Armenia-born CodeSignal is Making Waves! 🌍

Tigran Sloyan, the co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal, has announced a partnership with WGU Labs (Western Governors University). Together, they’re integrating AI-driven skills assessments and personalized learning pathways into the WGU Academy curriculum.🎓

What does this mean?

CodeSignal, known for its innovative platform that helps to master coding and other tech skills, will bring its tools to a broader audience. The goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment by helping students upskill, get certified, and align with job market needs.

It’s exciting and inspiring to see the impact of Armenian-led innovation on the global stage.

Exciting times are ahead for tech education!

The full article: https://shorturl.at/4ndIA
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🚀 Top Accelerators Now Accepting Applications! [Part 1]

San Francisco is the heart of innovation, and if you're a startup founder looking to fast-track your growth, these top accelerators are now accepting applications.

1. Y Combinator

Deadline: August 27, but still accepting late applications
Start Date: Fall 2024
Investment: $125k for 7% equity + $375k uncapped MFN SAFE
Apply Here

2. Hf0

Start Date: September 18, 2024
Investment: 5% equity + $1M uncapped MFN SAFE
Apply Here

3. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program

Deadline: October 11
Start Date: November 2024
Investment: $150k for 6% equity + $37.5k program fee
Apply Here

4. Founder Institute

Deadline: Sep 29, 2024
Start Date: October 2024
Upfront Cost: $999
Investment: Typically takes 2-4% equity
Apply Now

Wishing all applicants the best of luck—we can’t wait to report on your future successes!

Stay tuned for Part 2! ✨
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Why Do Startups Fail? Two Main Reasons: Product-Market Fit and Team

We all know that the majority of startups fail. Most of you probably saw the infographics of CBI Insights with the Top 12 Reasons Startups Fail.

When you dig into the details and group the reasons, you would probably see the two main patterns emerge:

1. Inability to Achieve Product-Market Fit
2. Not the Right Team

1. Lack of Product-Market Fit

Here are the top reasons related to PMF:
- Ran out of cash (38%)
- No market need (35%)
- Got outcompeted (20%)
- Flawed business model (19%)
- Regulatory/legal challenges (18%)
- Pricing/cost issues (15%)
- Product mistimed (10%)
- Poor product (8%)
- Pivot gone bad (6%)

Taken together, 9 out of the 12 reasons for failure can be traced back to an inability to achieve PMF.

2. Not the Right Team
Interestingly, while most of the reasons for failure relate to PMF, investors still say the No. 1 reason they invest in a startup is the team.

- Not the right team (14%)
- Disharmony among team/investors (7%)
- Burned out/lacked passion (5%)

Takeaways for Startup Founders

- Focus on market validation: Before you build, ensure you have a deep understanding of your target market’s pain points.

- Relations management: Your No 1 task as founders is relationship management. Constantly build your relations with your team and investors to make sure your team morale is high, and manage relations with the supporters, customers and general public to know the market as now one knows.

- Be ready to pivot: If the market or product isn’t working, adapt. Remember, your mission is to build what customers want, not what you think they need.

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Armenian Reform of High-School Program in Math and Programming at UNESCO

FAST will present Armenia's revolutionary Generation AI High School Project at the Paris Digital Learning Week, held at UNESCO Headquarters from September 2 to 5.

This initiative is transforming math and programming education in Armenian public schools with the goal of preparing a new generation of AI experts.

FAST’s very own Suzanna Shamakhyan will present how this nationwide project, integrated into the public education system in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, equips students with advanced competencies in AI while promoting essential 21st-century skills.

This is a significant moment for Armenia, as Generation AI will be discussed among global experts and policymakers, marking a milestone in connecting education and industry.

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🚀 Top Accelerators Now Accepting Applications! [Part 2]

Following up on our earlier post, here is the second part of our list of San Francisco accelerators. Check out these programs to see which one might be the right fit for your startup.

1. HAX

• Location: San Francisco
• Start Date: Monthly
• Upfront Cost: None
• Investment: Up to $500k investment in exchange for equity
• Apply here

2. The Mint (FinTech)

• Location: San Francisco
• Start Date: Fall 2024
• Upfront Cost: None
• Investment: $500k for 10% equity
• Apply here

3. Greylock Edge
• Location: Menlo Park
• Upfront Cost: None
• Investment: Flexible financing from a priced seed round to an uncapped SAFE note, plus $500k+ in credits with AWS, Google, Microsoft, and more
• Apply here

Wishing all applicants the best of luck.

