Some events make an impression; others change the course of your life. For me, Skinnovation was the latter. It wasn’t just another startup conference—it was the moment I made one of the most radical decisions of my career back in 2019. I decided to sell all my companies. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t something I […]

For ambitious startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and beyond, few accelerators match the impact, structure, and support provided by Econic Accelerator. Designed to take early-stage ventures from validation to market entry, Econic is not just another startup program—it’s a launchpad for serious entrepreneurs who want to fast-track their growth, access top-tier mentorship, and […]

How to discover hidden talent using simple HD profilings and why doesn’t everyone do it? Talent identification remains a persistent challenge in corporate environments. Organizations often rely on resumes, performance reviews, and psychometric assessments to evaluate employee capabilities. However, these methods frequently fail to recognize unique strengths that do not conform to conventional metrics. Human […]

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 […]

In 2019, I made a decision that changed the trajectory of my career as an entrepreneur and investor. That year, at sTARTUp Day, I realized it was time to sell my businesses and pivot towards a new chapter—one focused on investing, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of startup founders. Since then, I have […]

2024 aasta on olnud murranguline, sest isegi meediasse on jõudnud nimekate ettevõtete sulgemised, küll olles tipus, küll põhjas. Probleemid on siiski sarnased – puudub visioon. Need rohkem ja vähem nimekad pika-aegse kogemusega ettevõtjad erinevatest ärivaldkondadest on mõistnud, et pingutus ja tasu ei käi kokku või et lihtsalt see siputamine ei kõneta enam. Saabunud on küllastus […]

For years, I had heard about Slush—the world-renowned startup event in Helsinki, Finland. Known for its scale, energy, and impact, it had been on my radar, yet I had never taken the step to experience it firsthand. That changed in 2024 when my trusted partners at RedBrick Accelerator provided me with the opportunity to join […]

Hey there, this is Emily from Red Brick. Welcome to our “Mentor Stories” series, where we celebrate and showcase our mentors who are a big part of how we support startups in Red Brick Accelerator. Mikk Orglaan is an accomplished startup mentor and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the tech industry. He has successfully […]

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Startup Investments: Insights from Conferences, Mentorship, and a Shifting Economy The startup ecosystem has always been dynamic, but the past year has proven that agility, adaptability, and deep insights are more essential than ever. With the economic climate shifting and funding becoming more challenging, investors and founders alike are facing […]

What happened in 2022 Techchill happened again – life changing as ever Over the years I’ve fallen in love with the structure of Techchill. Small venue, over these few days people start recognizing faces and they remember talks in coffee cue or at Karma Ventures sponsored matchmaking area table. These random deep talks usually lead […]