenia’s success stories, we are embarking on a new journey taking our initiatives to the next level and creating more efficient investment processes aimed at growing our network of angels and the impact we have on an ever-growing number of beneficiaries. |
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