For the sixth year in a row, the Estonian Startup Awards is celebrating the success of the Estonian startup ecosystem and the people arond it! This time, we’re seeking nominees in 11 impactful categories the - vectors and trends that have stood out the most! The nomination form is open for all until December 13, 2024. The winners will be announced at the annual Estonian Startup Awards Gala on January 23, 2025!
In 2024, the initiative of Estonian Startup Awards is led by Estonian Founders Society and LIFT99. The awards offer recognition to Estonia's best startup companies, investors and activists who have contributed significantly to the development of the startup sector and the economy, and are inspiring the next generation of startup founders to step up!
“Since the developments on the Estonian startup sector were very diverse this year, we have decided to announce more special categories than ever before. ”
This year, nominees will be gathered in 11 categories. "Traditionally, we recognize the best founders and investors and those who contribute to the development of the startup sector. But every year, we also give out special awards that reflect the latest trends and dynamics of the Estonian startup sector and bring into focus the areas that have particularly stood out. Since the developments on the Estonian startup sector were very diverse this year, we have decided to announce more special categories than ever before. For example, there has been a massive development in the field of the defense industry - in just one year the community and the number of active startups have grown 4-5 times," commented Ragnar Sass, one of the initiators and spokespeople of the Estonian Startup Awards initiative.
The main categories of the Estonian Startup Awards 2024 are Founder of the Year, Investor of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Revenue Hack of the Year, and Giving Back Powerhouse of the Year. In the special categories, the awards are presented in a total of six categories, recognizing outstanding startups in the fields of FinTech, DeepTech, GreenTech and DefenceTech. In addition, the best players in Hardware and SaaS will receive recognition.
According to Startup Estonia, 1,608 startup companies operate in Estonia. By Q3, the Estonian startup sector had generated 2.7 billion euros in turnover, which is 10% more compared to the same period last year. Estonian startup sector continues to be the engine of local economy while the rest of the market continues in slight decline, demonstrating the impact and added value the startup sector is creating in the society.
Nominees for the Estonian Startup Awards 2024 can be submitted by anyone until December 13, 2024. Last year, more than 300 nominees were submitted to the Estonian Startup Awards, and the organizers expect active participation this year as well.
In January 2025, an independent jury - in collaboration with the Estonian Founders Society - will take a vote to find the best from all the submitted candidates. The winners of all 11 categories will be announced at the annual awards gala on January 23, 2025. While the awards ceremony is invite-only - focusing on the nominees, the jury members and the most active community-builders - the awards gala can be followed live by all via Estonian Startup Awards’ social channels and the webpage of the official media partner, Delfi.
The recap of Estonian Startup Awards 2023