30 years of Hedman & 10 years of startup advisory

“How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles
In laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?” sing the original Broadway cast of Rent.

For Hedman Law Firm, this year is not just about reaching the milestone of 30 years in business but also 10 years of startup advisory while being partners with Latitude59. As we celebrate our journey, we choose to measure our years in alliances and the impact we’ve made together.

Team Hedman at Latitude59 2022

The journey begins: Latitude59 pitching event in 2015

In 2015, we sponsored the Latitude59 pitching competition co-hosted by Microsoft and EstBAN, providing the winner with 3000 euros worth of legal services. With 10 startups presenting their products to 700 investors, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders, CGTrader, a 3D model marketplace for computer graphics, 3D printing, and virtual reality, took home the win. At that time, we had been advising startup technology firms for almost four years, and this sponsorship marked an important milestone for us.

Toomas Seppel (left) at Latitude59 2015

2016: A multiple-fold commitment

Fuelled by our passion for startups and great receptions, we decided to take our support to the next level in 2016. We sponsored both the two-stage pitching events and the closing reception. Surprisingly, the competitions produced not two but three winners, making it an exciting twist. And let’s not forget the unforgettable closing reception that left everyone wishing it could last for days. To make the event even more remarkable, we offered 30-minute on-the-spot legal advice free of charge to pre-booked applicants.

Our managing partner Merlin Seeman and partner Toomas Seppel at Latitude59 2019

2017: Supporting startups and capturing moments

In 2017, we aimed to triple the impact by supporting Wise’s (formerly TransferWise) two-tier pitch competitions and introducing our own photo booth corner, the Hedman Lift. Alongside providing valuable legal advice to the early and growth stage winners, we wanted everyone to capture their special moments at the event. The photo booth corner became a popular spot where attendees could click nice pictures and create lasting memories.

Merlin Seeman with the winning team at Latitude59 2019

2017 – 2023: A continuing story together

Throughout the years, our partnership with Latitude59 has grown stronger. In 2022, we took a new turn in our collaboration by joining forces with Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, to establish The Future Stage. This stage became the centre of attention, featuring expert speakers discussing cutting-edge topics in the tech-centric world, including cryptocurrency, Web3, NFT, and DAO. It was the place to be!

Also, at this stage, our very own partner and digital technologies expert Toomas Seppel took the floor as the moderator of a session focused on the progression of AI and AI-based innovation in the face of regulation. And oh, Anastasia Georgievskaya, the CEO and co-founder of Haut.AI, an Estonian AI-powered skin analytics SaaS platform delivering uniquely personalised skincare recommendations and diagnostics for retail and skin wellness applications, and our esteemed client, was part of the panel for the same session. 

This year’s edition of Latitude59 promises to be even better, as we will be leading a workshop on options and a panel on AI on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. We can’t wait to share our insights and contribute to the dynamic discussions surrounding the future of technology and everything in between.

Thank you!

As we reflect on the past 30 years in the legal industry, the 10 years of startup advisory, and the 8 years of partnership with Latitude59, we are grateful for the collaborative and impact-oriented spirit that has defined our journey. Truly, we are taking our time to measure our years in the partnerships we’ve built and the impact we’ve had so far. 

Our senior associate Kati Pino on the far left side @ Latitude59 2021

To Latitude59, our clients, partners, co-sponsors, and industry colleagues, we are grateful. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and contributing to our success. Together, we will continue to shape the future of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement. Here’s to many more years of partnership, growth, and shared achievements.

We look forward to seeing you at Latitude59 2023!

Wishing you success,
Yours Hedman

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Our memberships:
FinanceEstonia, Lexing®,
Estonian Service Industry Association,
Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
EstVCA, EstBan, FECC,
IBA & IBA European regional Forum