Aram Ouligian

"Integrating AI technologies has the potential to push the boundaries of our resource constraints in a cost-effective way, reshaping our energy systems to be more efficient, resilient, and economically viable."

Which tech trend are you most excited by and why?

One of the most exciting trends is the application of advanced software and artificial intelligence to optimize renewable energy systems and infrastructure. Electricity demand is expected to grow 15-20% over the next decade, as computing, electrification, and manufacturing generate market pull for energy technologies. Integrating AI technologies has the potential to push the boundaries of our resource constraints in a cost-effective way, reshaping our energy systems to be more efficient, resilient, and economically viable. Addressing systemic challenges in project development and siting, energy procurement, and interconnection, will be crucial to accelerating the energy transition.

What strengths do you bring to the companies you partner with?

My experience in banking, particularly working on IPOs and equity fundraising, has given me valuable insight into how renewable energy and climate tech companies position themselves for exits and how they are valued by investors. I aim to leverage this perspective to help founders and portfolio companies craft strategies that resonate with the market, navigate capital-raising processes, and prepare for long-term success.

What inspires you about venture capital?

I’m inspired by the opportunity to work alongside founders who are tackling the urgent challenge of decarbonizing a world with an ever-growing demand for power. The chance to dive deep into disruptive technologies and emerging market trends, identifying the most impactful tools for decarbonization, is both exciting and motivating. Supporting entrepreneurs who have dedicated countless hours to bringing their vision to life is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for this work.

In another life, if you weren’t in venture capital, what would you be?

I would be a real estate architect. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by building design—spending hours creating structures with Legos. Even now, I find myself observing buildings and thinking about how they could be designed differently or made more efficient. While architecture has always intrigued me, I was ultimately drawn to investing to explore cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure advancements that improve both efficiency and aesthetics on a broader scale.

It’s a Saturday afternoon, where can we find you and what are you up to?

You’ll likely find me on a run with friends or at a CrossFit class, but once winter arrives, I’ll be on the slopes enjoying a day of skiing. I’m passionate about health and wellness, especially through nutrition, and enjoy cooking meals for friends and family.

Aram Ouligian is an Associate with the Climate Technology Fund at MassMutual Ventures. Prior to joining MMV, Aram was an Associate in the Power, Renewable Energy, and Climate Tech group at Barclays Investment Bank, where he advised public and private clients on IPOs, M&A, and equity capital raising opportunities. During his time at Barclays, Aram gained significant experience in equity capital markets, having contributed to successful IPOs for Nextracker (NASDAQ: NXT), Enlight Renewable Energy (NASDAQ: ENLT), and Fluence Energy (NASDAQ: FLNC). Aram began his career as an Investment Analyst at Castellan Capital, a real estate and infrastructure investment platform.

Aram graduated from Colgate University with a BA in Economics. While at Colgate, he played NCAA Division I soccer for four years, served as a two-year captain, and was recognized on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.