Scaleup series: From plateau to profit
After years of rapid growth, the Estonian startup ecosystem is evolving.
In 2024, investment in Estonian startups fell a significant 23% and the median seed round valuation in the Baltics nearly halved — dropping from a high of around €12 million to less than €7 million. With fewer unicorns, fewer deals and a general slowing down of growth, many founders are looking for new strategies to scale.
Join us and an exclusive group of founders, CFOs, and ecosystem partners at our Tallinn office on 12th November to discuss how startups can maintain momentum in this increasingly competitive landscape.
The evening will feature a panel discussion with leaders from Wise Business, Bolt, Lightyear and Pipedrive as well as networking with likeminded founders, executives and investors over drinks and snacks. You’ll even have some time to learn how Wise Business can help you scale your financial operations globally.
Agenda:
17:30 Registration, welcome drinks and nibbles
18:30 [Panel discussion] From plateau to profit: How to maintain momentum as your startup grows
19:30 Networking drinks and nibbles
21:30 Event ends
About the panel:
From plateau to profit - How to maintain momentum as your startup grows
What we’ll cover:
How to navigate fundraising pain points: A first-hand look at the current fundraising landscape, including tips and tricks on the right time and the right place to raise.
Tips for working through a growth plateau: Advice on working through difficult stages of growth and insight into how to build a blocker-proof plan for scale.
Creating a customer-driven growth strategy: Tips for how to enter foreign markets and tap into global opportunities, even at the earliest stages of your business’ growth.
Advice on managing your international money: Insight into how to best manage your business’ money globally, including how to hold and receive in multiple currencies, how to use low FX rates and the easier, faster and more affordable ways to move money across borders.
Speakers:
Lars Trunin, Head of Europe and UK at Wise
Lars leads Wise's Product team in the United Kingdom and Europe. His work helps millions of people and businesses move money internationally as quickly, cheaply and conveniently as possible. In 2021, Lars joined the Pay.UK board, supporting innovation in British retail payment systems.
David Gardner, VP Corporate Finance at Bolt
David is Vice President of Corporate Finance at Bolt, where he is responsible for M&A, Equity & Debt Capital Markets, Investor Relations, and Treasury. He was previously Head of European Internet Equity Research at Morgan Stanley, following various roles within the firm’s Investment Banking Division. David also brings buy-side experience from Schonfeld, where he invested in Global Technology companies. He began his career in Acquisitions and Divestments at BHP Billiton, where he worked on the listing of South32.
Uku Lember, Head of Finance, Lightyear
Uku Lember is Head of Finance at Lightyear and is responsible for the business’ finance function end to end. His work supports Lightyear’s efforts of sustainable growth, building its path to profitability as the company scales across Europe. Uku has worked in finance for 15+ years. Starting out in consultancy in EY across its Tallinn and Los Angeles offices, he then moved into the Estonian startup world — responsible for treasury management, budgeting forecasting and regional expansion at Skeleton and Wise.
Agur Jõgi, CTO, Pipedrive
Agur Jõgi is CTO at Pipedrive responsible for managing the development and infrastructure departments of the company, leading its next-generation technology vision and building a secure user experience for the customers. Jõgi joined Pipedrive after working as a Strategy and Innovation Lead at Deloitte NEXT, focusing on helping organizations discover new business growth opportunities. He has executive level (CIO, CTO, COO) experience in the IT, banking and telecom sectors.
Register your interest if you…
✅ Are a founder or startup leader scaling internationally or have investors overseas
✅ Are an angel investor or VC looking to meet your next unicorn
✅ Are a CFO or finance lead at a fast-growing startup
✅ Want to learn how Wise, Bolt and Lightyear have scaled overseas
Please provide your details (including a business email address), and we’ll be in touch with approved registrations. Plus ones by registered invitation only.
📍 Location: Private location provided to approved registrations
🗓 Date: Weds, 12th November
🕒 Time: 17:30- 21:30
Drinks & light food provided 🌮🍾
We are look forward to seeing you!