Future Founders #2: From Idea to First Build

​Ready to Build Something Real?

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Future Founders #2 is all about going from “maybe” to “let’s build it.”

​This two-day event is for future startup builders who aren’t just dreaming — they’re nearly ready to do. Maybe you’re a creative technologist, a product person, an engineer, or a problem-solver with an itch to build. Maybe you’ve got an idea (or five), or maybe you're looking for the right team and tools to get started.

​Join us for a no-fluff, action-packed two-day sprint with:

• ​Real talk from startup founders on how to validate ideas, navigate fundraising, and take the leap,

• ​A hands-on idea hackathon and matchmaking sessions to find collaborators or co-founders,

• ​AI as your co-founder — explore how the latest tools can help you move from idea to execution,

• ​A vibecoding workshop where you’ll build a live prototype with a team, using AI and intuition,

• ​Final demos + drinks — present what you’ve built and connect with Estonia’s early-stage founder support community.

​Event Schedule

​DAY 1 (Monday) – How to Start

​Morning – Inspiration & Insights

• ​09:30–10:00 — Arrival & Coffee

• ​10:00–10:10 — Welcome & Opening Words by host Kai Isand

• ​10:10–10:50 — Startup Foundations — Madis Lehtmets

• ​11:00–11:40 — Validating Ideas — Kalev Kaarna

• ​11:50–12:30 — Fundraising in a Tough Market — Tim Vaino

• ​12:30–13:30 — Lunch (on your own)

​Afternoon – Build & Connect

• ​13:30–16:00 — Roundtables: Get Feedback on Your Idea from Founders & Experts
  Featuring:

  • ​Tauri Kärson — Start-up Entrepreneur & Investor

  • ​Joosep Sibul — Founder @ Hertwill

  • ​Kristofer Turmen — Co-Founder & CTO @ Montonio

  • ​Kaspar Gering — Co-Founder @ Darkstar

  • ​Madis Lehtmets — Managing Director @ EstVCA

  • ​Helery Pops — Investor, Co-founder @ Honey Badger Capital

  • ​Tim Vaino — Investment Manager @ Practica Capital

  • ​Martin Kikkas — Senior Product Designer @ Veriff

  • ​Claus Pener — CEO & Founder @ Spindl

  • ​Lars Trunin — Product Director @ Wise

  • ​Ilya Leyrikh — Product Director @ Wise

  • ​Jorma Piir — Founder

• ​16:30–18:30 — Afterwork Founder Talks & Networking @KÕU Mobility Group (Telliskivi 57b/1)

​DAY 2 (Tuesday) – Build With AI

​Morning – Tools & Mindset

• ​09:30–10:00 — Arrival & Coffee

• ​10:00–10:10 — Vibe-Check & Intro

• ​10:10–10:50 — How to Build a Productized Service with AI — Konstantin Zhilin

• ​11:00–11:45 — Vibecoding: The New Way to Prototype — Mari Luukkainen

• ​11:45–12:45 — Lunch (on your own)

​Afternoon – Let’s Build

• ​12:45–15:30 — Vibecoding Session: Build a Demo With Your Team (teams formed on the spot) — Mari Luukkainen

• ​15:30–16:00 — Demo Time: Present What You Built

• ​16:00–16:15 — Wrap-Up & Closing Words

​Organized by LIFT99, EstVCA, Startup Estonia, and Estonian Founders Society. Open to all who are ready to take the leap.