VSI STARTUP DIVISION

Their core work

Startup Division is a Lithuanian NGO that runs startup acceleration, soft-landing, and scale-up programs connecting European tech entrepreneurs with international markets. They operate as an ecosystem builder — helping startups access mentors, investors, and cross-border customers through structured programs funded by EU innovation actions. Their work spans digital innovation hubs, technology transfer, and international expansion support, with particular strength in bridging Eastern European startups to Western and global markets including Silicon Valley.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early work (2015-2017) was firmly rooted in generic web and mobile startup support — incubators, accelerators, and hubs for IoT and app entrepreneurs. From 2018 onward, a clear shift emerged toward sector-specific deep-tech acceleration (blockchain, robotics, space) and more sophisticated support services like technology transfer, IPR management, and investment readiness. They evolved from a generalist startup hub into a specialized international scale-up facilitator with vertical industry expertise.

Moving toward sector-specific deep-tech acceleration (space, blockchain, agri-robotics) with stronger emphasis on technology transfer and investment readiness — expect them to seek partnerships in vertical industry domains rather than generic startup support.

How they like to work

Predominantly a participant (8 of 9 projects), but their one coordination role was their largest project (Soft-Landing, EUR 745K), suggesting they can lead when the topic aligns with their core competence. With 89 unique partners across 24 countries, they operate as a well-connected network hub rather than a loyal repeat-partner organization. This broad network makes them valuable as a consortium partner when you need reach into startup ecosystems across multiple European markets.

Extensive European network spanning 89 unique partners across 24 countries, reflecting their role as a cross-border connector in startup ecosystems. Their Lithuanian base gives them a strong Baltic and Eastern European anchor, while their project portfolio shows active links to Western European and Silicon Valley networks.

What sets them apart

Unlike research-focused organizations or corporate accelerators, Startup Division occupies a distinctive niche as an NGO bridging EU-funded innovation programs with real startup go-to-market execution. Their combination of soft-landing expertise (helping startups physically enter new markets) with deep-tech sector knowledge (space, blockchain, agri-robotics) is uncommon in the Baltics. For consortium builders, they bring both a 24-country partner network and hands-on experience running open calls and innovation experiments within large EU projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Soft-Landing
  Their only coordinated project and largest budget (EUR 745K) — built a mentor network connecting European scale-ups with Silicon Valley, demonstrating their flagship capability.
• agROBOfood
  A large-scale digital innovation hub project in agri-food robotics (running until 2024), showing their ability to contribute to sector-specific industrial ecosystems beyond generic startup support.
• TETRA
  Focused on technology transfer, IPR management, and industry relations for open internet technologies — represents their evolution from startup cheerleading to serious tech commercialization work.