We sat down with Astghik Zakharyan, a powerhouse in the startup world who transitioned from a high-speed entrepreneurial career to becoming a master architect of investment ecosystems. As the Co-founder of the SIA – (Startup Investor Accelerator), Astghik is redefining how new investors enter angel investing, guiding them from curiosity to confident participation through real investment decisions.

With a footprint spanning from the tech hubs of Seattle to the creative streets of Barcelona, she offers a rare, dual-perspective on the “growth mindset” versus “capital efficiency.” Join us as we explore how she is connecting international talent with local grit to build the next generation of visionary Angel Investors.

• Hi Astghik, thank you for agreeing to do the interview. How did you first get into the startup and angel investing scene?

I realized quite early that my career path had a specific name: entrepreneurship. I wanted to build businesses and create impact. By the age of 20, I was already working full-time as a founder. My early path was defined by a hands-on learning experience at LEINN International, where we launched over 40 startup projects with an international team.

Through that process, I had a major realization: while building one company is rewarding, creating an environment where many entrepreneurs can thrive multiplies that impact exponentially. This led me to focus on building ecosystems and hubs.

During my own fundraising journey, I saw how critical early capital and the mentorship that comes with it are for survival. That curiosity eventually led me to develop SIA, which has spent the last five years becoming a center for new angel investor development. We empower professionals to engage with the ecosystem not just through capital, but through informed, intentional participation that multiplies their impact.

• You’ve been instrumental in leading the SIA – (Startup Investor Accelerator), which focuses on ‘learning-by-doing’ for new investors. In the Leapfunder spirit of professionalizing the angel market, what is the biggest misconception that successful professionals have when they first transition into angel investing?

The most common misconceptions usually come down to money and time.

First, many believe they need massive wealth to start. In reality, angel investment is being democratized. Through programs like ours or platforms like Leapfunder, professionals can start with relatively small tickets; we often encourage starting as low as €5K. What matters more than the size of the ticket is the active engagement: bringing value through knowledge and acting as a catalyst for other investors.

The second misconception is about the time commitment. Some imagine it’s just reviewing a pitch and writing a check. True angel investing requires critical thinking, due diligence, and ongoing participation. It’s not instantaneous; it’s a journey of curiosity and mentorship.

• Through your work with SIA – (Startup Investor Accelerator), you’ve managed cohorts that span from Seattle to Barcelona. What is one thing European founders can learn from the American “growth mindset,” and conversely, what do you think US investors often overlook when looking at the European tech scene?

There is a natural bias toward action in the U.S. American founders often go to market earlier, sell faster, and are more comfortable with the “test and fail” cycle. They also benefit from a unified, single-language market, whereas European founders have to navigate fragmentation, different regulations, and languages from day one.

However, U.S. investors often overlook the capital efficiency of European startups. Because resources are scarcer early on, European founders are incredibly disciplined. They also develop a global mindset much earlier because they have to look beyond their own borders immediately. Europe’s depth in deep-tech and science-driven innovation is a massive, often undervalued strength.

• You’ve been very active in the Barcelona ecosystem. What opportunities and challenges is the ecosystem facing? What do you predict for the near future?

Barcelona’s greatest opportunity is its talent density. We see experienced professionals moving here not just for the lifestyle, but to build. This “mature” talent pool creates a unique ecosystem where high-impact innovation and quality of life coexist.

The challenge is integration. Often, the “international/expat” scene and the “local” scene exist in parallel. My goal is to bridge these two worlds more intentionally, getting international talent to act as mentors, co-founders, and angel investors within the local fabric. Looking ahead, Barcelona doesn’t need to create more; it needs to connect more.

• Looking at the future of SIA, what is your vision for the next five years? If you could change one barrier to make it easier for people to become business angels today, what would it be?

My vision is scale of impact. I want SIA to be the primary entry point for European professionals to enter angel investing responsibly. We want to scale our trusted international community so that more investors can learn and invest together, and not just act alone. 

If I could remove one barrier, it wouldn’t be financial; it would be confidence. Many professionals have the means and the desire to help, but they don’t feel “ready” or don’t know where to start. By providing a structured pathway, education, and community, we can unlock a massive amount of participation that capital alone can’t reach. The more engaged angels we have, the stronger the future for everyone.

Thank you very much for sharing your insights and story, Astghik. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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