Ashot Arzumanyan is co-founder and partner with SmartGateVC, a California and Armenia based pre-seed venture capital firm investing in AI. Krisp (the world’s best noise cancellation technology), SuperAnnotate (all-in-one platform for AI) are among portfolio companies. Sierra Ventures, Upfront Ventures, AI Fund, YC, and others are among follow-on investors. SmartGateVC stands behind Hero House Technology Hub in Los Angeles and Yerevan, Armenia Startup Academy, and other initiatives.

Ashot has extensive experience in mentorship, investment advisory and deal structuring for companies across many sectors, as well as consulting on finance, strategy, performance management, and business valuation. On a daily basis, Ashot works with entrepreneurs on driving their innovative companies to the next level. Ashot holds a PhD degree in Economics from the Yerevan State University.