Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2024
Latitude59, the largest startup and technology event in the Baltic States, is set to make a significant return to Kenya. The Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2024 is scheduled to take place on November 28th in Nairobi, marking the second time this satellite event will be held in Kenya's vibrant capital. Building on the success of its previous edition, Latitude59 is poised to strengthen ties between global startup communities and foster innovation on the African continent.
Latitude59’s Impact in Kenya
The inaugural Latitude59 Kenya Edition, held in December of the previous year, was a resounding success, drawing nearly 800 participants from Africa and across the globe. This event showcased Kenya's burgeoning startup ecosystem and highlighted the country's role as a key gateway for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses in Africa.
The Vision of Latitude59
Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59, emphasized the importance of connecting startup communities worldwide, with Kenya being a strategic choice for the event. “A significant number of Estonian startups and technology companies are already active in Africa, and Kenya offers a great gateway for entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses on the African continent. Kenya’s startup ecosystem is one of the leading in Africa, and there is a strong interest among local entrepreneurs in Estonia’s success story and collaboration with us,” said Org. This connection between Estonia and Kenya is at the heart of Latitude59’s mission to foster global collaboration and innovation.
Highlights from Latitude59 in Estonia
Latitude59, which recently celebrated its 12th edition in Tallinn, Estonia, attracted over 3,500 participants, including more than 900 startup representatives and 20 national delegations. The event also saw the participation of nearly 600 investors, collectively managing portfolios worth at least 30 billion euros. The diversity and scale of the event were evident, with 195 speakers, 40% of whom were women, representing more than 60 countries. This global reach underscores Latitude59’s role as a premier platform for startup and technology innovation.
Empowering Kenyan Entrepreneurs: Insights from the Kenya Edition
Dolores Daniel, the project manager for Latitude59 Kenya Edition, highlighted the enthusiasm and determination of Kenya’s young entrepreneurs. “It’s incredible to see how motivated and eager these young entrepreneurs are, and I am very happy that we can share our knowledge and experiences with them. At the same time, we have a lot to learn from Kenyan entrepreneurs — how to find simple solutions to complex problems, to be open-minded, and to be bold in starting something new, regardless of background or origin,” said Daniel. This exchange of knowledge and experience is central to the event's mission to empower local entrepreneurs and drive innovation.
Expanding Latitude59’s Influence
Liisi Org further elaborated on Latitude59’s broader goals, emphasizing the event's role in building a "global village." “Our goal is to amplify Estonia’s success story, which led us to the global village vision, centered around our desire to share Estonia’s experiences in creating a successful startup ecosystem. We aim to bring together startup communities worldwide, fostering new connections, exchanging ideas, and initiating and leading discussions on globally important topics. Latitude59 is growing into an international platform that connects and encourages local initiatives and helps make them bigger,” Org explained. The Kenya Edition is a key component of this vision, serving as a bridge between Estonia's startup ecosystem and the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape of East Africa.
Opening Doors to East Africa: A New Era of Connectivity
As Latitude59 continues to expand its reach, the Kenya Edition serves as a critical step in connecting the international tech community with East Africa. By creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment, Latitude59 is poised to play a pivotal role in the region's ongoing development and growth.
Latitude59’s Role in Shaping the Future
With its return to Kenya, Latitude59 is not only reinforcing its commitment to fostering global innovation but also highlighting the importance of Africa as a key player in the startup ecosystem. The Kenya Edition 2024 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond.
