Latvian Startup Awards 2024 Program
Friday, December 6, Digital Art House, Skolas iela 2, Riga
14:30 – 15:00
Doors open
15:00 – 15:20
Opening remarks, Latvian Startup Ecosystem: 2024 Unwrapped
Ernests Jenavs, Chair of the Board of Directors at Startin.LV, Co-founder and CEO at Edurio
15:20 – 16:00
Investing in the Future: The Founders’ Vision Behind StartSchool and Startup House Riga
What drives founders to not only build businesses but also invest in their ecosystem’s future? This panel unpacks the bold vision behind StartSchool and Startup House Riga – two initiatives reshaping Latvia’s startup landscape. Hear the inspiring stories, challenges, and pivotal moments that brought these ideas to life. Learn how they’re empowering entrepreneurs, filling critical gaps, and creating spaces where innovation thrives. More importantly, discover what’s next and how you can be part of the movement to elevate Latvia’s startup ecosystem to new heights.
Kristians Jenciuss, CEO at Startup House Riga
James Janis Berdigans, Executive Chairman at Printify, Founder at Startup House and StartSchool
Anna Andersone, Co-founder and CEO at StartSchool, Chair of the Board at Riga TechGirls
Raimonds Simanovskis, Founder and CEO at eazyBI
16:00 – 16:40
The Fund Awakens: Season 5
Latvia’s €62M startup funding round isn’t just bigger – it’s smarter. This panel brings together fund managers to reveal how lessons from the past are driving a more streamlined, impactful investment process. What does it mean for founders? Faster funding, fewer headaches, and a sharper focus on building the industries of tomorrow. Dive into the challenges, opportunities, and game-changing improvements shaping this new era of startup support – and discover how you can leverage it to fuel your next big idea.
Diana Lace Davidova, Head of Operations at Whimsical, Angel Investor at BADideas.fund
Arta Beitane, Partner at Buildit VC
Marija Rucevska, General Partner at Outlast Fund, Chair Of The Board at TechChill
Arta Abasina, COO at BADideas.fund
16:40 – 17:00
From Foes to Friends: The Printful and Printify Merger Story
From rivals to allies, this merger might just be the biggest plot twist of 2024 for Latvia’s startup ecosystem. In this fireside chat, we’ll unpack how two competing industry giants decided collaboration beats competition. What drove the decision? What hurdles did they face? And most importantly, what does this mean for the future of e-commerce, innovation, and Latvia’s position on the global tech stage? Get ready for insights into how bold moves can reshape industries and turn competitors into powerful allies.
Andris K. Berzins, Partner at Change Ventures, co-founder at TechChill, Startup House, Startin.LV, StartSchool
James Janis Berdigans, Executive Chairman at Printify, Founder at Startup House and StartSchool
17:00 – 18:00
Break
18:00 – 20:00
Latvian Startup Awards Ceremony
20:00 – 01:00
Afterparty and karaoke by StartupHouse