By node I mean one of our human structures, be it state-based in the two existing Armenian Republics or organizationally based in the Armenian Diaspora.
These structures attend to our various needs: athletic, community, economic, educational, philanthropic, political, scientific, social, technical, youth, and any others you can think of.
But there are gaps. I became aware of one such need from a friend’s idea of a new structure he’d been pondering producing.
This new node would address the needs of engineers/entrepreneurs/inventors with the brain power to produce new products, but lacking in the money power.
Assembling the creative side for mutual support is one aspect of such a new structure. Another is creating a forum where potential financial backers can learn about the new ideas, inventions, and products, get inspired (or see bags of money), then invest in their production and distribution.
The financial backers might be in the form of “angel investors” who put up their own money to get an invention to market, or from venture capital firms that use other people’s money. Either way, it helps strengthen individuals in our community financially, and creates cohesion among those with similar interests and competences.
Some might argue that these structures are already out there, so why spread ourselves even thinner by allocating precious resources/energy to create something that already exists (in the broader, non-Armenian community)? This seems valid at first blush. But I also learned that even in the realm of inventions and money, biases come into play. Someone from a minority group will not always get the same consideration as another equally gifted mind in the settings under discussion.
During the conversation with my friend, I wondered if this might be the “incubator” concept I’d encountered in discussions about Silicon Valley or other places of intense technological development. It turns out that’s a different approach, involving much more physical infrastructure.
If participating in the creation of such a new node appeals to you—as an investor, inventor, or organizer—please contact me through this publication, and I’ll connect you with my friend.
Garen Yegparian
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If participating in the creation of such a new node appeals to you—as an investor, inventor, or organizer—please contact me through this publication, and I’ll connect you with my friend.
Mr. Yegparian
I like your vision of pooling together perhaps small investors into a bigger group that can provide venture capital and management expertise. Besides opening up the boarders for the transportation of hard goods, this is a vital “node.” PLease keep me informed.