FORUM ExportUp!
What’s UP?!

Lauris Reiniks

Musician, TV Personality, Cultural Export

Latvian singer, composer, actor, and television personality who has captivated audiences across the Baltics and beyond.

What makes Lauris a true export success story is his hit song “Es skrienu”, which was adapted into 17 languages and released in countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Turkey, and Ukraine – making him one of the most internationally recognized Latvian artists. His ability to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries has positioned him as a shining example of how talent, strategy, and adaptability can turn art into export.

Lauris Reiniks will be the official moderator of the ExportUp! Forum 2025, guiding us through an inspiring day of ideas, connections, and stories that power international growth.

Aigars Rostovskis

President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LTRK), Deputy-President of Eurochambres, and a Member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation

With a strong background in entrepreneurship, education, and business advocacy, he is a leading voice for the Latvian business community both nationally and internationally. Under his leadership, LTRK has strengthened its role as the largest business network in Latvia, actively supporting the growth of SMEs, promoting exports, and representing the interests of entrepreneurs in policy-making processes.

Rostovskis is also known for his efforts in fostering international cooperation and building bridges between Latvian businesses and global markets through strategic partnerships and active participation in European and global chamber networks.

Aigars will officially open the ExportUp! Forum 2025, setting the stage for a day of dialogue, insight, and international collaboration.

Katrīna Zariņa

Management Board Member, Head of Foreign Affairs, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Public policy and government-relations expert, serving on the Management Board of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representing Employers at the European Economic and Social Committee.

Katrina champions SME and export growth across Latvia, leads industry events, and shapes EU policy on resilience, defence, and regional cohesion. Internationally, she fostered economic ties with Japan (EXPO 2025 delegation) and organized defence-sector dialogues in Brussels.

Kristīne Grapmane

COO of STENDERS

Accomplished business leader specializing in international brand development, retail strategy, and sustainability, playing a key role in expanding the Latvian-born cosmetics brand globally – combining strategic marketing with operational leadership. Kristīne also serves on the board of The Red Jackets, Latvia’s leading exporters’ association, supporting the country’s top-performing international brands.

STENDERS brand is now present in over 20 countries, offering products that reflect Nordic elegance and environmentally conscious values.

Gunta Šulte

CEO of MADARA Cosmetics

MADARA Cosmetics, an award-winning Latvian manufacturer of organic skincare and makeup, now sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. With 19 years of innovation behind the brand, MADARA is a global success story in sustainable beauty.

Before joining MADARA, Gunta held senior leadership roles at Danone, where she led cross-functional teams across the Nordic and Baltic markets. She brings deep expertise in driving business growth through product innovation, market expansion, and building high-performing sales strategies.

Beata Javorcik

Chief Economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Beata is on leave from the University of Oxford, where she is the first woman to hold a Statutory Professorship in Economics. She is also a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford and the Director of the International Trade Programme at the CEPR in London and a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee at ifo Institute, University of Munich, as well as of the Executive and Supervisory Committee of CERGE-EI in Prague.

Before taking up her position at Oxford, Beata worked at the World Bank in Washington DC, where she focused on research, lending operations and policy advice. Beata holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale and a B.A. in Economics (Summa cum Laude) from the University of Rochester.

Ian Talbot

Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Ireland

With 18 years of experience at Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, he is a Chartered Accountant and graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Ian serves on Ireland’s National Economic and Social Council and sits on the boards of ESB Networks, Eurochambres, and Skillnet Ireland.

Join us live and hear Ian Talbot’s presentation: “Navigating Global Trade in 2025: Ireland’s Strategic Response”! Gain insights from one of Ireland’s leading voices in international commerce and policy.

Alexis Latorre Garcia

Board member of Lidl Lietuva, Lidl Latvija, Lidl Eesti

As the executive responsible for commercial strategy and purchasing across Lidl’s Baltic operations, Alexis brings over 23 years of international experience in the FMCG and retail sector, spanning Spain, Portugal, and Germany.

Lidl in Baltics currently is presented by almost 140 stores and continuing its dynamic expansion. Company is named among the best employers and largest taxpayers in retail in respective countries.

In his presentation, “From Local Fields to European Tables with Lidl”, he will share Lidl’s approach to sourcing, growth, and how local producers can successfully partner with one of Europe’s leading food retailers.

Dr. Artis Pabriks

CEO of the Latvian Military Technology, Drones and Robotics Association MilTech

A prominent Latvian politician, academic, and policy expert, served as Latvia’s Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Vice Prime Minister, as well as a Member of the European Parliament.

Known for his deep expertise in defence policy, international security, and geopolitical strategy, Dr. Pabriks now focuses on advancing Latvia’s position in the global defence technology landscape. Through his leadership at MilTech – a national platform uniting Latvia’s military industry producer – he promotes innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic resilience.

Hear Dr. Pabriks’ presentation ‘’Security in Europe and the world. What risks it presents and what opportunities it creates for businesses.’’ during ExportUp! Forum.

