LONGSAL is a Latvian company developing personalised, data-driven solutions in the fields of longevity and preventive health. The company’s activities are based on testing services, including genetic and gut microbiome testing, as well as the development of tailored recommendations and nutritional supplement solutions. Currently, the company operates in Latvia and exports its services to Germany and Ireland. Approximately 80% of its business comes from the domestic market, while around 20% is generated from international clients.
Cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has played an important role in the company’s growth. LONGSAL has benefited from several support instruments, including participation in the business incubation programme at LIAA’s Madona office, through which the company received support for administrative services, employee salaries, and development projects.
Company founder and CEO Helvijs Cēbers emphasises that LIAA’s support has provided both practical and financial value to the business.
“LIAA’s support has given us not only funding, but also a practical opportunity to grow and develop. For a young company, it is important not only to have resources, but also the ability to move ideas forward more quickly,” says the company’s CEO.
At the same time, Cēbers notes that, in his view, the incubation programme becomes particularly valuable for companies that have already reached a certain stage of development and are actively operating in the market. At that point, businesses have a clearer understanding of their priorities and can make more targeted use of the available co-financing.
“In the first years of operation, the incubation programme helps establish focus and structure development priorities. However, companies often gain the maximum benefit once they are already operating in the market, understand their needs, and can immediately use the support for specific purposes—equipment, services, digitalisation, or cost optimisation,” explains the CEO.
As Cēbers points out, an important aspect of public support programmes is also the practical assistance they provide—the opportunity to receive consultations, discuss next steps, and better understand how to make effective use of available instruments.
“It is extremely valuable to know whom you can turn to, whom you can call, and with whom you can discuss current issues. This gives entrepreneurs a sense of confidence and helps them navigate opportunities more quickly,” says Cēbers.
He also speaks positively about his day-to-day cooperation with LIAA representatives, highlighting their responsiveness and genuine interest in the company’s development.
“In my experience, communication has been excellent. People are approachable, engaged, and willing to look into matters in depth. This is important because business development often requires quick solutions and clarity about the next steps,” says the company’s CEO.
This article was prepared within the framework of the project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship for SMEs”, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Union.
