Funding for Armenian Startups
Boost your early-stage start-up
Get smart capital from our angels
Get smart capital from our angels
Investment Tracks
Traditional Angel Investment
This track offers pre-seed to seed-stage investments in startups engaged in science and technology innovation. With a special focus on AI as a platform technology, or as a technology integrated in various verticals that benefit Armenia and the world.
Women Entrepreneurship
This track provides impact investments for women-led startups to strengthen female entrepreneurship in Armenia. Startups from idea/concept to product-ready stage with female founders are welcome to apply.
Moonshot
Track
Track
This track focuses on investments in high-risk/high-gain projects which offer ultra-sophisticated, deep technology solutions to tackle worldwide challenges. The stage of the project can vary from idea to product ready.
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
STAN looks for startups with the potential to build a sustainable business model that can be scaled globally. STAN looks for teams with a validated prototype/MVP whose potential can be boosted with the help of STAN angels. Pay attention to the following criteria when evaluating your venture:
- StageStartups applying under the traditional angel investment track should have at least a minimum viable product (MVP) with traction validating the startup's business model.
- ScalabilityThere should be validated potential for rapid growth so that angels could realistically plan for a 10x exit within 3-5 years.
- IndustryWe are industry agnostic. We prioritize startups where the core of the value proposition lies in a scientific innovation or an application of an AI algorithm. However, STAN angels may decide to invest in other startups if there is a unique and scalable business model. View the STAN portfolio to learn more about the startups STAN invests in.
- Founder TeamSTAN is interested in investing in startups driven by devoted founders. Working full time in the startup is a good demonstration of devotion and belief in the venture. A track record of successful past projects will help angels better understand the capacity of the founding team. The founding team or startup advisors should demonstrate experience in the industry the startup focuses on.
- Market OpportunitySTAN invests in startups focused on markets with sufficient and untapped potential. You should clearly explain your approach to entering and capturing a market share there.
- Know Your CustomerYou must know who your customers are, their needs, and how to reach them. Your marketing and sales strategies should be based on that understanding.
- Know Your CompetitorsYou must know the alternative solutions currently existing in the market. STAN expects you to develop realistic competition mapping and analyze your differentiation and competitive advantages.
- Competitive AdvantageArticulate what your critical competitive advantage is. For example, it can be a team of founders with a unique mix of expertise, advisors, proprietary assets, intellectual property, or processes that distinguish you from your competitors.
- FinancialsThe company valuation should be realistic. The fundraising amount should be tied to the milestones you expect to achieve with that amount. Your financial projections should be logically tied with the marketing plan and the unit economics you have with the current traction.
- Exit StrategyStartup investment is risky, and business angels look for promising returns for their investments. Thus, a clearly defined exit strategy can help angels make a decision based on the expected returns and the exit timing.
Investment Process
- Application1
- Shortlisting2
- Pitching3
- Follow-up meetings4
- Due diligence5
- Agreement signing6
- Startup journey begins7
Events Calendar
May 9, 2023
May 9, 2023
LA Meet & Greet
June 2, 2023
June 2, 2023
13th Pitching session
Oct 19, 2023
Oct 19, 2023
14th Pitching session
Oct 20, 2023
Oct 20, 2023
"Empowering Armenian Startup Ecosystem" Meetup
What startup stage is eligible for funding?
STAN offers investment opportunities through several investment tracks and stage expectations differ for each track.
Traditional Angel Investment track accepts projects from pre-seed to seed-stage.
Moonshot Projects track accepts projects from idea to product-ready stage.
Female Entrepreneurship track accepts projects from idea/concept to product-ready stage.
Traditional Angel Investment track accepts projects from pre-seed to seed-stage.
Moonshot Projects track accepts projects from idea to product-ready stage.
Female Entrepreneurship track accepts projects from idea/concept to product-ready stage.
Can I apply if I’ve already had some funding?
We will accept applications from startups that have already had some Friends & Family, Grant, Pre-seed, or Seed funding and/or have previously received funding from STAN. Shortlisting decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
What financial data should I share with angel investors?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s always a good idea to share financials with investors if you have proven traction and good unit economics that proves your growth hypothesis and will provide another reason for investors to fund your startup. If your startup is already earning revenue you can state that.
What does a typical agenda look like at a STAN pitch event?
At first, startups pitch for ~5 min, then a ~5 min Q&A session with angels. Finally, there’s a networking session where startups and angels can communicate.
How is the funding from STAN received?
Angels set their interest with the startups and based on that information, the STAN team arranges meetings between investors and the startups. Based on the meetings and the follow-up due diligence process, angel investors make their decision and formulate their investment commitment. From that information, the STAN team prepares an investment agreement (Convertible Note). Angels transfer the investment amount upon signing the agreement (it takes up to 1 week to receive the funds after the signature).
Who can attend a STAN pitching session?
STAN pitching sessions are closed events between investors and founders, so you can’t invite friends. However, you can bring 1-2 team members.
What information should I include in my pitch?
To evaluate the strength of your business proposition you should state the unique space that your business occupies in the marketplace and how scalable or profitable your startup can become. Great traction makes your business even more attractive to investors. Please make sure to answer these questions: How scalable is your product or solution? How do you plan to reach the global market? What is your market competition? Why are you different? Potential investors need to see your enthusiasm, but they also need to get the impression that you are well-organized and have a clear vision for your company's future.
What sectors does STAN focus on?
STAN is industry agnostic. We invest in early-stage startups with Armenian founders, who are developing science and technology innovation solutions with a primary focus on AI.
What documents does STAN require?
STAN provides a list of documents and financials that should be checklisted with the help of the startup founder and STAN administration. After all the conditions are met, we proceed with the investment.
If there is no specific requirement or part that should be confidential, STAN does not provide NDAs․
If there is no specific requirement or part that should be confidential, STAN does not provide NDAs․
Frequently Asked Questions
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