Dr. oec. Raivis Kakānis

Chairman of the Management Board, Industra Bank

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear his presentation live: “From the Baltics to the Nordics: How Latvia’s Exports Stack Up.”

Steven Pope

Founder of SIEG Trade Solutions

Globally recognised trade development expert and former diplomat with nearly 40 years of experience in public and private sectors. He led trade initiatives at the UK government, IMF, and DHL Group, where he founded the award-winning GoTrade program.

Known for delivering impactful trade strategies, he has advised governments, donors, and investors worldwide. Steven has held senior roles, including Chair of the ICC Trade & Investment Commission and Co-Chair of the OECD Africa Committee. He currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the High-Level Group in Brussels and Senior Advisor to Nextrade Group (US).

Hear Steven Pope live with his presentation: “Strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises to enter export markets.” Gain valuable insights on how SMEs can successfully navigate and access global markets.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Steven Pope in 1:1 meetings during the forum. Applications for these meetings will be open on the day of the event.

Gediminas Ziemelis

Founder & Chairman of Avia Solution Group – 200+ aircraft, 68 countries

Top 40 Under 40. Serial entrepreneur and global investor.
Under his leadership, Avia Solutions Group has grown into a global aviation powerhouse. He has successfully led four IPOs/SPOs and was named the richest person in the Baltics in 2022, 2023, 2024.

Join us to hear Mr. Ziemelis’ insights on global business growth in his presentation, “From setback to growth: Turning a business crisis into opportunity.”

Svens Dinsdorfs

CEO at ELKO Group

Svens is responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and takes an active role in various development projects. Svens joined ELKO in 2006 as CFO before being promoted to the senior role at the beginning of 2015. ELKO’s leading position and reputation as a stable and reliable partner have been greatly enhanced thanks to Svens and the financial strategy implemented under his leadership.

Before joining ELKO, Svens gained experience at Latvia’s national airline, airBaltic, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical product distributor, the Sirowa Group.

Hear Svens Dinsdorfs live with his inspiring presentation: ”Every punch in the mouth must lead to a new plan. A story of how behind business success lies a trail of failures and misery.”

Lauris Krastkalns

Head of export division at Balticovo company

Experienced export strategist and business development expert in the food manufacturing sector. Since 2011, he has played a key role in building and leading the export strategy of a major Baltic and North-Eastern European egg and egg product company, growing its export share from 15% to nearly 75%.

With a background in law, public administration, and finance, he pivoted to manufacturing after the 2008–2009 financial crisis and now helps drive the company’s international success, with a projected €150 million turnover in 2025.

Hear Lauris live with his encouraging presentation “The egg may not have been the first, but it is still a super food.”

Martti Kuldma

CEO of Omniva Group

Martti Kuldma is a well-known innovator in Estonia’s finance and technology sectors, whose career took off in the 1990s when he helped build the securities market of the newly re-independent country. Later, Martti led technology and development at major players such as Pipedrive and Elisa.

Rising from Chief Technology Officer to CEO at Omniva, Martti’s mission is to use innovative technological solutions to bring parcel locker services significantly closer to every home, introduce crowd-sourced delivery and cross-usage of parcel machines in parcel logistics, and find a sustainable solution for letter and periodical delivery, the volumes of which have been declining for years.

Paddy Gilmore

CEO Studio Gilmore

With over 25 years of marketing experience and a Master’s degree focused on humour, Paddy is one of the world’s top experts on how brands can use humour to connect, engage, and grow. He has helped global names like Epson, HSBC, Harley-Davidson, and Rimi Baltic unlock the power of laughter – not just to entertain, but to deliver real business results.

As a keynote speaker and regular columnist for The Drum, Paddy brings both sharp insight and great energy. At ExportUP!, he’ll share how to use humour safely, effectively, and profitably in export branding and international marketing – something every business can benefit from in today’s competitive landscape.

Don’t miss his live session ‘’AI, Humour & Advertising – Can Robots Really Create Funny Ads? ’’ – it might just be the smartest laugh your business ever had!

This session is provided in collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network

Matīss Kaža

Oscar-Winning Producer, Director & Creative Force Behind Global Cinema

Oscar-Winning Producer, Director & Creative Force Behind Global Cinema, as a speaker at ExportUP! Forum. The visionary Latvian filmmaker who co-wrote and co-produced Flow (2024), the first Latvian film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. As the founder of Trickster Pictures, Matīss has built a dynamic career blending bold storytelling with global ambition.

From directing acclaimed films like Neon Spring and One Ticket Please to producing international co-productions, Matīss exemplifies how creative industries can scale globally through innovation and collaboration. His work has garnered accolades at prestigious festivals, including Cannes and the European Film Awards.

Hear Matiss live during session Export UP! Recognition Factor!

Ingus Augstkalns

Tech Visionary, Drone Pioneer & Founder of Beat the Storm

As the first person in the world to skydive from a drone, Ingus redefined the boundaries of human flight and technology.

