Ruben Arutyunyan is the founder and CEO of the Moscow-based HENDERSON Russia Group. HENDERSON is the biggest men’s business and leisure outfit retailer with stores in over 50 cities in Russia. With more than 160 stores, the brand is now considered as one of the largest menswear retailers in Russia. With more than 160 stores, the brand is now considered as one of the largest menswear retailers in Russia. HENDERSON is a holder of numerous prestigious awards in industry and business. Ruben is a graduate of the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering; Ruben also holds an MBA degree from the Higher School of Commerce in Moscow. In 1988-1990 Ruben served as an engineer for Granite CSC; from 1991 to 1993, he was the director of the Orion brokerage company at the Armenian Commodity Exchange in Yerevan.

Noubar Afeyan, PhD, is a life science innovator, entrepreneur, and executive with more than three decades of experience creating and growing new ventures. He is currently the CEO of “Flagship Pioneering”, a unique institution he founded in 2000 dedicated to systematically inventing and developing the next generation of life science companies.

Dr. Afeyan holds a BS in chemical engineering from McGill University and earned his PhD in biochemical engineering from MIT in 1987. He has authored numerous patents and publications in diverse scientific and engineering disciplines. He was Senior Lecturer at MIT’s Sloan School of Management from 2000 to 2016, leading courses on entrepreneurship and innovation. He is currently lecturing at Harvard Business School. Since founding his first company, “PerSeptive Biosystems”, in 1987 (acquired by Perkin Elmer), Dr. Afeyan has co-founded and helped build over 40 life science and technology companies, including “ChemGenics Pharmaceuticals” (acquired by “Millennium Pharmaceuticals”), “Celera Genomics” (acquired by “Quest Diagnostics”), “Color Kinetics” (acquired by “Philips”), “Adnexus Therapeutics” (acquired by “Bristol-Myers Squibb”), and “Affinnova” (acquired by “AC Nielsen”).

Armen Orujyan, Ph.D., is the Founding CEO of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST). FAST is a nonprofit organization that helps foster an ecosystem in Armenia that drives scientific advancement and technological innovation in the country and beyond. Under Armen’s leadership, FAST has launched science-intensive acceleration programs inclusive of startup incubators, and venture builders focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotechnology, a Creative Campus supporting young scientists and early-stage startups, educational programs providing broad knowledge in AI as well as comprehensive training in Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning and other critical Data Science fields, a Fellowship for the top 10% of all PhDs in Armenia in STEM, numerous scientific grants and the first Science and Technology Angels Network in Armenia. The impact has reached over 6,000 students, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Armen is also the founder and former Chairman of Athgo Corporation, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurship platforms in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, the UN Department of Public Information, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Athgo has advanced innovation ecosystems in Europe and Africa and established recurring Global Innovation Forums at the UN and the World Bank headquarters. Armen’s pioneering initiatives have provided financial, intellectual, and network capacities to nearly 10,000 young innovators, entrepreneurs, and students from over 600 universities in 80 countries.

Areg Zakoyan has been investing in start-ups since 2007. Prior to that in 2006, he acquired a 67% share in a medical clinic of Mol (health and fitness league), specializing in prophylactic medicine, dentistry, skincare and venereology, and many more areas. In 2014 Areg permanently moved to Limassol, Cyprus. Earlier in his career, in 1997, Areg founded Best Telecom, embracing a wide scope of communication services and construction of communication networks. Prior to that, in 1993, Areg had moved to Moscow, where he founded Bayezet and Accent-M in 1994. In 1992 Areg received a degree in engineering and hydro-melioration from the Armenian Agricultural Institute. The scope of Areg’s activities includes computer assembly, construction of structured cable networks, the supply of computer equipment, and system administration. His interests encompass telecommunications, IT, and high-tech businesses. Areg is actively engaged in public activities, as well as various projects in the field of education, which include the Ayb School, and Yerevan Regional State College No. 1. As part of his philanthropic activities, Areg supports an orphanage based in Moscow region, Russia.

Igor Avanesyan is involved in minor business activities, participating in several projects. He has started a career in the private business sector in 1989, embarking on projects in banking, leasing, oil industry, petrochemicals, and construction. From 1984 to 1989 Igor was authorized representative of Soyuzgazexport in the Federal Republic of Germany (exports of natural gas from the USSR). Prior to that, from 1976 to 1984, he served at Soyuzgazexport, All-Union Foreign Trade Association under the USSR Ministry of Foreign Trade. In 1975 Igor graduated the Moscow Institute of Petrochemical and Gas Industry (being receiver of the Lenin Scholarship during his studies in recognition of academic excellence), and the Higher School of Finance and Management of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in 2003. Igor has also taken postgraduate studies at the Academy of Foreign Trade.

Ruben Vardanyan is an innovative and results-driven leader with more than a decade of experience in building hi-tech companies. He is a founder and chief executive officer of Joomag, a US-based SaaS company that provides integrated solutions for creating interactive digital publications. Under Ruben’s guidance, the company has developed a series of revolutionary products and has grown into an industry leader. He has extensive experience working with SMBs as well as large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies. He is an angel investor, advisor and serves as a board member for various tech startups. Prior to Joomag's experience, Ruben was the founding CEO of mobile app development company Magy. The company produced several best-sellers and award-winning apps. In addition to being a master strategist, Ruben is an aficionado of all aspects of computer programming, security, databases, software, protocols, and web servers. In fact, he co-authored principles of C++ and authored programming in Macromedia Flash Action Script. Along with his executive education from Harvard Business School, Ruben holds a PhD in computer science, and maintains active involvement in workshops, and training; he is a guest speaker at several international conferences.

