What We Discussed on CivilNet:
- Building Armenia’s Startup Ecosystem: Hamlet shares his journey from working with U.S.-based startups to mentoring Armenian entrepreneurs and helping them adapt proven strategies for growth.
- Opportunities in Armenia’s Business Environment: How Armenia’s tight-knit community, strategic location, and tech-savvy workforce create an ideal foundation for startups.
- Adapting to Economic Challenges: Insights on how startups can stay resilient during downturns by conserving capital, focusing on profitability, and turning layoffs into opportunities.
- The Power of Knowledge Sharing: Why members of the Armenian diaspora can make a bigger impact by sharing expertise and experience rather than focusing solely on financial investment.
- Future Plans for Growth: Hamlet discusses his plans to launch an academy that offers scholarships, shares growth strategies, and supports startups that cannot yet afford traditional agency services.
Hamlet Azarian’s Commitment to Armenia’s Startup Ecosystem
Hamlet shares how his journey of mentoring startups in Armenia began, including his involvement with organizations like SmartGate VC and the Armenia Startup Academy. Over the last four years, he has transitioned from providing limited support to fully committing to building a team and agency in Armenia.
Hamlet also discusses how the 2020 war became a turning point, inspiring him to contribute more significantly to Armenia’s ecosystem.
This included working with displaced families and using his agency’s resources to help communities in need.
Why Armenia is Poised for Success
Hamlet explains why Armenia’s size and location, often seen as disadvantages, are strengths.
The country’s small, close-knit community fosters collaboration and fast decision-making, similar to the agility seen in startups.
Its strategic location enables business ties with Europe and the United States, allowing Armenian startups to operate globally despite local challenges.
The Global Tech Landscape and Armenia’s Role
Hamlet discusses how the global economic downturn has affected startups worldwide, including Armenia. While some companies have faced layoffs and closures, this period has also created opportunities:
- Experienced talent is now available to build new startups.
- Investors are focusing more on proven track records and paths to profitability, which benefits disciplined startups.
- Armenia’s IT sector, although impacted, is well-positioned to adapt and emerge stronger.
Future Initiatives: The Azarian Growth Academy
Hamlet highlights his upcoming project, an academy designed to provide merit-based scholarships and training for Armenian entrepreneurs. The academy will focus on:
- Sharing proven growth strategies and playbooks.
- Helping startups that cannot afford agency services.
- Supporting the next generation of Armenian founders and business leaders.
Final Thoughts
Armenia’s startup ecosystem has immense potential despite global economic challenges. As Hamlet Azarian highlights, the country’s size, talent, and collaborative community provide a strong foundation for growth.
Hamlet’s work emphasizes the importance of mentorship, sharing knowledge, and fostering innovation. By combining local strengths with global expertise, Armenia can continue to grow a thriving and resilient tech sector.
Now is the time for entrepreneurs, investors, and the diaspora to come together and support this transformative journey.
Key Takeaways
0:21 – Hamlet Introduces Himself and the Activity He Conducts in Armenia
03:44 – The Armenian Business Environment Today
06:54 – The IT Sector In Armenia: How is It Moving Forward?
09:20 – Advice From Hamlet Azarian to Those Who Want to Future Founders in Armenia
