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Meet sTARTUp Pitching 2024 winner Esgrid

Esgrid snapped up the syndicate investment of up to €200k by the Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN) at sTARTUp Pitching 2024 competition. We talked to Co-founder Ott Ilves about the company’s mission and what lies ahead for the team.
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The winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 have been announced!

Altogether, 322 startups entered the race. After fierce competition, the winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 have been announced. EstBAN awarded a syndicate...
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The TOP 5 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 are…!

Today, we met the most promising early-stage startups in the region as the semifinalists of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 showcased themselves at the...
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Let’s meet Jan Lätt and Sven Kotkas – EstBAN lead investors at sTARTUp Pitching 2024

It’s time to get to know Jan Lätt and Sven Kotkas, lead investors of the EstBAN syndicate at the sTARTUp Pitching 2024...
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Announcing the TOP 40 of sTARTUp Pitching 2024!

The wait is over! It’s time to reveal the TOP 40 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2024 who will be pitching at the...
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Meet Sandra Golbreich from Baltic Sandbox Ventures

Sandra Golbreich is a General Partner at Baltic Sandbox Ventures, the first specialized early-stage VC fund in the Baltic region investing in...
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sTARTUp Pitching 2024 competition comes again with a prize pool of over €300k

Early-stage startups can now apply for the sTARTUp Pitching 2024 contest to compete for syndicate investments by EstBAN, .Contriber Ventures and prizes...
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Kadi Saadlo from Hotelbuddy – A Hotelier Turned Into to a Startup Founder

Kadi Saadlo never dreamed of becoming a startup founder before the Covid-19 pandemic turned her personal and professional life upside down. Today,...
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sTARTUp Day winner Paul-Tech equips farmers with a smart digital assistant

It’s time to get to know the heroes of this year’s sTARTUp Pitching competition! First up is Paul-Tech – an Estonian agritech startup...
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The winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2023 have been announced!

Altogether 271 teams started this year’s sTARTUp Pitching competition. After a fierce competition, the winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2023 have been announced....
Read more

The TOP 5 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2023 are…!

Today, sTARTUp Day attendees could meet the most promising early-stage startups in the region as the semifinalists of sTARTUp Pitching 2023 showcased...
Read more

Announcing the TOP 40 of sTARTUp Pitching 2023!

It’s time to unveil the crème de la crème of the 7th edition of sTARTUp Pitching! Altogether 271 startups entered the race....
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Pitch coach David Beckett on how to craft and deliver a winning pitch

This year, the Top 40 teams of sTARTUp Pitching can polish their pitches in a coaching session with the seasoned pitch trainer...
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Agnese Veckalne from Longenesis on speeding up medical research and success at sTARTUp Pitching

Agnese Veckalne is the Chief Operating Officer of the Latvian MedTech startup Longenesis, one of the winning teams of sTARTUp Pitching 2022....
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Let’s meet Mait Sooaru – EstBAN lead investor at sTARTUp Pitching

Mait Sooaru is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and Board Member of the Estonian Business Angels Network. As EstBAN will be awarding a...
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Let’s meet Aleksander Tõnnisson – .Cocoon Ventures lead investor at sTARTUp Pitching

Aleksander Tõnnisson is an investor and lead partner at .Cocoon Ventures, which is awarding a €100k syndicate to one team at sTARTUp...
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sTARTUp Pitching 2023 is coming again with a prize pool of over €350k!

We are calling all startups to apply for the sTARTUp Pitching competition. Apply before 5 February 2023 to compete for prizes worth...
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sTARTUp Pitching 2022 winner LightCode Photonics changes the way robots see us

LightCode Photonics picked up a €200k EstBAN-led syndicate investment from the sTARTUp Pitching 2022 competition. The University of Tartu spin-off, founded in...
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The winners of sTARTUp Pitching 2022 have been announced!

A record number of 380 applicants from 47 countries started this year’s sTARTUp Pitching competition. After a fierce competition, the winners have...
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The TOP 5 startups of sTARTUp Pitching 2022 are…!

Today, sTARTUp Day attendees could meet the most promising early-stage startups in the region, as the TOP 40 teams of sTARTUp Pitching...
Read more

Announcing the TOP 40 of sTARTUp Pitching 2022!

We are excited to publish the list of TOP 40 startups of sTARTUp Pitching. This year, we had an astounding number of...
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Let's Meet Heidi Kakko and Martin Goroško – EstBAN Syndicate Lead Investors at sTARTUp Pitching

One of the teams at sTARTUp Pitching 2022 will collect up to €200k early stage funding for their startup from an Estonian...
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Catching Up with Cihat Kahraman from VSight One Year After Winning sTARTUp Pitching 2021

Cihat Kahraman is the Co-founder and CEO at VSight, a Remote Service and Collaboration platform with Augmented Reality, and the winner of...
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Gleb Maltsev on The Art and Science of Pitching in Times of Uncertainty

Gleb Maltsev is a data-driven pitch coach whose training sessions have proved eye-opening for many founders. Each year, he listens to around...
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Kalev Kärpuk from Adact: Founders should learn more from the mistakes of others

Kalev Kärpuk is the CEO and founder of Adact, a young gamification marketing startup that allows companies to create engaging gamification campaigns...
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Kristo Kraft from Ringy: Sharing your good ideas with others helps you move forward

Kristo Kraft is the CEO of Ringy, a circular economy company that aims to reduce the waste of natural resources through refurbishing...
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Time to join sTARTUp Day 2022 pitching contest with a prize pool of over €350k

We are calling all startups to apply for the sTARTUp Pitching competition. This is your chance to shine on the stage in...
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sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN – the winners have been announced!

