Start-ups choose Lithuania not only as a place to launch, but also as a base for long-term growth. This is reflected not only in the value of Lithuania’s start-up ecosystem, which has grown almost sixfold over the past five years to reach EUR 16.4 billion, but also in the fact that growth-stage start-ups based in Lithuania are the least likely in Central and Eastern Europe to move their headquarters abroad. Only 26% of Lithuanian start-ups take this step.
By comparison, the figure stands at 50% in Estonia and as much as 70% in Latvia.
Lithuania is working to create a favourable environment for start-up growth. Through the 3i economic transformation plan, the country is improving access to capital, reducing the administrative burden, investing in the start-up ecosystem in the regions, strengthening artificial intelligence infrastructure and developing a clear regulatory environment for innovation. These measures are aimed at making it easier for businesses in Lithuania to create, scale and compete in international markets.
This year, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation allocated EUR 5 million for the creation, development and expansion of start-ups. These investments are designed to help innovative companies develop product ideas, take part in hackathons, access pre-acceleration and incubation services, and reach the market faster.
Measures are also being implemented to help businesses prepare for the requirements of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act. This gives companies greater clarity when developing and deploying AI solutions, while helping them to advance innovation more quickly and safely.
Lithuania stands out for investment in start-ups and women’s entrepreneurship
In 2025, Lithuanian start-ups attracted EUR 220 million in investment. Lithuania’s strong position in the region is also confirmed by the fact that, since 2020, the country has remained second in Central and Eastern Europe for venture capital investment per capita, exceeding the regional average by more than four times. Lithuanian start-ups have also attracted at least 70 unique investors each year for five consecutive years.
The country’s competitiveness is also reflected in the performance of its major cities. In 2025, Vilnius-based start-ups attracted EUR 212 million in venture capital investment – 66% more than in 2024. Since 2020, Vilnius has ranked third among the largest start-up hubs in Central and Eastern Europe by venture capital raised, behind only Tallinn and Prague. In addition, Vilnius is the fastest-growing city in the region in terms of value created by start-ups.
Kaunas ranks third among non-capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of venture capital investment attracted since 2020.
Lithuania’s start-up ecosystem also stands out for its indicators of women’s entrepreneurship. Start-ups founded or co-founded by women account for 11% of all Lithuanian start-ups – above both the Central and Eastern European and European averages, which stand at 8%. Since 2020, such companies have attracted 21% of all venture capital investment in Lithuania. By this indicator, Lithuania ranks second in Europe, behind only Finland, where the figure stands at 26%.
