Thorgate

How to successfully enter new markets? Start with learning from others and getting the right support! Couple of weeks ago we hosted a hands-on event for growth-stage companies looking to scale globally. 🌍 Participants had the chance to hear first-hand export experiences from three ambitious Estonian companies and learn how Tehnopol can support market expansion. A big thank you to our speakers: 🔹 Erik Mesikäpp 🇪🇪🇺🇸 from Ayren – for sharing insights on navigating the US market. 🔹 Frederika Frey from DriveX Technologies – for taking us through their AI-driven growth path. 🔹 Karl Õkva from Thorgate – for highlighting what it really takes to work with different markets. From practical advice on business culture (yes, your Patagonia vest matters!) to key learnings on building trust in new regions, the morning was packed with value. We support companies through a variety of targeted export programs, each designed to open doors to specific markets: 🔹 BSR Go-abroad – Helps SMEs expand into Baltic Sea Region, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Germany. 🔹 FINESTJAPAN – Focuses on creating new business opportunities for Estonian and Finnish companies in Japan. 🔹 Bridging4Growth – Supports companies in entering emerging markets such as Brazil and Uzbekistan. 🔹 Health 3-2-1 – Tailored for health tech companies looking to access the UK and US markets. 🔹 Leap4Growth – A new initiative launching this fall, aimed at opening up opportunities in Vietnam and the Hong Kong region. 🔹 Enterprise Europe Network Estonia – The world’s largest support network for SMEs, providing access to international partnerships, expert advice, and market insights. If your target market isn’t listed above, we can still help — our network of mentors and partners is here to connect you with the right contacts and prepare you for successful market entry. Looking to grow your business internationally? Let’s talk.

Meet Betti: Thorgate’s New Chief Happiness Officer 🐾 In our latest strategic hire, Thorgate has onboarded Betti, a four-legged force of joy, productivity, and snack-based motivation. As our new Chief Happiness Officer, Betti is already shaking things up in the best way possible. Her key responsibilities include: 🎾 Enforcing regular breaks by dropping tennis balls at your feet until you comply. 🍖 Leading Agile Treat Planning to ensure snack distribution aligns with sprint goals. 💤 Initiating mandatory nap breaks for maximum developer efficiency. 📦 Beta testing FetchOps, our new internal tool that automates break reminders with robotic ball-throwers. Her first executive decision? 👉 All meetings now begin with a belly rub and end with a walk.

🚀 Raido Pikkar is coming to Startup Moldova Summit 2025! A key player in Estonia’s startup ecosystem, Raido Pikkar has been building and scaling tech ventures for over two decades. A founder, investor, and mentor, he has spent the last two decades building companies, supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, and shaping the environment where startups can thrive. ✅ Co-founder of Latitude59 – Estonia’s premier startup & tech conference ✅ Founder of Thorgate Group – a digital product powerhouse ✅ Co-founder of Startup Garage – supporting early-stage entrepreneurs ✅ Leader at Python Estonia– fostering the next generation of tech talent ✅ Angel investor & mentor – guiding startups from idea to scale Raido is passionate about creating startup-friendly environments and helping founders turn bold ideas into thriving companies. His expertise in scaling, funding, and international expansion is something no founder should miss. Meet him at Startup Moldova Summit 📅 April 16, Mediacor, Chișinău 🎟 Get your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/ds-29895 The Startup Moldova Summit is organized with the support of the EU4Innovation East project, implemented by Expertise France and funded by the European Union with co-funding from the French Government, as well as with the financial support of UMAEF. EU4Innovation East Expertise France European Commission Ministère des Affaires étrangères français

This week, Amna Ahsan will give a presentation in the Python CodeClub session about the connection between marketing and software development. Come to the session to learn more about how marketing directly impacts a developer's work and how freelance or aspiring developers can effectively market themselves to recruiters or companies. Python CodeClub takes place on the 26th of March at 6 pm in TalTech Innovation and Business Centre Mektory. The event is free for everyone to attend!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of sharing our experience stories at Tehnopol’s Global Opportunities: Expanding into New Markets seminar. With export case studies from Ayren, DriveX Technologies, and our own experience, the event gave a good overview of international expansion's challenges and wins. At Thorgate, we’ve built strong partnerships across Europe and beyond, helping businesses scale with high-quality software and digital solutions. With offices in London, Oslo, and Tallinn, we know firsthand that breaking into new markets is about strategy, adaptability, and the right support network. Thanks to Tehnopol for organising such an insightful discussion and for their continued work in helping Estonian growth companies expand globally. If you’re thinking about scaling your business internationally, events like these are a great way to gain practical insights and connections.

Congratulations, Rain Eamets – our February Monthly Guru! 🏆 Rain's curiosity and dedication to learning anything needed to make the world better through technology are truly inspiring. Beyond technical expertise, Rain is a true team player—always ready to lend a hand, go the extra mile, and support colleagues when it’s least expected. As colleagues put it best, Rain is the kind of person you’d gladly have by your side on any mission. On behalf of all of us at Thorgate and Waybiller, thank you, Rain!

Last week, Thorgate's CBDO Karl Õkva visited the UK with the Estonian delegation to explore offshore energy opportunities and strengthen collaboration between Estonia and the North East region of the UK. The visit highlighted key developments in offshore wind, port transformation, and supply chain innovation. The UK is making major investments in renewables, while AI and digital solutions are driving efficiency in the sector. Estonia is playing an active role in the offshore energy transition, with opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the North Sea and the Baltic. A big thank you to Invest in Estonia, the Embassy of Estonia in London, and Aberdeen International Associates (AIA) for organizing this insightful roadshow!

Today, we celebrate the incredible women changing the world through technology: Your passion, creativity, and novelty are shaping the future and building a more inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking world. Here's to breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and inspiring the next generation of innovators - happy International Women's Day! ✨

Join us on March 13 for an insightful Startup Estonia webinar in which Thorgate Group chairman Raido Pikkar, along with Procommerce Digital Strategist Rode Luhaäär, will share the essential first steps in validating and launching a startup. From identifying the right problem to solving it to securing funding and building a strong team, this webinar is a great opportunity for those looking to take their first steps into the startup world! Sign up at the link below!

Last week our office was taken over by the younger generation: codesters.club's 10th graders from Tallinna Mustamäe Gümnaasium, Tallinna Tehnikagümnaasium, and Tallinna Ühisgümnaasium got an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Thorgate's office and company culture. They gained inside knowledge about market research, MVP to launching, growing a company, and scaling up. The day was wrapped up with a Shark Tank assignment, where young coders presented their unique ideas in front of the Thorgate jury. Thanks for coming!