Latitude59

Mikko Silventola is inviting all investors to unlock opportunities on the 🇰🇪 African startup and tech scene! 🙍♂️💸 Mikko is an early-stage investor in 100+ startups, including the 🇪🇪 unicorn Bolt (raised >$2B from Sequoia etc), Hugo (raised >$100M, acquired by Delivery Hero) and PayMongo (raised >$45M from Stripe etc). He invest his own capital but also via Magnetic Global Fund (Index Ventures Angel Fund) and Superangel.io. We're so proud and excited to have him on board, especially as the Investor Experience at #Latitude59xKenya is something truly special this year 💛 : Day 1 – November 27 🌳 INVESTOR DAY at the Tigoni Tea Plantation. Meetings with local and international investors. Powered by Smart Africa. 🥂 OFFICIAL RECEPTION with the ambassador-at-large Daniel Schaer & VIP Speaker-Partner dinner of Latitude59 Kenya Edition Day 2 – November 28 🎫 LATITUDE59 KENYA EDITION – the main conference day, including L59 Pitch Competition for early stage startups from Africa 🗣️ INVESTOR LOUNGE for meetings ⚙️ Smart Africa roundtable workshop with policy makers & validation workshop for investor community development ideas  🎉 The official Latitude59 afterparty Day 3 – November 29 🦒 NETWORKING SAFARI: – Morning pick up to head to Nairobi National Park – Joint lunch and networking – Giraffe sanctuary Join the 2000 change-makers gathering in Nairobi for #Latitude59 and let's celebrate this fast-rising ecosystem together at the biggest event of its kind in the region! #globalvillage #bebold #buildtheworldyouwant

There is a reason why Latitude59 is back in Kenya already for the 2nd edition. After last year’s success, we are back bigger and better and inviting the international community to join us. Ever heard about the Silicon Savannah? * In 2023, Kenya attracted $880 million in venture capital, the highest in Africa, accounting for 31% of the continent’s tech investments. * The Silicon Savannah hosts community players like Antler Kenya, Pariti, A&A Collective, Women Who Build Africa, and Tech Safari.  * This ecosystem is strongly supported by major global tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon AWS, which have invested significantly in Nairobi. * Africa’s biggest VCs have set up shop in Kenya like TLcom Capital LLP ($150m), Novastar Ventures ($200m), and Partech (€245m). Also international funds like Antler, 500 Global, Norrsken.  * Kenya has strong government support and have implemented supportive policies, such as tax incentives and digital infrastructure development. Want to get a first-hand intro to all of this, the 3-day International Investor Experience is for you. Expect to meet local and international investors, local entrepreneurs and public sector leaders. + Get to experience the magic Kenya has to offer. Who is investing in Africa? PS Find more info on the experience on our blog. + Compliment the stats above with the full piece from EU Reporter making the case for East Africa becoming the next tech startup hub of the continent. Links you know where.

How many people do you think you meet in this life? I bet it's tens of thousands, maybe for some hundreds of thousands. And how cool is it to know there's a reason for that to happen? Not all of them make a huge difference in your life, but so many are. And that's how the Singapore story and the first Latitude59 satellite in Asia happened last week. It wasn't a long time ago when I was first there and met Kristel Alver, Johanna-Riinu Annuk, and Priit Turk, and then somehow that led me to Marion Neubronner and then I met more people from Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) like Tajuddin Marhim and Hayley N. and that was just the beginning. Fast forward to the 29th of October when we host our first event in Singapore as the partner of SWITCH and with the help and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Siisi Saetalu, Annika Saksakulm (Anton), EIS, the Estonian Embassy in Singapore with startups, international investors, and uniting Singaporian and Estonian startup ecosystems. I have to be honest that it still seems a bit of a haze, because WOW, what an amazing time we had. Latitude59 Singapore Edition shook expectations - we gathered the attendees at a pool-side villa with jungle vibes, at a secret location we didn’t reveal until the very end. What a perfect setting to inspire, break down barriers, and showcase the vibrant tech mindset of world-leading ecosystems. And that was and ONLY because of the people who were excited with us, came together, and made it happen. So glad I met Clara Chen (Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA)) again and that she was the first one I thought of when I put together the panel. And that our dear friend Kädi Ristkok from the Estonian Cleantech Association joined (and invited me to her panel!) and then through Mikko Silventola I found Jari Talvinen (Karuna Capital) and thanks to Kristel Alver met Vikram Bharati (Draper Startup House) and thanks to Marion we find Federico Folcia who hosts us in the most special place. This is the magic of the startup ecosystem... it just sometimes makes me speechless. SWITCH was so kind and gave us the stage time for Latitude59 - so happy I could share it with Kristel Alver, Mariana Hagström (Avokaado), and Tarvo Õng (Fusebox ), and thanks to other crazy entrepreneurs I had deep conversations with like Erlend Sild (BugBox), Henrik Hal (H2Electro) and Art Koval (Wisercat). So grateful to my most amazing team members, especially Kadri Barclay and Enriko Pedaksalu who joined me on this trip and you'll soon see some of their creations too. I'm proud of us and SO thankful to all of you who helped to make it happen. My heart is full. And now we're doing it again in Kenya 🇰🇪 - see you in Nairobi on the 28th of November for Latitude59 Kenya Edition. And then it's time for all those global ecosystems to gather in Estonia 🇪🇪 for Latitude59 on May 21-23, 2025. ❤️ Let's keep building that global village 🌍 #bebold #globalvillage #latitude59

