The Pursuit of Scrappiness

This is an insight from our previous conversation on growth hacking and building Revolut customer acquisition early on:You can grow fast without budget by trading value with the right partners.Putting your product where people already are makes them more likely to try it.Local, targeted efforts work better than big, generic marketing.It's more important to get people using your product than just seeing it.Andrius Biceika is a non-executive director at Revolut. He was one of the early employees and has held many leadership roles at Revolut. Prior to that he did stints at such well known Lithuanian companies as Citybee and Transfergo.Listen to the full conversation with Andrius here on Episode 120:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/120-andrius-biceika==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on how to work with influencer marketing:When you should and shouldn't start influencer marketing.Why a portfolio approach to creators mirrors venture investing logic.The importance of creator enthusiasm and authenticity.Lessons from successful campaigns with consumer and B2B angles.Avery Schrader is the founder and CEO of Modash, a leading influencer marketing platform that helps brands scale partnerships with content creators. With a background in building relationships and driving results for companies like Bolt and Verif, Avery's journey to creating Modash stems from firsthand experience in the creator economy. Modash now serves over 1,500 customers globally, including brands like Victoria's Secret and Birkenstock, enabling them to discover and manage influencer campaigns effectively. The company recently raised an impressive 11mEUR Series A round.Listen to the full conversation with Avery here on Episode 190:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/190-avery-schrader==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Martins Sulte is the co-founder and CEO of Mintos, the largest investment platform of its kind in Europe, with over 700 million euros in assets under administration and more than half a million users. Since launching in 2014, Martins has led the company from a peer-to-peer lending marketplace to a full-scale multi-asset platform, offering access to loans, ETFs, bonds, real estate, and soon—crypto and stocks. With a background in finance and management consulting, Martins brings a disciplined yet product-driven mindset to fintech innovation, building solutions for everyday investors across Europe.On this episode we talk about:The Evolution of Retail Investing in EuropeFinance 101 and the Psychology of InvestingFintech Business Strategy Amid Market VolatilityAI as a Competitive Edge in FintechScaling Without Scaling Headcount==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Welcome to the Pursuit of Scrappiness Tech Brief. A monthly discussion on topics we find relevant to highlight, discuss and share with you to help you become a scrappier and better version of yourself. On this episode we talk about:

Janis Taukacs is a seasoned tax advisor and partner at Sorainen law firm, where he leads the tax and customs practice. He has nearly 30 years of experience across the Baltics and internationally. Known for his deep expertise in corporate taxation, international structuring, and tax dispute resolution, Janis is also a passionate content creator, running the “Tax Stories” blog and podcast. Through his work, he bridges complex legal frameworks with practical insights for founders, investors, and global businesses navigating tax systems.On this episode we talk about:Baltic Tax Systems ExplainedOpportunities and Risks of Distributed Teams and Remote SetupsGlobal Trends in Digital and Corporate TaxationSuccession Planning and Tax Structuring for ExitsThe Hidden Power of Content for Professionals==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Zoltan Vardy is a seasoned sales strategist, startup mentor, and now also a published author whose career spans over 30 years, more than $2 billion in closed deals and more than 200 startups assisted in building their sales function. From leading multinational sales teams to advising early-stage B2B startups, Zoltan has dedicated his work to helping founders build scalable, recurring revenue engines. His signature methodology, “The Launch Code,” is now also the title of his debut book—a practical, story-driven guide to founder-led sales and sales organization design. With a background in journalism and a family of prolific writers, Zoltan combines clear thinking with structured methodology to teach founders not only how to sell, but how to love the process.On this episode we talk about:What it Means and Takes to Write a Book.Founder-Led Sales vs. Sales TeamsCommon Sales Mistakes in StartupsHow to Use Storytelling in Sales and PitchesDiagnosing Fixing a Broken Sales ProcessAI and the Future of SaaS SalesResources referenced in the episode:Free 1st Chapter Offer for Zoltan's book: https://zoltanvardy.com/book/“The Launch Code” on Amazon: https://mybook.to/thelaunchcodeTo reach out to Zoltan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltanvardy/==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on the intricacies of VC business:Winners in VC portfolios usually take 6–8 years to emerge—sometimes longer.The 3x return benchmark is extremely difficult to hit.Many funds don't actually meet their targets, especially emerging managers.Emotional reality: fund managers often don't know if they succeeded for almost a decade.Jone Vaituleviciute is the managing partner and co-founder of Firstpick, an early-stage VC and accelerator program based in Lithuania and operating across the Baltics. In this episode we decided to focus more on VC as a business rather than looking at startups and founders from a VC perspective. Before starting Firstpick, Jone was a partner at StartupWiseGuys. Listen to the full conversation with Jone here on Episode 164:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/164-jone-vaituleviciute==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast! We  celebrate this major milestone by flipping the script. Having interviewed top founders, VCs, and operators across Europe and beyond, we turn the mic on ourselves this time—reflecting on four years of podcasting, lessons learned, and what it truly means to stay “scrappy.” Fueled by thoughtful questions submitted by past guests, this episode is a candid and insightful deep-dive into what it takes to consistently create meaningful