The fantastic and nerve-racking sTARTUp Pitching powered by EstBAN has reached the finish line! A record number of applicants – 330 startups...
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TOP 7 startups in the Baltics are…!

sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN brought together the most promising early-stage startups from the region. Today, the TOP 40 were competing for...
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Virtual Business Speed Dating 101: tips & tricks

A great connection is like a marriage. It all starts with a first date. But before the first date, you might want...
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sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN – TOP 40 announced!

We are super happy to announce the TOP 40 startups of sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN! But before the big reveal –...
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Let's break a world record!

As we are all about keeping sTARTUp Day fresh and full of surprises, we will be attempting to break the world record...
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Kalev Kaarna: "The purpose of the first meeting with the investor is to generate interest, not to get the investment."

Kalev Kaarna is the Venture Development Manager of the Superangel investment fund. Superangel is a pre-seed and seed fund established in the...
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The 3rd Female Founders Meetup – great ideas and even better pitches!

On October 15, female entrepreneurs gathered in Tallinn for the third Female Founders Meetup. On the next day, the event moved to...
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Nothing to lose, €200k to win!

Short sentences, one thought at a time, simple words and a lot of practice — this is what sTARTUp Pitching finalists suggest...
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TOP 10 startups that impressed RIA.com at sTARTUp Day 2020

This year the sTARTUp Day 2020 event in Tartu gathered hundreds or smart and young people who were telling visitors about their...
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sTARTUp Day selected the best early-stage startup - Jeff App

At sTARTUp Day took place legendary pitching competition with 33 competitors that were selected from 277 applicants. The winner of sTARTUp Pitching...
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sTARTUp Day pitching TOP 7 - the best startups in Estonia at the moment

sTARTUp Pitching had 32 teams competing for a place in TOP 7 - list of the best business ideas currently in Estonia....
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TOP 32 teams of sTARTUp Pitching 2020

sTARTUp Pitching is the official pitching competition of sTARTUp Day. In 2020, 248 teams from 30 different countries applied and 32 were...
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sTARTUp Day is looking for the next unicorn at the sTARTUp Pitching Competition

At the business festival sTARTUp Day 2020, startups have the opportunity to present their business idea in front of 4,000 visitors and...
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From drifting to Alpine House, Superangel keeps putting startups to the test (videos!)

Superangel fund is known for putting startups to the test. You might find yourself jumping out of an airplane 4km high in...
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TRIT won 11th Kaleidoskoop Finals at sTARTUp Day

sTARTUp Day Pitching Stage was opened by business ideas competition Kaleidoskoop 11th Finals. Team TRIT that develops a solution for the translation...
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Future unicorns hit the stage in sTARTUp Pitching finals

sTARTUp Pitching has reached to its finals where the jury has chosen 21 teams to participate in. Almost 250 startups applied for...
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Tickets from €109

Tickets

Find your perfect ticket type! All ticket types grant access to all three festival days. 

Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Visitor

129 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Startup

109 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Investor

169 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.

Executive

169 €
BUY NOW
Venue access
Ϟ Day 0: Side Events on January 29
Ϟ Day 1 on January 30
Ϟ Day 2 on January 31
Matchmaking
This is where the magic happens. Through our matchmaking app, you can schedule 20-minute meetings with participants and meet them at our matchmaking area. General access to the matchmaking app will be available at the beginning of the festival week.
Stage program
There will be three stages at sTARTUp Day 2025 – Starlight Stage, Insight Stage, and Pitching Stage – with speakers and presenters who cover a variety of topics for every taste.
Demo Area access
This is the Mecca of Entrepreneurship! Explore the latest innovations and discover new products, services, friends, opportunities and perhaps, your new career challenge.
sTARTUp Night
The legendary sTARTUp Night wraps up the first conference day on January 30. The afterparty is bringing together the coolest festival visitors, good music, and lots of surprises!
Seminars
Practical seminars to sharpen & level up your skills.
Side events
Vibrant side events take place all over Tartu before and during the official festival.
Early access to matchmaking app
With early access, you’ll gain access to our matchmaking app two weeks earlier than most people. Use the opportunity to get a head start and request meetings with the hottest participants before all their slots are full.
VIP Reception
Celebrate the beginning of sTARTUp Day in style! The VIP Reception brings together speakers, investors & executives for an unforgettable night.
VIP Lounge access
Escape to your lounge where you can kick back and relax, get some work done, or prep for the next meeting.
Investor Day
Investor Day on January 29 is an exclusive investors' meetup to share experiences, learn from each other, and create meaningful contacts. Structured in a way you'd feel both elevated by and busy with new ideas while leaving enough room for networking.
Executive Day
Executive Day on January 29 is about taking the time to listen, talk, and network with other leaders. This is the place to bounce your thoughts and learn about challenges and solutions across different industries.
List of attending investors
Startups will see the participating investors' list (investor's name + investment fund's name) which enables them to request meetings with the right investors through our matchmaking app.
List of attending startups
There are over 300 unique startups at sTARTUp Day, which can be quite overwhelming at times. We'll send you a database of all of the participating startups so you can browse through them all and select the ones you want to meet beforehand.
Personalised startup matches
With the help of our good friends from Dealum, we will find the most relevant startup matches based on each investor’s profile. This means that investors will get a list of hand-selected startups that meet their requirements, making it even easier to meet the right startup.
Visibility at sTARTUp Day website
All validated startups and the biggest VC funds will be featured on the sTARTUp Day website.