Could you share more about your internationalisation programs and how they support tech businesses expanding globally?
Latitude59 is more than just a tech conference—it’s a launchpad for bold founders looking to expand and scale. We connect high-potential startups with the right networks, funding, and market entry support in key regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The Latitude59 Satellite events, including those in Singapore and Nairobi, play a crucial role in these efforts. They offer startups direct exposure to investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders who can accelerate their global growth.
A key part of Latitude59’s playbook is the L59 Pitch Competition. Since 2018, 1,647 startups have applied, and 13 have secured investments totaling 13.8 million euros.
Can you tell us about some of the startups you’re working with at the moment, and which ones you think could do well in Singapore?
Latitude59’s expansive network includes founders from all over the world. In 2024, Latitude59’s Pitch Competition for 1 million euros once again gathered an impressive lineup of 500+ startups from 50+ countries. The winners—Beholder, AskToSell, and GaltTec—are all poised for global success, sharing a key component—AI. Beholder, founded by Ukrainians, is revolutionizing geological mapping for sustainable mining. Lithuania’s AskToSell leverages AI for sales automation, backed by experienced founders. GaltTec, from Estonia, is advancing fuel cell efficiency with cutting-edge deep tech. Given Singapore’s focus on AI, sustainability, and innovation, these startups have strong potential to do well there.”
When startups from your country enter the Singapore market, what are some of the most common challenges or support needs they face? What more can be done in Singapore to help ease their market entry and accelerate their success?
Estonian startups are used to operating in lean, agile, and highly digital environments. While Singapore is also incredibly tech-forward, there are challenges:
- Regulatory frameworks – Especially in fintech and health tech, navigating compliance requirements is complex.
- Regional partnerships – The Southeast Asian market is diverse; startups often need local partnerships to scale beyond Singapore into markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
- Talent acquisition – Finding the right talent with regional expertise can be a challenge; a talent-matching platform could help.
A more structured market-access bridge (incubator program or soft-landing hub) for Nordic-Baltic startups entering Singapore would significantly ease entry and speed up traction.
Why should Singaporean startups explore your market as part of their own global expansion journey?
Estonia offers a perfect gateway for Singaporean startups looking to expand westward. Here’s why:
- Easiest place to do business – Estonia ranks among the top for ease of business and has a fully digital government.
- E-residency and company setup in 15 minutes – Singaporean founders can incorporate an EU-based company in Estonia remotely, accessing the entire European market.
- Thriving ecosystem – Estonia has produced unicorns like Wise, Bolt, and Veriff, proving its strength in scaling innovative startups.
- Access to EU funding and investors – Latitude59 connects startups with top VCs, angel investors, and public funding opportunities, actively bridging the ecosystems of Singapore and Estonia.
