How to: Find funding for your Estonian company

Estonia’s reputation as a digital powerhouse extends well beyond its borders, providing an exemplary environment for businesses, especially for e-Residents. With progressive policies and an innovative ecosystem, Estonia offers a variety of funding opportunities to help grow your business. In this article, we’ll explore the diverse avenues for securing financial support through grants, loans, accelerators, and more.

E-Residency and its advantages

Estonia’s e-Residency program allows global entrepreneurs to start and manage a business from anywhere in the world, digitally. This program is particularly advantageous for remote management, for a holding company with several international shareholders or entrepreneurs who’d like to test their idea quickly and efficiently. By becoming an e-Resident, you gain access to the Estonian digital governmental service and can also benefit from the local grants, accelerators, funds and more for your business.

1. Grants: A non-repayable funding for your Estonian company

Grants are highly sought after due to their non-repayable nature. In Estonia, several organizations offer grants specifically tailored for startups and SMEs. For example, Enterprise Estonia (EAS) provides various funding schemes to support innovation, product development, and market expansion. These grants are designed to support activities that can lead to significant growth and internationalization.

Key Grants to Consider:

Start-up Grant: Aimed at early-stage companies to help them develop their business models and products.
Innovation Grant: Supports the creation and implementation of novel products and services.

Explore more grants open for application by clicking here.

2. Loans: Flexible financing solutions

If you need a more substantial or long-term funding for your Estonian company, loans are available, as long as you are able to show enough connection and substance in Estonia to get a local bank account. Read more here why and how to open an Estonian bank account. Banks in Estonia are quite receptive to startups, offering various financial products with competitive terms. Additionally, KredEx, a governmental foundation, provides guarantees for bank loans, making it easier for smaller companies to obtain necessary financing.

Popular Loan Options:

KredEx Start-up Loan: Offers favorable terms for new entrepreneurs.
Technology Loan: Designed to finance the acquisition of high-tech equipment or software.

3. Accelerators and Incubators: Mentorship and seed funding

Participating in an accelerator or incubator program can be pivotal for startups. These programs not only offer seed funding but also provide mentorship, office space, and access to a vast network of investors and industry experts. Estonia hosts several acclaimed programs, such as:

Startup Wise Guys: A B2B accelerator, providing intense mentorship and seed capital.
LIFT99: Offers a vibrant co-working space and a community-driven incubator program.

Here you can find more accelerators and incubators in Estonia.

4. Venture Capital: For high-growth enterprises

Venture capital is another viable avenue for startups aiming for rapid growth. Estonia has a robust VC scene, with several funds actively seeking to invest in promising startups. These funds often invest during early stages and contribute significantly towards scaling the business.

Notable Venture Funds:

Tera Ventures: Focuses on early-stage investments across Europe, with a keen interest in Estonian startups.
Baltic Innovation Fund: A partnership among Baltic States to provide equity investments.

Here you can find more investors and funds.

5. Government and EU Support

The Estonian government, along with the European Union, offers various supportive measures for businesses, particularly those introducing new technologies or expanding to international markets. Programs such as Horizon Europe and the European Structural and Investment Funds provide substantial financial and structural support.

Navigating the funding landscape

Navigating the funding landscape in Estonia requires a clear understanding of what each option entails and how it aligns with your business goals. By leveraging Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure and supportive funding environment, entrepreneurs can find the necessary resources to launch and expand their ventures effectively.

For further details on each funding type and to access specific programs, visiting platforms like e-resident.gov.ee can provide comprehensive information and guidance tailored to e-residents and international entrepreneurs.

Estonia continues to pave the way for innovation and entrepreneurship, offering a myriad of opportunities for funding and growth. Whether through grants, loans, or investor networks, your Estonian company has access to the resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace.