Karin Künnapas, who has extensive experience in shaping Estonia’s startup ecosystem from both the investor and startup sides, recently joined the advisory board of sTARTUp Day. Currently, she is the Managing Director of the Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) and a Venture Partner at Tera Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments and technological innovation. Previously, she was also involved in the kood/Jõhvi project, contributing to the advancement of programming education in Estonia.

Karin has been part of the sTARTUp Day journey since its inception and has closely followed its evolution. "sTARTUp Day is a very important event in the Estonian startup ecosystem and the perfect exhibit that you can organize great things outside of the capital region," she emphasizes. Karin believes that the event offers a unique opportunity to connect both Estonian and foreign investors and showcase what the Estonian startup community has to offer. "I’m glad to be part of the advisory panel to help the team make the event even more attractive for both Estonian and foreign investors to show what Estonia has to offer," she adds.


Henrik Kutberg is the Startup Sector Manager at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia and has been instrumental in shaping policy measures that support the growth of the local startup community and venture capital market. His career also includes leadership positions at Tehnopol and Sparkup Tartu Science Park, where he focused on strategic business development and advancing technological innovation.

Reflecting on his new advisory role with sTARTUp Day, Henrik highlighted the significance of the event: "sTARTUp Day has a very important role in shaping the Estonian startup landscape. It is an incredibly enjoyable, inspiring, and, above all, useful event for everyone involved in the startup sector," he says. Henrik expressed his excitement about the chance to contribute to the event's future, adding, "I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term development of sTARTUp Day!"


Ermo Tikk has been a driving force behind sTARTUp Day since its inception in 2016, playing multiple key roles in the development and growth of the event. His journey through these various positions has provided him with a deep understanding of what it takes to make sTARTUp Day a success.

From Marketing Manager and Head Organizer to Board Member, sTARTUp Tartu Community Manager, and now Production Manager and Advisory Board Member, Ermo has truly been involved in every aspect of the festival's growth. "It’s been an amazing experience, pushing my limits and ideas, and it has found an important place in my heart," says Ermo. "I’m excited to bring my extensive knowledge to the table to help elevate the business festival to new heights and find ways to ensure it remains a crucial part of the Estonian—dare I say New-Nordic—startup ecosystem."

Rein Torm, an important part of the Tartu startup ecosystem, brings his extensive experience as the Co-Founder of Fractory and Partner at Opus11 VC to the sTARTUp Day advisory board. Over the years, Rein has played a significant role in supporting the local startup community, building innovative solutions in the manufacturing industry, and helping early-stage ventures through his work at Opus11. His commitment to developing startups in Tartu is evident through his efforts to create opportunities and support aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

"I've always been a huge supporter of sTARTUp Day," says Rein Torm. "Fractory was even involved as a co-organizer in the past, which gave us a deeper understanding of just how vital this event is for bridging startups and investors.” Reflecting on his broader role in the Tartu startup scene, Rein adds, "Building a startup in Tartu has always felt like more than just business; it's about being part of a close-knit community that lifts each other up. At Fractory, we've experienced firsthand the impact of creating something innovative right here in Tartu, and it's inspiring to see the ecosystem continue to evolve and flourish. I'm excited to join the advisory board to contribute even more to this community and help shine a light on everything Tartu has to offer to the world."