Today, December 13, Enterprise Estonia, in collaboration with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and AmCham Estonia, successfully hosted the annual US Market Day event, a key gathering for Estonian businesses looking to expand into the American market. The event brought together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and policymakers to explore opportunities, share experiences, and discuss strategies for successful market entry in the United States.
Market Entry: Opportunities and Challenges
The day began with an insightful panel discussing the intricacies of entering the US market by Silve Parviainen. She highlighted both the immense potential of the market and the hurdles businesses may encounter, including regulatory complexities, cultural differences, and the competitive landscape. Silve also emphasized the importance of thorough market research and strategic partnerships.
Making it in the US – Lessons Learned
This session featured Estonian entrepreneurs who have successfully established their brands in the US. Our stellar panel included Jakob Saks, Cofounder, Rabaconda; Endrus Arge, CEO and Founder, Silen; Märt Kroodo, Founder and CEO, 1oT and was masterfully moderated Arvo Anton, Director of the Business Diplomacy and Honorary Consuls Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The panelists candidly shared their journeys, discussing challenges like navigating legal systems and establishing local credibility, while also celebrating their triumphs. Their advice—ranging from “ask for information and references”, “don’t overthink and just go do it”, “it is not as scary as it seems”, to understanding regional nuances to leveraging Estonian innovation as a competitive advantage—resonated strongly with the audience.
Legal Framework and Immigration
After a short break, the event delved into the legal considerations for doing business in the U.S. Aleksander and Rebecca Lamvol, U.S. Attorney residing in Estonia provided guidance on legal entity, contracts immigration employment taxation and other important legal nuances of doing business in the USA.
Creative Industries Approach to the US Market
A fresh perspective was introduced by a panel dedicated to the creative industries. Xenia Joost, CEO of Haage, held an engaging fireside chat with Michael Burich, Founder and Creative Director of Maison Beast, discussing his unique strategies for breaking into the US market. The conversation emphasized the importance of cultural storytelling, embracing bold, unconventional ideas, thinking on a grand scale, and leveraging Estonia’s strong reputation for innovation and quality.
Team Estonia Activities in the US in 2025
The final session focused on Team Estonia’s strategic activities for the upcoming year. Representatives from Enterprise Estonia and the Estonian MFA unveiled plans for trade missions, promotional campaigns, and support programs designed to enhance Estonian businesses’ visibility and opportunities in the US market. This forward-looking presentation left attendees optimistic and motivated.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, offering attendees the chance to connect with speakers, policy experts, and peers. The informal setting fostered lively discussions and sparked potential collaborations, underscoring the value of events like this for building bridges between Estonia and the US.
US Market Day 2024 was a resounding success, providing Estonian businesses with actionable insights, expert advice, and a supportive community as they prepare to navigate the complexities of the US market.
We would like to sincerely thank all speakers and panelists, our event partners and all participants who have joined this very important and timely event.