Ruben Vardanyan is an innovative and results-driven leader with more than a decade of experience in building hi-tech companies. He is a founder and chief executive officer of Joomag, a US-based SaaS company that provides integrated solutions for creating interactive digital publications. Under Ruben’s guidance, the company has developed a series of revolutionary products and has grown into an industry leader. He has extensive experience working with SMBs as well as large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies. He is an angel investor, advisor and serves as a board member for various tech startups. Prior to Joomag's experience, Ruben was the founding CEO of mobile app development company Magy. The company produced several best-sellers and award-winning apps. In addition to being a master strategist, Ruben is an aficionado of all aspects of computer programming, security, databases, software, protocols, and web servers. In fact, he co-authored principles of C++ and authored programming in Macromedia Flash Action Script. Along with his executive education from Harvard Business School, Ruben holds a PhD in computer science, and maintains active involvement in workshops, and training; he is a guest speaker at several international conferences.

Artur Tovmasian is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of International Food Technologies (IFT), owner of restaurant chains Vkusnolubov, which was presented at Sochi Olympic Games in 2014; Grand Prix Formula 1 Sochi 2014; Blinerie, recognized as the Best new concept at Mapic 2016, Cannes, France; Royal-Kebab, quick service restaurant, serving Middle Eastern cuisine; as well as Pancs, an outlet specialized in crafted pancakes, crepes, and artisan coffee. Starting his professional activity in 2002 as a marketing specialist at Rostselmash, one of the leading plants in Rostov region, Russia, in September 2004 Artur became one of the founders and the chief executive officer in Vkusnolubov, which has grown into a wide chain of cafes and retail outlets of fast and healthy food with more than 1000 employees, in 13 years of operation. Artur’s new projects are targeted at the markets in the European Union and the UK and include e'CLR, a modern eclair bar; as well as Avobar, a boutique restaurant serving avocado-based dishes in London. Artur is a graduate of the Rostov State University of Economics, holding degrees in Customs Affairs (2001) and in World Economics (2004). Artur’s professional engagements are highly appreciated by regional authorities in Rostov. He has received numerous letters of gratitude, certificates, diplomas, and medals in recognition of his professional achievements. Artur is an active participant in charity and social events.

Rem Darbinyan is on a mission to bring the brilliant aspects of machine learning and artificial intelligence to every company that is looking to improve all angles of their business. With a master’s degree in risk analysis and crisis management, a bachelor’s degree in financial planning and services, and many years of experience in marketing, business management, and a unique take on new technologies, Rem seeks to help organizations, small and large, take their business to the next level. Motivated by the desire to witness companies thrive in the marketing aspect of the business, Rem invested in a dream of his own. In 2018, Rem founded SmartClick AI, an Armenian-American company that builds artificial intelligence and machine learning systems that understand the in-depth marketing dynamics of a company. Prior to founding SmartClick AI, Rem had the pleasure of starting several other startup companies. As a seasoned investor with over 30 investments to date and a passion for helping others, Rem has dedicated his career to AI. As technology is constantly developing, he enjoys the idea of being at the forefront of new discoveries for the better of humanity. It is Rem’s hope that through artificial intelligence and machine learning that he can benefit every client with the latest and most beneficial form of marketing technology. Rem was born in Armenia, relocated to Russia during childhood, and has since moved to the US in his adult life. He spends most of his time in the US but also spends time in Armenia while working for his business. In addition to this, Rem enjoys a beautiful life with his wife and their two daughters. Some of his favorite hobbies include collecting cool and unusual stamps and learning from new challenges.

Sargis Badalyan is the founder of the Moscow based company ‘SIMS-2’, which is one of the leading suppliers of medical equipment (breathalyzers and equipment for the disabled people) in Russia. In 2016, he founded Arides company in Armenia, which manufactures the above equipment in Yerevan, and the Barry company, which sells this equipment in Armenia. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ayb School. Sargis Badalyan graduated from the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute in 1987 and until 1990 worked as a design engineer at the Armaviakompleks enterprise.

Astghik Khachatryan is currently a director within the Global Corporate & Investment Banking division at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in France. She previously spent 11 years in the Investment Banking and Capital Market division at Credit Suisse, based in Paris (France). Since 2013, Astghik has been specializing in originating and executing Leveraged Finance transactions for French corporates (High Yield Bond and Leveraged Loan financings syndicated with institutional investors) as well as the coverage of the broad universe of leading global Private Equity funds active in the French market. Prior to that, Astghik worked as a generalist coverage banker for the French large-cap corporate clients from 2008 to 2013, focusing on mergers and acquisitions as well as equity and debt capital markets transactions. Astghik has a master’s degree in finance from ESCP Europe (Paris, France), as well as a bachelor’s degree in international trade from the French University in Armenia. Astghik is fluent in Armenian, Russian, English, and French.