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🚀 Opportunity for Armenian Startups!

The Armenian Ministry of High-Tech Industry, in collaboration with Plug and Play, is now accepting applications for their International Accelerator Program.

This initiative is open to startups from the MVP stage to scale-ups, particularly those developing innovative hardware and software solutions in the mobility and automotive sectors.

✨ Program Highlights:
- Access to a global network of mentors, investors, and partners
- Workshops, personalized office hours, and expert guidance to refine business pitches
- A chance to join the Silicon Valley GOAL Program, offering top startups four weeks of immersion in the U.S. tech ecosystem

📅 Key Dates:
- Application deadline: October 7
- The program runs from October 2024 to February 2025
- Demo Day will be held on February 21, 2025

👉 Find more details apply: https://innovationchallenge.pnp.tc/int-accelerator-armenia/

#accelerationprogram #plugandplay

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Startup Summit on AI + Fundraising Summit - Remote Networking Event 🚀

On September 26th, 2024, startups from across the globe will have the chance to attend Startup Summit: AI + Fundraising, a virtual event hosted by Startup Grind HQ.

This half-day summit promises to deliver critical insights into the evolving world of AI and its impact on startup growth and fundraising.

Attendees will benefit from:
🔹 Fireside chats with leading VCs and tech experts
🔹 Interactive workshops on AI integration and scaling strategies
🔹 A LIVE pitch teardown with real-time feedback from investors

📅 Registration is open now. Limited spots available – don’t miss the chance to elevate your startup!

Find more details and register here: https://shorturl.at/YfLsL

#event #networking

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Open Call: BANA Pitching Session

BANA has announced an open call for its upcoming pitching session, inviting startups to apply and have a chance to present their ideas to angel investors.

Eligibility Criteria:

✅Must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
✅Initial traction required

Application Deadline: September 18, 2024

Apply to make the most of this chance to connect with the investor community.

Apply here: https://shorturl.at/YlsJl

#StartupPitching #BANA #StartupGrowth

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🏆 Lala Launches on Product Hunt – Vote to Support Innovative EdTech!

Exciting news from the edtech world! Lala is now live on Product Hunt, and competing for top recognition by showcasing how it revolutionizes online education.

About the Startup

Lala transforms online classes into valuable content. Educators can turn their lessons into short videos, quizzes, and courses ready to share or sell, streamlining the process of content creation and enhancing their teaching impact.

You can show your support by voting for Lala on Product Hunt here: https://shorturl.at/ZpGr5

Let’s give a boost to this startup that’s making a significant impact on the edtech industry.

#producthunt #upvote 

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New SAFE Contract Regulations in Armenia: What You Need to Know!

Curious about the new SAFE contract regulations in Armenia?

Stay updated with "Coffee Talks: Decoding the New Law on SAFE," where experts from the Investment Council of Armenia will break down what these changes mean for you.

💡 Why it Matters:
The newly introduced regulations under the SAFE contract simplify the investment process, giving startups a clearer path to secure early-stage funding—a crucial step in empowering local innovators.

📅 Date: September 10, 2024
🕔 Time: 17:00 GMT+4
📍 Location: Unicorn Community Café, 83 Koghbatsi Street

🎙 Speakers:
Hovsep Patvakanyan - Lead Economist, Head of IC Armenia
Hayk Malkhasyan - Senior Legal Adviser
Davit Aghajanyan - Senior Economist

Plus, a special guest will share their personal experience with the new regulations!

⚠️ Limited seats! Register here: https://shorturl.at/dudr8

#startupregulations #SAFEContract #newlaw

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🚀STAN Angels Invest $55,000 in Saima!

STAN Angels invested $55,000 in Saima, marking their 18th successful deal!

Saima is developing innovative AI-based speech manipulation technology aimed at enhancing listener comprehension. The company envisions a future where speech can be delivered in a way that optimizes understanding for each individual listener.

Congratulations to Saima and STAN Angels on this latest development.

