According to Startup Estonia, the turnover of startups in Ida-Virumaa in the first half of this year was 2.7 million euros, which is 107% more than in the same period last year. In the first six months of this year, out of 25 startup companies in Ida-Virumaa, the highest turnover was that of DGTal Solutions, which previously operated in Harju County – the startup’s turnover reached 1.2 million euros. The leader is followed by PROSW Analytics and ROMTRIP, both with a turnover of 400 thousand euros, and Friedegggames, whose turnover reached 200 thousand euros. According to Statistics Estonia, in the first half of this year, 37 people were employed at least one day in startup companies registered in Ida-Virumaa, whose average gross salary was 2,255 euros. Elina Dubova, head of regional startup projects at Startup Estonia, said that the awareness of Ida-Virumaa residents about startup business and the desire to start their own startup or work for a startup company have increased. “The main reasons why Ida-Virumaa residents want to work for startups are interesting challenges and diverse learning opportunities. They are also optimistic about the region’s potential, seeing opportunities for the growth and development of startup entrepreneurship. However, many locals are still cautious, preferring more traditional career opportunities,” Dubova said. According to Statistics Estonia, more than half (54%) of the local startup sector employees have higher education and a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. 62% of Ida-Virumaa startup company employees are Estonian citizens and 30% are citizens of another country, while the citizenship of another 8% is unknown. According to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, startups in Ida-Viru County paid 200,000 euros in labour taxes in the first half of the year, which is 42% more than in the same period last year. Startup company Efenco was the largest employer and payer of labour taxes, with 12 employees as of the end of June, and the startup company paid 130,000 euros in labour taxes. In Ida-Viru County, Startup Estonia continues to develop the local ecosystem in cooperation with the startup community and various organizations, focusing on raising awareness and developing skills among young people as well as supporting startup entrepreneurs in the region. Startup Estonia has launched a free expert consultation program in Ida-Viru County for aspiring startup entrepreneurs and people who are still looking for their own business idea. “As part of the program, experts from various fields offer free consultations and assistance throughout Estonia, and in Ida-Virumaa, three very strong professionals offer their services,” said Dubova. Read RusDelfi wherever it is convenient for you. Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, and even TikTok.
