Design Tree using state support for its own operations and supporting other companies with its solutions
Design Tree is a Latvian mechanical engineering company that develops custom manufacturing equipment and automation solutions for companies with specific needs. Its clients include such well-known Latvian companies as Balticovo, Primekss, and Rūdolfs. At the same time, increasing emphasis is being placed on exports to Northern and Central European markets, and the company is forecasting that this year could be the first in which it achieves a turnover of one million euros.
Cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has played a crucial role in the company’s development. Design Tree utilised support tools right from the start by joining the business incubation programme at the LIAA office in Sigulda, which helped the company purchase its first equipment and design software. Later, the company also utilised export support and took part in international exhibition programmes, which helped establish contacts in foreign markets.
“In the early days of the company, this support was very important to us because it allowed us to purchase our first equipment and professional software. It provided the necessary momentum to move from an idea to a real business and continue growing,” says CEO Matīss Irbe.
The company joined the incubation programme twice, focusing on exports and participation in international trade shows during its second round. Mr Irbe emphasises that most of the company’s international projects began precisely with contacts made at trade shows, and without state support, participating in them during the first years of operation would have been significantly more difficult. “For a small business, international trade shows are one of the most effective ways to reach real customers abroad. That’s exactly where most of our export partnerships began. We are currently preparing to attend an industry exhibition in Hanover with high hopes,” reveals Mr Irbe.
Mr Irbe notes that he also sees the value of state support tools from another perspective—not only in the development of his own company but also within the broader business environment. Since the equipment developed by Design Tree helps other companies automate processes, increase efficiency, and modernise production, the company’s services are also used by other Latvian companies that utilise various support instruments in their development.
When assessing the administrative side, the company acknowledges that the paperwork can sometimes be extensive, yet the process is understandable, and the benefits outweigh the required effort. So far, the company has managed all the documentation on its own. “I’ll be blunt—if a company can’t answer the questions that need to be explained in such an application, perhaps the idea isn’t yet mature enough to launch a business. These requirements help you understand how ready you are for the next step,” he says.
Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund
