Granatus Ventures

Granatus Ventures, founded in 2013 by Co-Founders and Partners Manuk Hergnyan, Pierre Hennes, and Yervand Sarkisyan, is an early-stage venture capital firm. Headquartered in Yerevan, Armenia, with additional offices in London and Singapore, it strategically invests in technology-driven startups, particularly those with core activities in the region. The firm provides crucial funding, expertise, mentorship, and extensive networks to help these companies scale, develop robust strategies, and expand internationally. Granatus primarily targets Seed and Series A rounds for deep-tech companies across diverse sectors such as AI, biotech, FinTech, SaaS, computing, IT, HealthTech, robotics, security, software, and machine learning. Its Granatus Tech4SDG Fund, launched in April 2019, boasts an impressive AUM of $40 million, making it one of Armenia's largest venture capital funds, with individual fund sizes typically ranging from $5-10 million.

Granatus Ventures is a pioneering venture capital firm founded in 2013 and headquartered in Armenia, with additional offices in London and Singapore. It focuses on early-stage investments in deep-tech startups globally, particularly those leveraging Armenia's engineering talent and addressing significant human challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The firm invests primarily in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced computing, robotics, and data sciences, supporting startups that carry out core value-added activities in Armenia or have strong ties to the country. Granatus Ventures aims to foster the development of Armenia’s high-tech ecosystem by providing funding, expertise, and a global network to promising technology-driven companies[1][2][3][5].

The firm was co-founded by Manuk Hergnyan, Pierre Hennes, and Yervand Sarkisyan, combining local Armenian expertise with international venture investment experience. Initially supported by the World Bank’s E-Society and Innovation for Competitiveness project and investments from the Armenian government and private investors worldwide, Granatus Ventures has evolved to operate independently while maintaining a focus on seed and early-stage companies with defensible intellectual property and clear routes to productization. Its investment thesis emphasizes backing science-driven startups that solve fundamental human problems through pioneering deep-tech solutions, managing high technology risk while validating market potential early on[1][3][4][6].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Focuses on deep-tech startups with strong IP and alignment to UN SDGs, combining high tech risk with managed market risk.
• Network Strength: Global advisory network including technology entrepreneurs and investors, with operational bases in Armenia, Singapore, London, and Chicago.
• Track Record: Early investor in companies spanning AI-driven robotics, quantum software, biotech, and industrial automation.
• Operating Support: Provides startups access to Armenia’s engineering talent for cost-effective, high-quality development and facilitates global market pathways, especially in Southeast Asia and Western markets[3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Granatus Ventures rides the global trend of deep-tech innovation addressing complex societal challenges, leveraging Armenia’s emerging status as a technology hub. The timing is favorable due to increasing global demand for solutions in AI, biotech, and sustainability, alongside growing interest in diversifying innovation ecosystems beyond traditional centers. By bridging Armenian engineering talent with international markets and co-investors, Granatus strengthens the global startup ecosystem and promotes Armenia as a key node in deep-tech development[2][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Granatus Ventures is expected to expand its Tech4SDG Fund and deepen its focus on startups that deliver scalable, sustainable impact through advanced technologies. Trends such as AI, quantum computing, and biotech innovation will shape its portfolio and influence. The firm’s unique position bridging Armenia with Southeast Asia and Western markets positions it to grow as a critical player in global deep-tech venture capital, enhancing Armenia’s reputation and contributing to solving pressing global challenges[3][4].

In summary, Granatus Ventures stands out as a mission-driven, technically sophisticated VC firm that leverages Armenia’s talent and global networks to back transformative deep-tech startups aligned with sustainable development goals.