Development of the startup ecosystem

• Lithuanian startup ecosystem is one of the fastest growing startup ecosystems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) – the combined value of Lithuanian startups has grown almost 6.8 times between 2019-2024, against a CEE growth average of 2.3x. Lithuanian startups are valued at more than 16 billion EUR.
• Lithuania counts more than 1100 startups and 3 unicorns: Vinted, Nord Security and Baltic Classifieds Group. This is a relatively high number, considering the small population of the country.
• Lithuanian startups attract investments from world-known venture capital funds: Accel, Insight Partners, Plug & Play, Intel Capital, Inventure, etc.

The concept of Lithuanian startup ecosystem development

• On June 8, 2022, the development concept of the Lithuanian startup ecosystem was approved by order of the Minister of Economy and Innovation. The purpose of the concept is to increase the competitiveness of Lithuanian startups, improve the business environment, and help startups solve difficulties. The concept aims to create conditions for creating innovative solutions, promote business and scientific cooperation, investments, increase employment, business productivity, exports, and introduce innovations.

The KPI of the development of the startup ecosystem is to triple:

• startup sales – from 2.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) (average) in 2019–2021 up to 8.4 percent of GDP (average) 2028–2030;
• export of startup goods (or) services – from 2963 million EUR in 2019–2021 up to 8889 million EUR in 2028–2030;
• investments attracted by startups – from 632 million EUR in 2019–2021 up to 1896 million EUR in 2028–2030.

International accelerator programs

• On September 28, 2023, Innovation Agency signed an agreement with an international startup accelerator from the USA “Plug and Play.” Startups from Lithuania and other EU countries can participate in this program, and selected participants receive accelerator services on the condition that they register their company in the Vilnius region. It should be noted that in Lithuania a new business, including startups, can be registered in just one day using an electronic signature.

  By the end of August 2025, 52 out of the planned 60 startups have already completed the acceleration program, and 29 of them attracted at least 30 thousand EUR each in investments. The total amount of investments attracted by participants reached 2.77 million EUR, and investment activity is continuing actively. Over the full three-year cooperation period, it is planned that startups will attract not less than 5.9 million EUR in total.

Specialized acceleration programs

• Since autumn 2024, specialized startup acceleration programs in EdTech and GameTech sectors have been launched in Lithuania, implemented in cooperation with international partners – “xEdu” and “GameBCN.” Startups from Lithuania and other EU countries can participate in these programs on the condition that they register their company in the Vilnius region. The programs provide consulting, training, and the possibility to receive grants of up to 60 thousand EUR. In total, not less than 60 startups are expected to be supported by these measures. In 2025, an additional acceleration program dedicated to ICT startups was added alongside EdTech and GameTech.

Subsidies for the participation of Lithuanian startups in foreign events

• In 2025, 150 thousand EUR have been allocated for the participation of startups in foreign events. One startup may receive up to two subsidies to participate in two different events abroad.

For more information about the Lithuanian startup ecosystem and opportunities for startups please check the Startup Lithuania website.