Foreign Founders Meetup: What are investors looking for in 2026?

Foreign Founders Meetup vol. 4 is happening in Tartu — as an official sTARTUp Day side event! Join us on 28 January 2026 at Elutuba Lava Taga (Kastani 50) for an evening focused on a question every founder faces: how to build a startup investors actually want to fund.

This meetup helps international founders (and yes, locals will find it just as valuable) understand Estonia’s investor landscape- from angel investors to venture funds- and explore the funding opportunities available for startups. We’ll also unpack what makes a company “investor-ready” and how to position yourself strategically when seeking capital.

As a side event of sTARTUp Day, the meetup brings together the full energy and reach of the region’s largest startup festival.

What to expect

📘 Training: “How to Build an Investable Startup in Estonia”
A practical session on the foundations of a successful funding round:
• what investors look for at the early stage,
• how to position yourself attractively,
• the most common mistakes founders should avoid.

🎤 Panel Discussion
Insights from the ecosystem: a Tehnopol representative (accelerator/incubator), an Estonian angel investor, and a grants/public funding expert will share real-world experiences on fundraising, decision-making, and what truly moves the needle for early-stage companies.

🤝 Networking
Meet founders, ecosystem partners and investors gathering in Tartu for sTARTUp Day. A great opportunity to exchange experiences, ask questions, and build meaningful connections.

🔜 Speakers will be announced soon!

Agenda
17:30–18:00 – Gathering
18:00–18:50 – Training / workshop
18:50–19:00 – Break
19:00–19:30 – Panel discussion
19:30–21:00 – Networking

📅 Date: January 28, 2026
📍 Location: Elutuba Lava Taga, Kastani 50, 50410 Tartu
🗣️ Event language: English

💡 Register now to secure your spot — it’s FREE, but registration required.

🔗 Check out what the Foreign Founders Meetup series is all about here.

Foreign Founders Meetup is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.