Tech entrepreneur and investor, Alexander Smbatyan, has acquired EMERGE, a leading international tech conference in the New East region. This strategic move aims to further EMERGE’s mission of helping startups and tech talent from emerging markets scale globally. The acquisition marks a full exit for co-founder & CEO Alina Nilsson, and a partial exit for co-founder & CBDO Anna Sholina.
Under Smbatyan’s leadership, EMERGE is set to host its next conference this autumn in Yerevan. With a focus on connecting and supporting the tech ecosystem across Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkiye, MENA, and Central Asia, EMERGE has become a hub for professionals and companies to meet, network, and anticipate future trends.
Since its inception in 2018, EMERGE has grown significantly, hosting events in various locations and building a community of over 20,000 members from 100+ countries. The conference has facilitated over million in startup funding and featured prominent speakers from leading tech companies. Partnerships with industry giants like Google, AWS, and Microsoft have further solidified EMERGE’s position in the tech community.
The upcoming event in Yerevan promises to bring together startups, tech talent, investors, and ecosystem players. With a focus on growth and innovation, EMERGE aims to strengthen its role as a key hub for the tech community in the New East region.