You are now leading Startup Estonia. What past experiences have helped you in this role?

The most valuable thing I bring with me is my network. Having been involved in the startup ecosystem for nearly 15 years, relationships and connections are invaluable assets. Another crucial factor is patience—building a successful startup takes time. Globally, startups usually take about six years to reach financial stability, so expecting quick wins is unrealistic. It’s important to think ahead: if today we have strong startups, in five years, they’ll be scaling companies needing talent, investments, and infrastructure. Are we preparing for that future now?

How would you describe the current state of Estonia’s startup ecosystem?

We are in a strong but interesting position. Estonia has historically performed exceptionally well—our per capita unicorn count is impressive, and we’ve had relatively few major failures. However, the past few years have introduced some challenges. Fewer startups have been founded, investment volumes have declined, and we’re seeing a natural correction in the ecosystem. The question now is whether Estonia will continue its success story or face a slowdown.

What are the biggest challenges Estonian startups face today?

According to a survey by the Estonian Founders Society, for the first time, securing investment is not the top concern. Instead, founders prioritize market entry and generating revenue from customers. This shift highlights a growing focus on delivering value today rather than relying solely on future potential.

Another challenge is the pipeline of new startups. If we don’t encourage the next generation to build startups, investment funds will struggle to find viable projects. We need to identify where new founders will emerge—whether from universities, corporate spin-offs, or experienced startup employees venturing out on their own.

How does Estonia compare internationally in terms of startup success?

Estonia still has a great reputation globally, but we shouldn’t rest on our past achievements like Skype. Other countries are catching up, and Lithuania, for example, is doing exceptionally well with aggressive growth strategies. However, Estonia remains strong, and while we might not be #1 in everything, we are consistently in the top tier. Sometimes, we are overly critical of ourselves, but from an outsider’s perspective, Estonia is still a leader.

You have attended every sTARTUp Day since the beginning. How has the event changed?

The first event had an incredible energy, and while I don’t remember all the details, I do recall the excitement. What has remained constant is the authenticity, openness, and festival-like atmosphere.

However, sTARTUp Day has matured. It started as a student-driven event, but today, it is a full-fledged business festival where real deals are made. The program has grown in intensity, with a strong focus on workshops and practical knowledge-sharing. The pre-event day, which was once an informal gathering, is now a critical part of the main event.

What are the key priorities for Startup Estonia under your leadership?

Our core focus remains unchanged:

• Attracting international talent
  
• Strengthening regional entrepreneurship
  
• Improving the overall business environment

However, we are placing additional emphasis on fostering new founders and supporting health tech innovation. A significant initiative we recently launched is the €2.5 million HealthTech ecosystem development program, which will be led by The Founders Estonia.

Are there any major strategic shifts planned for Startup Estonia?

We work through ecosystem partners like accelerators, science parks, and network actors such as EstVCA, Estonian Founders Society and EstBAN, rather than taking a direct operational role. If no one else steps up for a crucial initiative, we will intervene, but our preference is to empower others.

How do you see the roles of Tallinn and Tartu in the Estonian startup landscape?

Both cities are crucial, but we also need to ensure that smaller hubs like Pärnu, Narva, and Viljandi can develop as well. The Tallinn-Tartu relationship is like that of siblings—there’s competition, but when facing external challenges, they stand together. From an international perspective, Estonia is a single startup hub.

Given your background in deep tech, how do you see its role in Estonia’s startup future?

Deep tech has been my focus for years, and it requires special attention. As technology advances, the solutions being developed are becoming more complex. Supporting deep tech is not just a choice—it’s a necessity for Estonia’s long-term economic success.

What role does Startup Estonia play in supporting the startup community?

Estonia’s startup ecosystem thrives because of its strong, connected community. However, we must not take this for granted. We need to continuously foster collaboration and welcome new players. The risk of becoming an exclusive club is real, so we must actively work against that.

Should Startup Estonia focus more on attracting investors and increasing international visibility?

Absolutely. Startups need founders, talent, and capital. Since much of this capital comes from outside Estonia, international outreach is essential. We participate in global events and trade missions, like Tech Arena in Sweden, Hello Tomorrow in Paris, and Rio Web Summit in Brazil, to strengthen Estonia’s presence in key markets.

What message would you like to share with Estonia’s startup community?

Build new companies, work hard, and stay optimistic. Success follows perseverance!

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sTARTUp Day is turning 10 next year, and now is the perfect time to grab your super early-bird ticket at the best price! Join us in Tartu on January 28–30, 2026, for an unforgettable anniversary edition filled with inspiring speakers, game-changing networking, and next-level opportunities. Get your ticket today and be part of the celebration!