#stanangels #investment #fundingnews

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🏆 Armenian Startup Chessify Brings High-Tech Edge to the Game

Chessify, an Armenian startup, is transforming chess by giving all players access to the same powerful tools as top grandmasters like Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, and Anish Giri. The startup is leveling the playing field, supporting Armenian chess players, and sponsoring tournaments.

Since 2017, Chessify has quietly supported Armenian chess players. Now, they’re proposing a joint investment with the Armenian Government, with each contributing 20 million drams. This partnership will provide Armenian players access to Chessify’s platform, securing the future of Armenian chess and offering a valuable opportunity for the startup.

This is a crucial moment for the government to support Armenian sport and truly back the next generation of chess champions!

📌 Global Impact: Chessify, trusted by chess federations, is shaping the next generation of Armenian chess champions!

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👩‍💻Importance of Women-Led Startups in Armenia’s Tech Ecosystem

In Armenia's growing tech scene, a key question is emerging: Is the push to support women-led startups merely a convenient buzzword to attract grant funding, or is it a critical necessity for the country’s future?

The Human Capital Challenge

Armenia's tech industry is growing rapidly, but challenges remain. One of the biggest issues is our limited human capital. As the startup pipeline narrows, there's a risk of missing out on new opportunities and the next wave of innovation unless we diversify our talent pool—and fast.

Women in STEM: Armenia’s Untapped Powerhouse

Armenia is home to a significant number of women who are in STEM fields like biology, chemistry, and healthcare. But here’s the catch—they’re not in the startup game. Why? Despite their brilliance, many of these women haven’t crossed over into entrepreneurship. Imagine what could happen if they did. We’re sitting on a solid pool of talent that’s waiting to be voiced.

Innovation Through Diversity

Integrating more women into the startup ecosystem could open a wave of strong tech founders who bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas. Their unique insights and innovative approaches have the potential to create breakthroughs that resonate not only in Armenia but on the international stage as well.

So, What’s Holding Them Back?

While the potential is clear, there may be several reasons why many women in Armenia have yet to take the leap into the startup world:

Role Models Matter: How many women-led startup success stories do you know from Armenia? Not many, right? That lack of visible success makes it tough for aspiring female entrepreneurs to believe it’s possible.

The Risk Factor: Starting a business always involves some level of risk. Women may be more cautious about these uncertainties, which can make the leap into entrepreneurship seem daunting. However, with the right support and resources, these risks can be managed, allowing women to make impactful contributions to the startup landscape.

Support—or Lack of It: Societal and familial expectations can pose significant hurdles. Traditional views on women's roles may conflict with the demands of starting and growing a business, creating additional barriers for women entrepreneurs.

Fear of Failure: For women, the stigma and scrutiny associated with failure can be more intense, making them more cautious about starting their ventures. This heightened sensitivity to failure may make women more careful about launching on entrepreneurial plans, as the potential for public judgment and personal disappointment can seem more daunting. Addressing this issue requires a cultural shift towards normalizing failure as a part of the entrepreneurial journey, that encourages both males and females to take risks and follow their business aspirations.

But here’s the thing—these barriers aren’t unbeatable. They’re challenges waiting to be conquered.

The Time is Now: Discovering Armenia’s Hidden Innovators

This isn’t just about checking boxes for diversity or grabbing some grant money. This is about survival, growth, and innovation. The future of Armenia's tech sector is brighter when it's diverse, inclusive, and led by visionaries from all walks of life.

🌱This could be your chance to start something incredible.

-Tech Award for Women in Tech
-Funding Opportunity for Women Empowerment Projects

Stay tuned to our channel today for full details about these opportunities!

#WomenInTech #ArmeniaStartups #STEMInnovation #ArmenianFemaleEntreprenourship
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🔍 Tech Award for Women in Tech

The Aurora Tech Award, an annual global prize, is now available for application. This award is aimed at recognizing women IT entrepreneurs who are leading innovative tech startups.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The startup must be founded or co-founded and actively led by a woman.
• A functional product prototype is required.
• The startup should have received less than $4 million in total funding, including the seed round.
• The startup must be less than 5 years old.
Key Details:
• Prize Fund: $85,000 to be distributed among the Top 5 winners.
• Participants will benefit from a structured educational program designed to enhance their professional skills.
• Networking: The award promotes a community of women in IT, providing valuable networking opportunities.

