TALLINN, Estonia (May 22, 2025) — Estonian tech entrepreneurs Taavet Hinrikus and Sten Tamkivi have unveiled plans to build Kasvuhoone — the largest Nordic hub for technology and creativity — in Tallinn’s Krulli neighborhood. The initiative is expected to house 100 companies and create space for up to 1,000 employees, with the goal of driving Estonia’s GDP and boosting Europe’s role in the global tech landscape.
“The changed power dynamics have given Europe a unique opportunity that we must not miss,” Hinrikus said in a statement Thursday. “Now is the right time, together with the AI revolution, to create new companies and industries that increase Europe’s independence and competitiveness in the world.”
Kasvuhoone — meaning “greenhouse” or “growth house” in Estonian — will be developed across 15,000 square meters. It will integrate startups, a business accelerator, technology innovators, creative studios, open workspaces, and public areas including a food street, bakery, and exhibition space.
“Europe has sufficient talent and large enough markets to build a better future for everyone,” said Tamkivi. “European technologies with a humanistic view have the potential to impact all of humanity over the next decade, and Estonia’s — and more broadly the Nordic region’s — favorable business environment would allow these companies to grow right here.”
The Stockholm-based Norrsken Accelerator, known for investing in early-stage startups with a focus on sustainability and resilience, will be the anchor program at Kasvuhoone. Founded by Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth, Norrsken plans to launch operations in Tallinn in 2026.
“We look forward to working with the Kasvuhoone team to find and back the best talent coming out of Estonia,” said Rebecka Löthman Rydå, general partner at Norrsken Accelerator. “There’s never been a better time for founders building Europe’s sustainable and resilient future.”
The hub is being developed by Skaala, the private investment firm launched by Hinrikus and Tamkivi in 2024. Skaala focuses on long-term private equity, real estate, and impact projects that support economic and social transformation.
Designed by Copenhagen-based architecture firm Cobe, in collaboration with Estonia’s KOKO Architects, the new Kasvuhoone campus will be located in the historic Krulli mechanical workshop complex, dating back to 1899. When completed, the total on-site development will span more than 100,000 square meters across 10 hectares, incorporating both office and residential spaces.
“Our goal is to create an ecosystem that would help companies grow in an environment that fosters cooperation and international networking,” Hinrikus said. “We like to think of Kasvuhoone as more open space and less real estate.”
The project also carries a geopolitical message, according to its founders.
“The arrival of Kasvuhoone and Norrsken Accelerator to Tallinn brings the Nordic countries even closer to their eastern border,” said Hinrikus. “And hopefully sends a strong message about regional security speculations.”
