Latvian Startup Association Startin.LV

Tired of the same old boring business talks? We’ve got something way more exciting cooking — trust us, you’ll want a taste. Introducing Startaps kažokā, our latest adventure where founders share their wildest stories while tasting iconic Latvian dishes. In the first episode, Martins Bratuskins from Monetizr dives into the art of advertising toilet paper in a mobile game and surviving 1AM business calls, while host 💠 Annija from TechChill reveals what she really thinks about a local delicacy that could just endanger her citizenship. How do you create a killer business model when your roots aren’t in business and what’s the deal with that 98% rule? Check out the full episode to find out: https://lnkd.in/dT3aPGH4 Huge thanks to Business Riga for powering this ride and to Startup House Riga for hosting us!

With 84% of occupations facing shortages, tech, healthcare, and engineering are in dire need of skilled workers. Automation and reskilling help, but they’re not enough. One solution gaining traction is global talent exchange. Programs like Digital Explorers are connecting the Baltics with top tech talent from Kenya, Nigeria, and Armenia, bringing fresh skills, ideas, and long-term collaboration. But with tightening immigration policies and market shifts, the real question is: will Europe embrace global talent or risk falling behind? Read more: https://lnkd.in/dnzwnPbG 

Different Geographies, Same Ambitions? That’s what we set out to explore last night at TechChill’s most unexpectedly electric side event. 🔹 9 powerhouse speakers from Nigeria, Kenya, Armenia, and the Baltics. 🔹 50+ attendees, packing the room and making it a full house. 🔹 One shared mission - to connect, learn, and push the boundaries of tech ecosystems beyond borders. 🔥 So, what went down? This wasn’t just another panel - it was the biggest in TechChill history (we checked). Each speaker had 2 minutes to drop insights before the floodgates of discussion burst open. And they did not hold back. 📌 What sets these ecosystems apart? 🇳🇬 Nigeria is scaling tech talent and innovation at an unmatched pace. 🇰🇪 Kenya is the “Africa for beginners” - if you can build there, you can scale across the continent. 🇦🇲 Armenia moves at breakneck speed regarding digital transformation for the next generation. 📌 What do the Baltics and these regions have in common? We’re all from small but mighty nations, built on resilience, ambition, and a knack for doing more with less. 📌 What should the Baltics do better? - Get louder - our tech scene is world-class, but are we telling that story enough? - Look at Africa as an opportunity, not a challenge - stronger partnerships and investments, rather than cautious curiosity. - Be more open to competition - diversity in talent, thinking, and approaches breeds innovation. 📌 Best advice of the night? Loosen up. Networking shouldn’t feel like a board meeting. And last night, it didn’t. As we wrapped up with dessert, drinks, and connections that will actually lead to something, one thing was clear - tech has no borders, just untapped potential.

The Latvian Startup Report 2024 is here, offering a clear picture of where we stand. No hype - just the key trends shaping the ecosystem, so let’s talk highlights: 💰 €62M in new venture capital funding is available for early-stage startups, but access to growth-stage capital remains challenging Outlast Fund Buildit VC BADideas.fund 🤝 Printful & Printify’s merger is a significant industry move, reflecting shifts in the local startup landscape. 🏠 Startup House Riga has been up and running for a year, creating a dedicated space for founders to connect and collaborate. 📉 Investment activity remains steady, but large funding rounds are scarce, making international capital more critical than ever. Latvia isn’t experiencing a meteoric rise, but that’s not necessarily bad. Instead, we’re seeing the steady, strategic growth of a maturing ecosystem. The ingredients for a breakout moment are coming together, but unlocking the next level will require: 🔺 A stronger presence of international investors - not just capital, but strategic partners who can open doors to global markets. 🔺 A sharper focus on talent cultivation and retention, ensuring scaling startups don’t hit a ceiling due to resource constraints. 🔺 A more deliberate push for international recognition, positioning Latvia as an essential hub for innovation rather than just a promising outlier. The momentum is building. The question is: how do we accelerate it? 📖 Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dRcCQ7Xp

Alright, here’s the deal: February 5th, 18:00 - 21:00, Fantadroms, Riga. You, us, some brilliant minds from Nigeria, Kenya, Armenia, and the Baltics, all in one room. What’s happening? Magic. Okay, not the card-trick kind, but the “let’s connect and build the future of tech” kind. We’re talking real stories, big ideas, and insights straight from the heart of fast-growing ICT ecosystems. Nigeria, Kenya, and Armenia have a lot to say - and trust us, you’ll want to hear it. Add some great drinks, tasty snacks, and music, and you’ve got yourself an evening that’s more than just another event. You’ll meet tech leaders who aren’t just dreaming big - they’re making it happen: 👉 Mercy Kimalat, the powerhouse behind 150+ entrepreneur support organizations in Kenya. 👉 Ruben Osipyan, CEO of Science & Technology Angels Network in Armenia. 👉 Ashley Immanuel, COO of Semicolon, Nigeria’s tech talent and business support hub. And honestly, so many more that we can’t fit them all here (but you’ll meet them there). This isn’t one of those “sit quietly and clap politely” gigs. It’s fast, interactive, and packed with ideas you’ll actually want to remember. And when the sessions wrap up? It’s all about the chats, the connections, and maybe even a drink (or two). 💡 Register free here: https://lu.ma/3mtg4utp Show up, hang out, and see where the conversations take you. New ideas, fresh perspectives, global connections - it’s all happening. We’ll save you a snack. See you there? 🎉

Startin.LV Team and Board wish every one of you a Merriest Christmas! May the next year bring the brightest ideas, traction that makes your heads spin and pockets full of investment. But most importantly, we wish you things that money can’t buy - health that makes you feel 20 again and peace in your mind and heart. Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! 🎅 🎄 ❄️

Meet startupjobslatvia.lv – the one-stop shop for all open startup gigs in Latvia. Whether you’re into coding, marketing, or building the next unicorn, this is where Latvian startups and talent finally swipe right on each other. What started as a “let’s-just-put-it-in-a-Spreadsheet” hobby by Rolands Mesters has already turned into a full-fledged website with 600+ visitors in its first month. Now, under the care of Startup House Riga, this platform isn’t just connecting people – it’s helping the ecosystem thrive. Because the right people on the right projects can change the game. Props to Berta.me for powering the platform – yet another local success story. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dpzjFvkJ 👉 Check it out here: startupjobslatvia.lv

The Latvian Startup Awards 2024 are in the books, and we’ve got the photos to prove it. A massive thank you to everyone who showed up, celebrated, and brought the energy - we couldn’t have done it without you. Huge congrats to the winners who stole the spotlight (and our hearts). 🏆 To the rest: let’s call it fuel for next year’s big win. Now, dive into the album, tag yourself, your co-founder and your co-friend! We’ll see you in 2025, bigger and bolder. https://lnkd.in/dmgYuynb

We had an epic time bringing the Latvian Startup Awards to life and celebrating the brightest minds in the game! 🌟 A huge shoutout to all the winners, our mighty jury, superstar hosts, and everyone who joined the party (glitter, karaoke, and all 🪩). Latvia’s startup ecosystem? Thriving. 🚀 Here’s to even bigger milestones in 2025 – but first, check out the winners and highlights from an unforgettable night. 🏆 Full scoop here: 

🔥 TODAY'S THE DAY! Join us to celebrate an epic end to an epic year!