Beyond his record-breaking feat, Ingus is the founder of Beat the Storm and Cube, and a partner at Aerodium, a company renowned for designing and producing vertical wind tunnels used in entertainment and military industries. His ventures exemplify how bold ideas can evolve into global innovations.

Join us live to gain insights from a visionary who’s literally taken innovation to new heights.

Inese Braže

Journalist

Experienced investigative journalist at the Baltic Center for Investigative Journalism, Re:Baltica, and foreign news moderator at TV3. Specializes in researching and analyzing a broad spectrum of topics, including social affairs, corruption, sanctions violations, human rights, among others.

At ExportUp! Forum 2025, Inese will take on the role of moderator in the Recognition Factor block – where we explore how technology and visibility drive global brand success.

Karin Kuusk

Founder, CEO MOTIVEER (Creerplan OÜ)

The driving force behind MOTIVEER, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing how businesses find top trainers, coaches, and consultants globally. With 15+ years of leadership experience in law, finance, and business administration, Karin has transformed expert-client matchmaking into a fast, intelligent, and scalable process.

Under her leadership, MOTIVEER has already built a pool of 300+ vetted experts from the Baltics and onboarded over 120 corporate users – setting a new standard for smart talent sourcing.

Join us live and hear from one of the brightest minds reshaping access to expertise in the digital age, with the presentation: “From Local to Regional: A Practical Look at Scaling MOTIVEER.eu Across Borders.”

Victor Lozinski

Co-founder and Chairman of the Board at LeverX

With a Ph.D. in Robotics and over two decades of experience in technology and global leadership, Dr. Lozinski has played a key role in building LeverX into a leading international systems integration company operating across 11 countries. From its beginnings in a Silicon Valley apartment to a global enterprise headquartered in Miami, LeverX now supports digital transformation for clients in North America, Europe, MENA, LATAM, and Central Asia.

At the forum, Victor will share insights into scaling tech businesses globally, leading innovation across borders, and building resilient digital ecosystems.

Hear Victor live during session Export UP! Innovation Fusion!

Jānis Jansons

Founder & CEO of SIA We Build Parks

Visionary entrepreneur who turned his passion for snowboarding into a globally recognized action sports company, leading a full-circle enterprise that designs, builds, and manufactures equipment for action sports – from snow and bike parks to skate, ski, and running tracks.

From his early days shaping backyard jumps to becoming a two-time Olympic Slopestyle Headshaper and a World Championships contractor in Georgia, Jānis has played a key role in professionalizing and expanding the action sports infrastructure across the Baltics, Nordics, Europe, and beyond.

Hear Jānis Jansons live with his inspiring presentation: “From backyard till Olympic games.”

Dana Āboliņa

Streamer, content creator

Dana Aboliņa is a content creator and streamer who has been active in the gaming world since 2018. She is best known for her live streams on Twitch, where she shares gameplay and engages with a global gaming community, particularly within the PUBG scene.

Dana has participated in numerous high-profile streamer competitions, including Twitch Rivals and the PUBG Throwdown Event, and also shares highlights on her YouTube channel. Through her consistent presence and engaging content, she has built a strong international following in the esports and gaming space.nd beyond.

Germans Ermičs

Founder & Designer, Studio Germans Ermičs

Germans Ermičs is a Latvian designer based in Amsterdam, running Studio Germans Ermičs since 2014.

Known for his innovative use of glass, color, and material experimentation, he creates furniture, installations, scenography, and architectural elements that merge art and design. His work has been exhibited internationally and commissioned by private collectors, cultural institutions, and global brands. In addition to limited-edition pieces for galleries, Germans frequently collaborates with architects, interior designers, and production specialists to realize complex, large-scale projects. Studio Germans Ermičs is a multidisciplinary design practice based in Amsterdam, specializing in furniture, installations, and architectural interventions with a strong focus on glass and material experimentation. The studio works internationally, creating custom pieces for collectors, cultural projects, and global brands.

Erika Maslauskaitė

CEO & Co-Founder of deverium | alongID

Erika is the Co-Founder & CEO of deverium, a software development company delivering meaningful impact for building next-generation digital solutions that enhance user experiences across sectors. Among deveriumʼs flagship innovations is a spin-off cross border digital identity product alongID – a next-generation cross digital identity platform designed to address the cross-border identity verification challenges of tomorrow. As a Tech Entrepreneur, known in the industry as the champion of innovation and a curious strategist at heart, Erika Co-Founded LOGIN, the major tech festival in the Baltics, which she launched with two friends. LOGIN helped kickstart the Vilnius startup ecosystem, now home to unicorns like Vinted and NordVPN, this is how she fell in love with Tech and it is a huge part of her identity. She has served on the board of the Fintech Association Lithuania and is an active advocate for inclusive innovation through initiatives such as Women Go Tech and the European Women Payments Network. With over 15 years of experience in tech, media, and telecommunications, Erika has led business development and marketing in both high-growth startups and established enterprises.

Hear Erika live at ExportUp! Forum 2025 in her talk: “From Small Fish to Big Impact: Building Products for Unicorn Companies”