In 2017, I first set foot in TechChill, an intimate yet vibrant startup conference nestled in Riga, Latvia. At that time, I was still deeply immersed in the trenches of entrepreneurship, refining my craft, scaling my ventures, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of building and exiting businesses. Little did I know that TechChill would become more than just another event on my calendar—it would evolve into a cornerstone of my annual journey, a place where friendships are forged, insights are exchanged, and the pulse of the startup ecosystem is felt in its purest form.
A Gathering of Bright Minds and Lasting Friendships
TechChill has always had a unique charm—unlike the massive, impersonal conferences where you struggle to make meaningful connections, Riga’s cozy gathering fosters conversations that matter. Over the years, I have met countless founders, investors, and visionaries who have shaped my thinking and, in some cases, even altered the trajectory of my career.
Some friendships have lasted, turning into long-term collaborations, business opportunities, and trusted alliances. Others have been fleeting but no less valuable—brief yet powerful moments of exchange that left behind a nugget of wisdom, a fresh perspective, or a connection to someone who would later become a key figure in my network. And this is the essence of TechChill—it’s not just about business cards and funding rounds; it’s about the people, the energy, and the exchange of ideas that carry forward long after the event ends.
Growing Alongside TechChill
Much like my own journey—from founder to investor, from operator to mentor—TechChill has grown and evolved. While it has maintained its intimate atmosphere in Riga, it has also expanded beyond Latvia, bringing its spirit to Italy. Though I have yet to experience TechChill Italy firsthand, I eagerly anticipate discovering how the same ethos translates to a different cultural and business landscape. If the Latvian edition is anything to go by, I expect it to be another beacon of entrepreneurial energy, offering a fresh set of insights and an opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces alike.
Through the years, my role at TechChill has changed. From an ambitious founder eager to absorb knowledge to an investor and mentor sharing my own experiences, every visit has marked a new chapter in my journey. Yet, despite these changes, my enthusiasm for the event has only grown. TechChill has remained a constant—a reminder of why I continue to immerse myself in the startup world, why I continue to invest, and why I believe in the power of ecosystems like this one.
The Magic of a Cozy Ecosystem
There’s something undeniably special about TechChill’s scale. Unlike the sprawling startup festivals that sometimes feel overwhelming, TechChill remains small enough to be personal yet influential enough to make an impact. You don’t just meet people—you get to know them. Conversations aren’t rushed. Deals aren’t forced. Relationships form naturally, and ideas take shape in an environment that feels like a gathering of like-minded pioneers rather than a high-stakes transactional marketplace.
For those who haven’t experienced TechChill, I can only say this: you’re missing out. If you’re a founder looking for genuine connections, an investor seeking fresh perspectives, or simply someone who thrives in the presence of ambitious minds, this is the place to be.
And for those who have been part of this journey with me—whether we met in Riga in the early days or crossed paths in more recent years—TechChill remains our shared space, a moment in time where we continue to grow together. Here’s to the next chapter, the next set of friendships, the next round of insights, and perhaps, finally, my first visit to TechChill Italy.
See you in Riga—and beyond!
