Growth Hub #9 — Estonia: From Zero to Unicorns

The Growth Hub is our monthly gathering for an open exchange on the realities of building and scaling ventures in Japan.

​This time, we’re welcoming Jüri Kaljundi, a serial entrepreneur, product designer, and ecosystem builder who has played a pivotal role in shaping Estonia’s global startup success story.

​With a population of just 1.3 million, Estonia has become one of the most remarkable startup nations in Europe - home to 10 unicorns, 1,500+ startups, and the highest number of startups and VC investments per capita in the continent. Jüri will unpack how a small country built one of the world’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems - and what lessons founders, policymakers, and investors elsewhere can take from it.

​As co-founder of Weekdone, an OKR and performance management platform used by teams worldwide, and Garage48, one of Europe’s earliest and most influential hackathon movements, Jüri has helped hundreds of founders turn ideas into global companies. He’s also an active environmental advocate through the Koosloodus Foundation, reflecting Estonia’s holistic approach to sustainability and innovation.

​In this session, Jüri will share:

• ​How Estonia’s startup ecosystem evolved from zero to unicorns in just two decades
• ​The key roles founders, investors, and the government played in this transformation
• ​How being small but connected became Estonia’s greatest strength
• ​What Japan and other countries can learn from Estonia’s “global testbed” mindset

​This interactive discussion will be moderated by Francisco (Special Advisor, Shibuya City), with space for live Q&A.
The conversation will be conducted entirely in English.

​🗼 About Shibuya Startup Support

Shibuya Startup Support is an initiative by the Shibuya City Office to support startups looking to launch or expand in Japan. We provide guidance, visa and incorporation support, and access to a thriving local ecosystem.

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​​🌱 About Tokyo Startup Lunch Club

We are a group of startup founders, investors and other people related to or interested in the startup scene, who gather weekly every Tuesday at the Tokyo International Forum, starting from 11:30 AM to have lunch and share our experiences and discuss various topics in a casual environment.