YEREVAN, Armenia — Vahe Baghdasaryan (BAB ’23, MSE ’24) earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Master of Science in Economics degrees from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics at the American University of Armenia (AUA). In a conversation with the Office of Alumni Relations team, Vahe reflected on his time at AUA, his journey of starting his own company, and the lasting connection he maintains with the University. He also spoke about what inspired him to join the 200 ChangeMakers campaign.
Reflecting on His Time at AUA
More than anything, what stands out when Vahe looks back at his years at AUA is not a single event, but a rhythm of determination that defined his student life. His most vivid memories are the long nights spent in the University library, preparing for exams alongside friends and fellow students. At the time, Vahe was balancing a full-time job while pursuing his studies, and for him, this was the routine that demanded discipline and resilience. Every evening after work, he would head straight to campus, settling into hours of studying and research. Those years did more than shape his work ethic. They also reshaped how he understood the world and his place in it.
Where It All Started
Vahe believes that AUA provided the environment that allowed him to broaden his perspective and develop a more independent way of thinking. The academic culture pushed him to question assumptions, approach challenges from multiple angles, and operate at a higher standard. Looking back, he remarked that his experience at AUA played a defining role in shaping both his personal and professional path. “I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without AUA — not only because of the education itself, but because of the mindset it helped me develop,” he said.
Several courses and professors left a lasting impact on him along the way. Among them were Dr. Sergey Tantushyan’s Business Communication course, as well as economics courses taught by Dr. Samson Avetian and Dr. Vache Gabrielyan. What made these classes stand out was that they not only provided hard skills but also helped develop his soft skills. “They shaped the way I look at certain things beyond math and theoretical concepts,” Vahe reflected.
One of the most valuable skills he credits to his time at AUA is communication. Through coursework, presentations, and collaborative projects, he developed strong public speaking abilities and learned how to structure ideas clearly and confidently. At the same time, the experience helped him become more adaptable and comfortable working with diverse groups of people — abilities that would later prove essential in his career.
Professional Journey After AUA
Even before graduating, he had already begun building his professional experience by working in parallel with his studies. Soon after completing his degree, he received an offer from Flo Health, one of the world’s leading consumer technology companies. Joining the company marked the next stage of his journey. “I moved to join them and spent about a year there, which was an incredible learning experience,” he said. But before long, a new idea began to take shape — one that would eventually lead him down the path of entrepreneurship.
After leaving his role at Flo Health, he launched his own company, Tangent. What initially began as a small consulting project soon evolved into something much larger. Over time, the venture grew into a team of around 10 people and developed into a multiple seven-figure revenue business.
Starting His Own Company
The concept behind Tangent emerged from work he had already been doing as an employee. He had spent years helping companies grow their revenue and realized there was an opportunity to scale that expertise into something bigger. When he first shared the idea publicly, the response was immediate. “I posted about it on X and got several sales on the first day. That was the signal that this could become something real,” Vahe recalled.
Encouraged by that early momentum, Vahe made the bold decision to leave his job and pursue the venture full time. In the months that followed, he traveled to San Francisco and later New York to expand his network and build relationships with customers. As the company gained traction, the team began hiring, attending industry events, and establishing a reputation within the mobile app ecosystem.
At the heart of the company’s growth, the driving mission was simple. “I genuinely loved the work and the people I was building with. I was excited by solving complex growth problems and creating measurable impact,” Vahe said. Despite his early success, he attributes much of his progress to a mindset rooted in persistence rather than certainty. “I’m not afraid to try things and I’m not afraid to fail,” he explained. “I’ve failed many times before succeeding, and I think the key is taking opportunities when they appear and being willing to face rejection or setbacks repeatedly.”
In his view, resilience often makes the difference between those who succeed and those who give up too early. “If you’re willing to fail 100 times, eventually something works,” Vahe said. “Most people stop too early.” Today, he continues to grow Tangent while also preparing for his next venture. Recently, he raised a small investment round to launch a new company — a step he approaches with even greater ambition and the experience gained from building his first business.
His Deep Connection to AUA
While Vahe’s professional journey continues to evolve, his connection to AUA remains deeply personal. One recent moment reminded him just how deeply the University shaped his life. During a visit to Yerevan a few months ago, he brought his girlfriend, who is not Armenian, to see the campus for the first time. “It was a very emotional moment for me. It reminded me how much that place shaped who I am today,” he recalled.
“When I was first admitted to AUA, I didn’t know how I would afford the tuition. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship funded by others,” Vahe noted. That experience ultimately inspired his decision to give back as part of the University’s ChangeMakers campaign. Becoming a ChangeMaker, he explained, is his way of continuing that same cycle of opportunity. “I want to make sure students who come after me have access to the same opportunity regardless of their financial situation,” he emphasized.
The 100th ChangeMaker
As the 100th ChangeMaker of the campaign, the milestone carries special meaning for Vahe. “AUA has always felt like home to me. Being able to give back is incredibly meaningful,” he reflected. “I hope more alumni join the initiative and continue paying it forward. If even one student is able to pursue their potential more freely because of this, it’s worth it,” Vahe said.
For his fellow alumni considering giving back, his message is simple: “It’s truly a no-brainer. The impact of even a single donation can change someone’s life trajectory. If AUA played any role in your success, giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to express your gratitude.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.