EstBAN experienced a remarkable 2024 – we had one huge international event, celebrated some great partnerships, went to many studytrips that strengthened Estonia’s position in the European startup investing ecosystem and welcomed a new Managing Director. During the year EstBAN hosted or co-hosted 14 startup-pitch events and initiated two major syndicate investments together with sTARTUp Day (for Esgrid) and Latitude59 events. We also calculated that 487 different deals were communicated within our channels.
Hosting the EBAN Congress Tallinn 2024
A highlight of the year was EstBAN’s successful hosting of the EBAN Annual Congress from May 20-22 in Tallinn. The event attracted 600 international investors, founders, and startup enthusiasts from approximately 50 countries. Over three days, attendees engaged with around 70 speakers, including prominent figures such as former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, cybersecurity expert Rainer Saks, and Bolt co-founder Martin Villig, not to mention all the international speakers like Staffan Helgesson, Mikko Silventola, Ivo Ronner, Nora Bavey, Risto Siilasmaa and many others.
Recognition and Awards
During the EBAN Congress, EstBAN was honored with the “Best Performing Business Angel Network of the Year” award, acknowledging its exceptional contributions to fostering a robust startup ecosystem in Estonia. Additionally, EstBAN member Heidi Kakko received the “Premier Woman Angel” award for her efforts in promoting diversity within the investment community.
In autumn, during the European Angel Investor Summit 2024, EstBAN founder Ivar Siimar got another award: The EBAN Ecosystem Gamechanger Award. So we can be proud to have a strong investor community that’s also being internationally recognized.
In the beginning of summer we welcomed Karin Künnapas as EstBAN’s new Managing Director. Fun fact is that Karin has already worked in EstBAN some years ago (2014-2017).
Strategic Programs and year full of study trips
EstBAN carried on several initiatives aimed to enhance the capabilities of angel investors and supporting startups:
- 4NGELS Program and Study trips: this program included investor and startup trainings, a cross-border syndicate and study trips to Slovenia and Poland.
- Connect2Scale New Angels Academy: in spring we had four online+on-site training sessions for novice angels just starting out their investor journey.
- Connect2Scale Mature Angels Academy: launched in September, this academy offered seasoned investors advanced training to refine their investment strategies and stay abreast of market trends.
- Connect2Scale Study Trips: exploratory trips to innovation hubs like Sweden’s “Silicon Valley“, Vilnius and Helsinki.
- Hamburg study trip into the blooming startup ecosystem and city of tech giants in Germany.
Community Engagement and Expansion
EstBAN continued to strengthen its community through various events and collaborations:
- Investor Talks: regular sessions featured experienced investors sharing their journeys and insights in order to get to know our angels better.
- New Partnerships: the Estonian Cleantech Association joined EstBAN as an associated member, and we also welcomed Beamline Accelerator as a new-old partner.
- Tartu Investor Club: three Tartu events were organized to engage investors in this youthful regional hub. More of this in 2025!
Looking Ahead
Building on the momentum of 2024, EstBAN is poised to continue its mission of supporting early-stage investments and fostering innovation. The network’s efforts have not only elevated Estonia’s startup ecosystem but have also contributed to the broader European investment landscape – we have our place in it.
