More than 50 business leaders and other key stakeholders gathered at Askend’s Tallinn offices on 3 November for the official launch of the ImpactBuilders City Chapter Tallinn. The event marked an important step in connecting Estonia’s business community with a growing network of trusted relationships across Europe.
Why Europe needs stronger connections
Opening the evening, Jan Lagast, founder of ImpactBuilders, outlined why a strong European business network matters now more than ever.
Europe has the talent, capital, people and businesses needed to remain a major economic force. With more than 30 million companies across the continent, including approximately 300,000 mid-market companies employing around 50 million people, Europe has a substantial industrial and economic foundation. As Jan emphasized, much of what Europeans eat, wear and use in their everyday lives is still produced by established companies in traditional industries, which remain essential to Europe’s prosperity.
For Estonia, however, the changing economic and geopolitical landscape makes international connections increasingly important. Since regaining independence in the 1990s, Estonia has developed remarkably quickly, benefiting from strong economic relationships with Finland, Sweden and the wider European market. Yet these traditional relationships are changing, and relying on them alone is no longer enough.
The network encourages Estonian businesses to strengthen their connections with Europe’s major economic centers, particularly the Blue Banana, while also building closer ties with countries such as Poland. It is very important to reach out and build trusted relationships to access new markets and opportunities.
Building a trusted network, city by city
ImpactBuilders aims to connect approximately 150 major European cities. Its network brings together operational and executive leaders of mid-sized and mid-cap companies, alongside institutional stakeholders, academic decision-makers and professional investors.
Several members joined online to share their perspectives on the initiative and its potential. Silvia Noorits highlighted the role of city connectors in facilitating valuable introductions across European markets. Federico Pirola shared his personal motivation to help build a Europe future generations can be proud of. Marc Neyrinck illustrated the network’s practical impact through examples of business and academic collaborations.
Vassili Ljahhovets, founder of Askend and first City Founder of the Tallinn chapter, explained why he chose to support the initiative. Vilve Vene and Margus Raude encouraged others to get involved, highlighting the importance of human relationships, trust and personal connections.
Together, these contributions showed how trusted connections can create meaningful opportunities for businesses and institutions across Europe.
From introductions to opportunities
Participants joined breakout sessions to introduce their expertise, exchange ideas and look beyond their own industries for possible collaborations. A live video call also linked the Tallinn event with the Belgian community in Ghent, which was holding its own First Tuesday gathering that evening.
The evening shows the ambition is not simply to help individual companies grow, but to strengthen Europe’s economic resilience and create an environment that future generations can be proud to work and live in.
What’s next for Tallinn
The Tallinn chapter will continue to meet monthly. The next First Tuesday takes place on 1 December in Tallinn, an open opportunity to meet the community, introduce your business and explore new connections across Europe. Register here.
Interested in joining ImpactBuilders or learning more about the Tallinn chapter? Discover the City Network
A special thank you to Askend, Tuesday Events and everyone who helped to put this event together.
