BACC's BAJ Accelerator Featured in Wall Street New York Magazine

The Baltic American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is proud to announce that its flagship startup program, BAJ Accelerator, has been featured in Wall Street New York Magazine, recognizing the accelerator's growing impact on the global innovation ecosystem and its success in helping startups scale internationally.

Based in New York, BAJ Accelerator is a global startup accelerator dedicated to supporting innovative companies as they expand into new markets, connect with investors, and accelerate growth. Through a powerful network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, the program provides founders with the strategic guidance, business development support, and market access needed to build globally competitive companies.

Since its launch in 2020, BAJ Accelerator has achieved significant milestones. Between 2020 and 2026, the program graduated 184 startups from 23 countries, built a network of more than 2,600 investors, and helped participating companies raise over $109 million in funding. Through intensive mentorship, investor engagement, and practical market-entry support, the accelerator has enabled founders to strengthen their business models, refine growth strategies, and successfully navigate international expansion.

BAJ was built through a powerful international partnership. It was co-founded by Inga Klimasauskiene of the Baltic American Chamber of Commerce (BACC), which has played a key role in connecting the Baltic region with the United States. The initiative was developed in partnership with Emma Arakelyan of Orion Worldwide Innovations, representing the Armenian innovation ecosystem; Dr. Armen Kherlopian, scientist, CEO, investor, and innovation leader with extensive experience at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and venture development; and Fernando Gómez-Baquero, PhD, of the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, bringing strong academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Together, the founding partners created a platform that bridges innovation ecosystems across the Baltic States, Armenia, Israel, and the United States. By fostering cross-border collaboration and strategic partnerships, BAJ Accelerator creates unique opportunities for startups to access international markets, capital, expertise, and business networks.

The recognition by Wall Street New York Magazine highlights not only the accelerator's achievements, but also BACC's ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and strengthening economic ties between the Baltic region and the United States. The program continues to serve as an important gateway for founders seeking to scale globally while contributing to innovation-driven economic growth.

The full feature article and interview were conducted on June 3, 2026, at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City, where the founders shared the story behind BAJ Accelerator, its impact on the international startup community, and its vision for the future.

Read the full article and interview here.

Purchase the magazine here.