🚀 Our VERY first satellite event in Asia is done! At #Latitude59xSingapore, we brought together forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators to connect ecosystems and discuss the opportunities for growth in this #globalvillage. 🇪🇪🤝🇸🇬 Check out our latest blog post where we recap the conversations between the Estonian and Singaporean thought-leaders about collaboration, digital transformation, and the future of tech. From the ongoing revolution of #cleantech to the world-changing potential of #deeptech, we dive into examples of how both nations are shaping the global startup ecosystem. 🔑 Key takeaways: - The power of collaboration in global tech innovation - Why Singapore is a great location for Estonian startups and vice versa - What stands out in both ecosystems and how to learn from each other 🔗 Read the full recap here: https://lnkd.in/dpQSKFnx *** Thank you to our friends and partners for making this L59 satellite happen: Estonian Embassy in Singapore, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EIS, Marion Neubronner, Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), and the European Union – Next Generation EU for the funding. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the stage: Clara Chen (Founding Partner of Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA)), Kädi Ristkok (CEO of Estonian Cleantech Association), Jari Talvinen (Managing Director at Karuna Capital), Vikram Bharati (Founder of Draper Startup House), Priit Turk (Ambassador of Estonia to Singapore), Kristel Alver (Chief Representative Officer at Enterprise Estonia Singapore), Tarvo Õng (CEO of Fusebox), Mariana Hagström (CEO of Avokaado), and our very own Liisi Org (CEO of Latitude59). #Latitude59 #Estonia #Singapore #BeBold #BuildTheWorldYouWant #Startups #SWITCHSG

🇸🇬 Latitude59 went to Singapore! 🇪🇪 We are all about being bold, making meaningful connections, and helping startups thrive! That's exactly why the "Latitude59 Global Mixer: Estonian Tech meets Singapore" was such an exciting milestone! 🌏 First, it was our VERY FIRST satellite in Asia (after already expanding to Africa in 2023). It was a leap into the unknown, but anything is possible when passion meets determination. 🦄 Second, we got to stand for Estonian startups and represent the bold mindset that's created the most unicorns in the world! Estonia is written into the name of “Latitude59” - it’s where our roots are, and we are proud to make this brave and innovative 1.3M person country bigger. 🛰️ Third, this satellite event strengthened our connections with one of the leading tech and startup ecosytems. The #globalvillage is coming together, step by step! In many ways, Singapore is very similar to Estonia - it’s also a small location that’s been forced to think bigger and make connections. But we also have lots to learn from each other - like how to improve the process of digitalization within the society, or fostering even more deep techs! Latitude59 Singapore Edition shook expectations - we gathered the attendees at a pool-side villa with jungle vibes, at a secret location we didn’t reveal until the very end. What a perfect setting to inspire, break down barriers, and showcase the vibrant tech mindset of world-leading ecosystems. 🙏 Thank you to all the panelists — Clara Chen (Founding Partner of Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA)), Kädi Ristkok (CEO of Estonian Cleantech Association), Jari Talvinen (Managing Director at Karuna Capital), and Vikram Bharati (Founder of Draper Startup House); the 🇪🇪 Ambassador Priit Turk (Ambassador of Estonia to Singapore), for welcoming us; and our very own Liisi Org for leading the panel about connecting the two ecosystems of Singapore and Estonia. 🚀 We were proud to have an official delegation of Estonian founders present: Erlend Sild (BugBox), Henrik Hal (H2Electro), Mariana Hagström (Avokaado), Heikki Haldre (Miros), Art Koval (Wisercat) and others. PS. Investors, take note - many of them are ready to raise a round! 🤍 ❤️ Finally, we are grateful to all the participants and supporters: Marion Neubronner, Estonian Embassy in Singapore, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EIS, and our dear partner Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) #SWITCHSG. #Latitude59xSingapore team - including Kadri Barclay (Head of Global Marketing at Latitude59), Enriko Pedaksalu (Creative Director at Latitude59) & Liisi Org (CEO at Latitude59) - were blown away by the warm welcome of the Singapour startup community! Until next time - we’ll be back in Asia (stay tuned)! In the meantime, our next stops are: ⚫ Latitude59 Kenya Edition on November 28, 2024, and ⚫ Latitude59 in Tallinn, Estonia on May 21-23, 2025! #bebold #buildtheworldyouwant

