Explore Programme: Lighthouse Expeditions
Choose between two tracks: Growing Unicorns or Essence of Estonia
As part of Connect2Scale project our partner Civitta provides you two so called “Lighthouse Expeditions” on Wednesday. You either discover Estonian startup ecosystem (path “Growing unicorns”) or Estonian culture and history (path “Essence of Estonia”).
All activities take you around Tallinn on tour buses or e-scooters.
Growing unicorns
We begin by visiting Estonia's most successful startup Bolt. Following that, we explore how the ecosystem in Estonia nurtures startups to achieve such success and discuss strategies for fostering the growth of future successful startup founders.
Starting place: Freedom Square, Vabaduse väljak 9, 10142 Tallinn
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 10:30-15:00
Growing Unicorns tour timeline
10:30-11:00 Arrive in style: 50 investors onboarding the scooters and driving to the Headquarters of Bolt.
11:00 Welcome to Bolt Headquarters! Discussion panel: “Let´s make cities for people, not cars – the expansion story of Bolt” + Q&A / Martin Villig, co-founder of Bolt
12:00-12:45 Onboarding the Investor Bus that will take us to the Telliskivi Creative Area, joined by a tour guide.
12:45 Welcome to VIVITA Creativity Accelerator.
13:00-13:45 Discussion panel: “How to raise future entrepreneurs” good examples from the Estonian ecosystem. / Mari-Liis Lind, co-founder and CEO of VIVITA, Erkki Kubbar, co-founder of Impact Day, Maria Palk, marketing manager of JA Eesti.
14:00 Welcome to Lift99: strengthening the global startup community to help startups succeed by bringing founders together.
14:00-14:30 Keynote #1: Get to know the Estonian unicorns!
14:45-15:00 Keynote #2: Ragnar Sass: “Why is investing in Ukraine the best investment you can make right now”.
Thank you, gifts and end of the tour!
essence of estonia
We introduce you to Estonian history that extends across a long and winding road through time, telling the tales of many nations from Vikings to the kings, queens, and medieval merchants of German, Swedish, Danish, and Russian descent. Local pagan spirit but Western mindset means that we bear close ties with nature while being proudly independent EU and NATO member with a strong reputation for innovation.
Starting place: Vene Kultuurikeskus, Mere pst 5, 10111 Tallinn
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 10:15-14:30
Essence of Estonia tour timeline
10:30 STOP 1 Old town / Ancient Estonia, nature & culture We will walk in the old town with a tour guide.
11:15 STOP 2 Song Festival Grounds. We will be talking about Estonian traditions and times that have shaped us as a nation.
12:00 STOP 3 Ülemiste City & Modern Estonia. Snacks and drinks will be provided
12-12:45 e-Estonia Briefing Centre: the story of the world’s most advanced digital society.
12:45-13:45 Ülemiste City: biggest business campus in the Baltic states. An international and diverse environment with more than 16 000 people working, studying and living in the community.
13:45-14:15 Meet Startup Estonia, designing a healthy ecosystem that sprouts innovation.
14:30 End of tour. Bus takes everyone back to the starting point.
The Explore programme is provided by CIVITTA, delivered with the support of the Connect2Scale initiative and funded by the European Union. Read more about Connect2Scale project HERE.
Should you wish to explore Estonia on your own, please visit our partner Visit Estonia website and find your best picks from our lovely New Nordic country.
