Kenyan entrepreneur establishes European base using Estonia's e-Residency
Kenyan entrepreneur Mike Opondo utilized Estonia's e-Residency program and startup visa to expand his technology business into Europe.
Mike Opondo, founder of Kenyan tech firm Kontorva, has leveraged Estonia's e-Residency program and startup visa to establish a European presence. Opondo, who reportedly did not know Estonia's location until early 2023, now operates a European branch of his business from the Baltic nation.
Kontorva specializes in connecting businesses with vetted developers proficient in blockchain, web3, AI, and IoT. The company aims to streamline the hiring process and reduce project costs. Opondo stated that market demand for such specialized developers is greater in Europe and North America compared to Africa.
Originally trained as a lawyer, Opondo's interest in technology grew from his work with NGOs in Kenya. He transitioned into data analytics and software development during the COVID-19 pandemic, acquiring multiple certifications.
Seeking to expand Kontorva's reach, Opondo explored various European countries before discovering Estonia's e-Residency and startup visa pathways. He found the process efficient for establishing an EU-based operation and is adapting to Estonia's business culture, which he describes as more reserved than Kenya's but highly effective.