A networking event for Ukrainian startup founders took place in Tallinn

On 10 April, a networking event for Ukrainian startup founders took place in Tallinn, organised by the Estonian Founders Society – one of the most influential entrepreneur communities in Estonia.

At the office of PRNEWS.IO Ukrainian entrepreneurs building businesses in Estonia and Estonian startup founders gathered to share experience and ideas and build connections.

What was especially valuable was that the Estonian community wants to hear Ukrainians and understand what help it can provide so that integration and growth happen more easily and quickly.

The opening speech was given by Allan Martinson, President of the Estonian Founders Society. He stressed the importance of such meetings and that it really matters for Estonian entrepreneurs to understand the barriers Ukrainians face and how best to help them build businesses in Estonia.

Among the speakers was Inna Hordiienko, head of communications at the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia. In her talk she shared a positive example of Ukrainians' adaptation and outlined the systemic challenges the Ukrainian community in Estonia faces every day. Inna paid particular attention to the initiatives the Association runs to support integration and preserve Ukrainian identity, including:

• Ukrainian Film Club in Estonia – a space for cultural dialogue between Ukrainians and Estonians through film;
• The "Vyshyvanka Unites – Rahvustikand ühendab" festival – a large event that brings people together around traditions and folk art;
• Ukrainian radio DRUZI – a unique media project that not only informs but also strengthens the community and promotes integration.

"It is very important that the Estonian community, and the Estonian Founders Society in particular, organises an event that lets representatives of Ukrainian startups talk about important things with local businesses and exchange views. The wish to help Ukrainians create their startups in Estonia is a friendly gesture and powerful support for our adaptation in a new country, when everything starts from scratch." – said Inna.

The main part of the programme was the panel discussion "The Ukrainian Founder Experience in Estonia", with:

• Olena Losifova, co-founder of Ender Turing;
• Victoriia Osler, operations manager at Help99;
• Alexander Storozhuk, co-founder of PRNEWS.

The participants shared their own experience:

• how they started their startup in Estonia;
• what barriers Ukrainian entrepreneurs face;
• how relations between Ukrainians and Estonians work in business.

Thank you to the Estonian Founders Society and the Ukrainian startup PRNews for this platform for dialogue and partnership.

And thank you to everyone who helps Ukrainians every day to find themselves, grow and build a new life in Estonia!