Hi, I’m Alistair Starling

Envoy

Residency

Germany

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Languages

English
German
Italian
French

Industry

Digital government

About me

I'm Alistair Starling, an entrepreneur and diplomat with a journey that's been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs. From my early days studying industrial design and technology at the University of Cambridge, my path has been anything but conventional. After delving into the worlds of business and marketing, I found my true calling in diplomacy, serving as head of investment in Italy for UK Trade and Investment and later transitioning to a career with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

However, it was my innate fascination with innovation and human connection that led me to establish European Diplomats. As an Estonian e-⁠resident, I'm at the forefront of digital government affairs, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bridge the gap between government entities and the private sector. Our company is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, utilising AI solutions to enhance our performance while never losing sight of the importance of personal relationships and networking.

"Superlatives don’t come readily to a former UK Diplomat. However, I can honestly say that Estonian e-Residency has supercharged my UK/EU government relations business to expand easier and faster than I had predicted!"

My journey

With e-⁠Residency, you can easily register an EU business online without relocating and free from bureaucracy: great for remote entrepreneurs!

2021

I became an e-⁠resident

Becoming an e-⁠resident of Estonia was a strategic move for me, deeply rooted in my belief in staying at the forefront of technological advancements. From my early days as an entrepreneur to my tenure as a British diplomat, I've recognised the importance of embracing innovation to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving landscape. The e-⁠Residency program offered by Estonia immediately caught my attention, particularly due to its cutting-edge encryption technology for certifying secure digital signatures. This wasn't just about convenience; it was about ensuring the highest levels of security and efficiency in my digital transactions. Moreover, as Brexit reshaped the business environment, obtaining Estonian e-⁠residency provided me with invaluable flexibility and access to the European market. It was a strategic decision that aligned perfectly with my commitment to staying ahead of the curve and effectively serving my clients' needs through European Diplomats.

Read more about how to become an e-resident

2021

I registered my first company as an e-⁠resident

In recent years, I've decided to leverage my experience as a diplomat and embark on a new venture. It's called European Diplomats, a company I've founded to redefine the landscape of government affairs in the digital age. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between governments and the private sector through strategic relationship building. At European Diplomats, we offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Whether it's fostering connections between government entities and businesses or facilitating communication from government to the broader public, we're here to facilitate meaningful engagement on all fronts.

Read more about how to start a company

Service providers I have worked with throughout my journey

My media

Once a diplomat, always a diplomat

Meet Alistair Starling, the resilient force behind European Diplomats. From navigating the complexities of diplomacy and entrepreneurship, Alistair's journey has been a testament to his unwavering determination. Now, as an Estonian e-⁠resident, he's pioneering a new era of digital government affairs, leveraging his diverse expertise to bridge gaps between sectors and continents. With a keen eye for innovation, Alistair is shaping the future of international relations one partnership at a time.

Blog

Cambridge Network

Alistair Starling, European Diplomats writes... Estonia’s – my home of choice – belief in the European Union, the democratic ideals and prosperity it stands for, has not wavered, best exemplified by its very vocal support for Ukrainian accession, writes Alistair Starling. We may have reached another turning point in the EU’s history. The EU has voted to open accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine. Headed by France and Germany, the EU has long been hesitant to accept new members. The turning point, especially in France and Germany’s view, is Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. The breakthrough came after [Viktor] Orban abstained from the vote, having previously blocked Ukraine’s ambitions to join the EU. Now, while the way seems clear, there is a long path ahead both for the EU and its membership candidates.

Media

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