🇸🇬 🇪🇪 Thrilled to have been invited to the Latitude59 Global Mixer: Estonian Tech Meets Singapore event—an incredible evening celebrating Estonian innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) conference in Singapore. 🏡 Held at a hidden, pool-side villa nestled in lush greenery along a road I travel daily but hadn’t fully explored, the venue perfectly set the stage for a showcase of Estonia’s bold and vibrant tech mindset on the global stage. CEO of Latitude59 Liisi Org hosted a panel with Jari Talvinen , Managing Director at Karuna Capital, Kädi Ristkok CEO of Estonian Cleantech Association, Clara Chen , Founding Partner of Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA), and Vikram Bharati Founder of Draper Startup House. The forum discussed emerging technologies, vibrant ecosystems, and building connections. 🧍♂️ 🧍♀️ Catching up with friends Angela Ventsel Kristel Alver Johanna-Riinu Annuk and many others visiting from Estonia added an extra layer of joy and connection to the evening. 🚀 Huge motivation to dive deeper into Estonia’s tech ecosystem and explore opportunities to integrate its progressive innovations into our business. Looking forward to building partnerships that drive impact and growth! 🌟 A huge thank you to H.E. Priit Turk Ambassador of Estonia to Singapore, Indonesia and ASEAN, the Estonian Embassy in Singapore, Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), SWITCH, Latitude59 for organizing this unique gathering. It was an inspiring night of networking, insights, and a true taste of Estonia’s innovative energy right here in Singapore!

❗ Introducing the Estonian trade delegation for Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH)! ❗ 🟦 Kädi Ristkok, CEO of Estonian Cleantech Association, represents the Cleantech sector and companies of Estonia. ⬜ Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59, brings the best boutique startup show from Estonia to Singapore. 🟦 From Avokaado, Mariana Hagström, CEO & Founder, and Mari-Ann Vellerand, Head of Customer Success, which utilizes AI & automation to streamline contracts, documents, and processes across business units. ⬜ Art Koval, Business Development Manager at Wisercat, which builds next-level digital solutions that are highly secure and future-proof. 🟦 Erlend Sild, CEO & Founder of BugBox, a deep-tech company that makes protein production from crickets sustainable. ⬜ Heikki Haldre, CEO & Co-Founder of Miros, an AI-powered search and discovery solution tailored for e-commerce. 🟦 Henrik Hal, CEO & Co-Founder of H2Electro, paving the way for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen through high-efficiency solid oxide electrolysis cells. ⬜ Tarvo Õng, CEO of Fusebox , bridging consumers and energy markets to earn new revenue with flexible consumption and reduce CO2. 🟦 Angela Ventsel, CEO & Founder of estx, helping you start your business with the Estonian e-Residency. See you at Marina Bay Sands for #SWITCH2024! #technology #innovation #exhibition EIS Trade with Estonia Invest in Estonia

Our top tech minds are ready to dive into Singapore’s vibrant innovation scene. From networking with Latitude59 under the tropical skies to digging into sessions on green energy and quantum tech, Estonia’s companies are here to connect, learn, and collaborate. Plus, catch up at the Invest in Estonia Refreshment Zone for some well-deserved kopi or teh! This mission is all about expanding horizons and making waves in Southeast Asia. Companies attending the trade mission have already had B2B meetings at Estonian Business Hub w/ Priit Turk (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia) & today is all about networking at SWITCH 2024! Avokaado, Wisercat, BugBox, H2Electro, Miros. Thank you Kristel Alver, Liina Talu, Estonian Embassy in Singapore! 👉 More details about Estonian companies here: https://lnkd.in/ds4EcCY9 #tradewithestonia #switch2024 #singapore

🚀🥑 Estonian tech companies trade mission to Singapore is happening this week during the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) at Sands Expo & Convention Centre! SWITCH is a premier startup festival where global tech and business leaders meet to drive innovation and foster collaboration, and it’s followed by the massive Fintech Festival. I’m also exited to support the very first Latitude59 satellite event in Asia, made possible by the unstoppable Liisi Org and her team, who’s bringing the Estonian "global village" expertise to the world—showcasing how to build global products from day one with the support of communities. 🌍 Catch us on the Global Stage on October 30 from 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM. See you there! 🎤✨ #SWITCH2024 #startups #innovation #technology #founders Avokaado Mari-Ann Vellerand EIS Latitude59 Kristel Alver Tarvo Õng Art Koval

500 Global is one of the world's biggest VC funds, with $2.7 billion AUM. Mareme Dieng is leading their African startegy. You can also find her at Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2024 next month! To date, 500 Global has invested in 100+ portfolio companies headquartered in Africa. Mareme sees African startups as a pathway for the continent to grow - and to solve some of Africa's hardest problems. She explains ‘I want the next generation of young African girls and boys to have access to quality education and economic opportunities without leaving their homes as early as I did.’ PS. Check out the 3-day Latitude59 Investor Experience in Kenya to meet investors like Mareme: https://lnkd.in/dYai2PtN #Latitude59xKenya #globalvillage #bebold #buildtheworldyouwant