Evita Lune Evaluates Innovative Startups at “Icebreakers'25”
March 14, 2025 – Riga, Latvia.
The Icebreakers'25 event gathered more than 300 participants, including students, researchers, industry professionals, and business enthusiasts, to discuss and develop startup ideas.
The aim of Icebreakers'25 was to encourage young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities both locally and internationally.
Startups presented their ideas during the competition, including Chiroptera Stop, which introduced technology designed to stop wind turbines when bats are detected nearby, reducing environmental impact. Other finalists included Loralight, with their laser-based hair bleaching technology; Tactical AI, offering drone control systems; and Project Roots, developing biotextiles from cereal roots.
The event concluded with a Business Ideas Competition, judged by Evita Lune, Equity Partner and Global Head of FinTech Practice Group at Pedersen & Partners, along with other jury members, including Anna Andersone, Girts Rungainis, Matiss Neimanis, and Aleksandrs Šepteličs. The main prize of €10,000 was awarded to Chiroptera Stop, and a €500 prize went to Loralight.
“Participating in Icebreakers'25 showed me the practical creativity of young entrepreneurs,” said Evita Lune. “Events like this provide valuable support to the startup community. Selecting the winner was not easy given the quality of ideas presented. I wish all teams continued success.”
Evita Lune is an Equity Partner and Global Head of the FinTech Practice Group at Pedersen & Partners, a leading international executive search firm operating across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Ms. Lune’s extensive professional experience, spanning executive search solutions and strategic business consulting, has significantly contributed to fostering Latvia’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.