Kiirendi

Kiirendi is an Estonian term used to designate a startup accelerator. An accelerator is a time-limited program that helps early-stage companies grow quickly through mentorship, workshops, office space, and access to investors. The word kiirendi derives from kiirendada, meaning to speed up, and is used to describe such accelerative entities in Estonian discourse.

Programs typically run for several weeks to several months. Founders apply to join a cohort; selected teams receive structured coaching, customer development support, and help with product strategy and fundraising. In many cases, accelerators take equity in participating companies in exchange for participation and resources.

In Estonia and elsewhere, kiirendi programs are part of broader startup ecosystems that include universities, government initiatives, venture funds, and corporate partners. They aim to accelerate milestones such as product-market fit, revenue, and seed funding, while expanding founders’ networks to mentors, customers, and potential investors.

Critics note risks such as equity dilution, misalignment between program focus and a startup’s needs, and variable outcomes. The effectiveness of a kiirendi often depends on program quality, mentor networks, and the startup’s ability to execute on feedback.

See also: startup accelerator, entrepreneurship, venture capital.