This is your chance to make a mark as an Armenian woman entrepreneur in the global tech scene.💪

🔗 Apply here 🔍 More details

#auroraaward #womenintech
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🔔Funding Opportunity for Women Empowerment Projects 

Funding Amount: $3,000–$10,000 Opens: September 3 Deadline: November 15

AAUW is offering grants to support International Fellowship alumnae who have returned home after studying in the United States.

What You Need to Know:

• Purpose: Grants are awarded for community-based projects and they should aim to address critical issues, such as gender equality, education, healthcare, or economic development, that directly benefit women and girls.

• Eligibility: Alumnaes who have successfully completed their studies and returned to their home countries are eligible to apply.

• Support: The grant not only provides financial support but also connects recipients with a network of like-minded women, offering mentorship and resources to help bring their projects to life.

Apply here and contribute to lasting global impact!

#WomenEmpowerment #GlobalImpact #AAUWGrants
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🚀 Grant Opportunity: 'Market Entry' Component Now Open! 🚀

The RA Ministry of High-Tech Industry is launching the "From Idea to Business" grant competition, offering 29 tech ideas a chance to win up to 10 million drams and enter the market.

🔍 What You Need to Know:

• Funding Amount: Up to 10,000,000 AMD per company.
• Total Budget: 290,000,000 AMD.
• Purpose: To promote the creation of new value in high-tech and address modern challenges through technology.

In addition to the grants, the Bahamut Foundation is offering an extra FTN investment fund worth 50 million drams, which may increase based on the projects' investment potential, originality, and innovative solutions.

📅 Application Deadline: September 16, 2024

📌 How to Apply: Submit your application via www.armeps.am. For detailed guidelines on the application process, refer to this link.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your tech innovations!

#TechGrants #StartupOpportunities
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📊Applications Now Open for EBRD's Star Venture Program

A new opportunity awaits tech startups looking to scale and grow!

EBRD has just opened applications for its Star Venture program. Star Venture is an 18-month tailored program designed to help startups with personalized support and resources.

What’s in it for you?
• Consulting from top industry experts
• Access to investor networks
• Opportunities for international exhibitions
• Free e-learning and cloud services

Ideal Candidate Profile:
• Under 5 years, with less than €1m revenue
• With a strong competitive edge, recurring revenue, and global scaling potential
• Business operations in EBRD countries of operations
• 51% of local ownership
• 18-month program commitment

📅 Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
🔗 Apply Here 📋 Application Guideline for Armenia

We're here to keep you in the loop, bringing the hottest startup opportunities.

#starventureprogram #StartupOpportunity 

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Funding Opportunity for Early-Stage Tech Startups 🚀

STAN is accepting applications for its pitching session on October 1, 2024!

Deadline: September 26, 2024
Apply here 👉 https://shorturl.at/cxEax

Categories:
1️⃣ Women Entrepreneurship
2️⃣ Moonshot Track (deep tech)
3️⃣ Traditional Angel Investment

STAN's typical ticket size is $50K.

🏆 Apply now! 👉 https://shorturl.at/cxEax

#stan #pitchingsession #fundingopportunity #angelinvestment 

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📎Startup Pitch Event by “Ask a VC” in Yerevan

The “Ask a VC” community is hosting a startup pitch competition on September 20th, providing a platform for founders to present their ideas to a panel of experienced investors and connect with like-minded professionals.

Event Schedule
• 6:30 PM: Registration
• 7:00 PM: Startup pitches (in Russian) — 5 minutes per pitch + 5 minutes Q&A
• 8:00 PM: Networking session

Jury Panel
• Evgeny Golban — Co-founder & CEO of Deallly
• Pavel Sikachev — Jume CPO, ex-Depix.ai AI Product Lead
• Kirill Shtabtsovsky — Portfolio Manager at Aloniq

🔖Registrate here
📅 Date: September 20th, 6:30 PM
📍 Location: "Letters and Numbers” coworking space, Tumanyan St 35G, Yerevan

Become part of the event and put your startup on the radar of key investors and innovators.

#startuppitching #pitchingsession

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