content, stay motivated, and grow a show in an ever-changing media landscape.On this episode we talk about:Reflecting on 200 EpisodesWhat It Means to Be a Content Creator TodayScrappiness ReimaginedWhat Can the Region Improve to Become More Successful Lessons from Guests That Changed Our ThinkingHow to Stay Consistent and MotivatedAnd more!Special thanks to the guests who submitted questions:Martins VaivarsFrank SondorsMartins LasmanisDonatas KerasAvery SchraderAnna AndersoneJekabs EndzinsVytautas KubiliusJulija JegorovaMikus Krams==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation with Ragnar Sass on helping Ukraine and Europe win:Why the Baltics are uniquely positioned to lead in defense tech.Defense sector sales cycles vs. SaaS—and how Baltic agility offers an advantage.How Ragnar's team is building a fast, hands-on defense startup ecosystem with hackathons, bootcamps, and testing in Ukraine.Real examples of non-technical founders thriving in defense tech, and why operational skills are more important than ever.Ragnar Sass is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Pipedrive, and an active investor in the Baltic and Ukrainian tech scenes. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ragnar has emerged as a leading advocate for Ukraine during its time of crisis, founding the Help99 Convoy initiative, which has delivered over €10 million in aid and critical supplies. With deep ties to Ukraine through business and personal connections, Ragnar is leveraging his expertise to support defense tech innovation and foster resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.Listen to the full conversation with Ragnar here on Episode 188:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/188-ragnar-sass==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Rando Rannus is a general partner at Siena Secondary Fund, the first and only dedicated secondary VC fund in the Baltics. With a unique background as both a company founder and operator—having built and sold an advertising business to MTG Group, and held leadership roles at Bolt and Viveo Health—Rando brings an operator's mindset to venture investing. His fund specializes in providing liquidity to founders, employees, and early investors in high-growth scaleups, with a focus on the CEE and Nordic markets. Through Siena, Rando is pioneering a more flexible, founder-friendly approach to secondaries in a region where the concept is only now beginning to gain momentum.On this episode we talk about:Why over 70% of tech exits in 2024 involved secondary deals and what's driving this shift in the startup funding lifecycle.How Sienna's model works, what types of companies qualify, and the benefits for founders and employees.Insight into how deals are valued, including discounting vs. premium pricing, share classes, and rights analysis.Why getting into companies like Bolt and Aura requires trust, timing, and strategic positioning.Rando's personal story of transitioning from building startups to launching a fund and the lessons learned along the way.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Welcome to a new type of episode of the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. A monthly analysis of topics we find relevant to highlight, discuss and share with you to help you become a scrappier and better version of yourself. We will be looking at events and developments in business, politics and technology from a European and particularly Baltic perspective.  On this episode we talk about:Baltic funding newsEnefit Green going privateHow Europe strikes back in space and rocket techHarry Stebbings' new VC initiativeTrade wars & AI wars1/3 Baltics' Biggest Fundraising Announcements  Walk15 secures €5M Series A at a €13M valuation, nearing 1 million users with its activity app.  Change Ventures invests €250K in Latvian energy startup EngyCell, leveraging old Tesla batteries for storage solutions.  Frankenberg Technologies raises €4M for defense tech, including mini-missiles to be tested in Ukraine.Estonian fintech Cino lands €3.5M seed funding for its card-linking payment-splitting app.  Lithuanian startup Commody raises €0.5M pre-seed for NFT-enabled collectible car ownership. Eesti Energia's €1B buyout of Enefit Green shakes up the Baltic stock exchange.2/3 Europe Strikes Back: Tech Scene Highlights  Harry Stebbings' 20VC launches a €10M fund targeting founders under 25, backed by top European tech names.  Revolut's valuation soars to $48B after a Schroder's stake revaluation, a 1000x return from its 2016 crowdfunding.Bolt acquires Danish taxi startup Vigo to enter Denmark's regulated ride-hailing market. Secondaries dominate 2024 exits (71%), offering liquidity to startup stakeholders.  EU set to fine Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act for competition and privacy violations.  German startup ISAR Aerospace tests a rocket in Norway, aiming to rival SpaceX with NATO backing.3/3 Global & U.S. Highlights  Alibaba invests $50B in an AI model for devices like iPhones and BMWs, intensifying the global AI race.  U.S. job-switching yields only a 4.8% wage increase vs. 4.6% for stayers, signaling a shift in career strategies.  OpenAI's $40B SoftBank investment hinges on its for-profit transition, challenged by Elon Musk's lawsuit.  XAI acquires X (Twitter) for $33B, integrating AI with social media amid a $80B valuation for XAI.  DOGE claims $130B in savings, dwarfed by a $500B rise in U.S. government spending, raising questions about impact.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Ada Mockutė Jaime is the Chief Marketing Officer at Nordcurrent, the largest game developer and publisher from the Baltics. With over 800 million game downloads worldwide and a portfolio of hit mobile titles like Cooking Fever and Airplane Chefs, Nordcurrent has become a global gaming powerhouse—all while remaining completely bootstrapped. On this episode we talk about:How Nordcurrent scaled into a global gaming giant without any external funding, driven by adaptability and long-term thinking.What goes into launching a mobile game, from market research to year-long development and brutal early-stage testing.How Nordcurrent uses TikTok, player feedback, and grassroots engagement to fuel virality and loyalty.Ada's take on why most non-gaming apps miss the mark with gamification and what truly makes engagement work.The business model behind mobile games, balancing in-app purchases, ad revenue, and player churn.Lessons other businesses can take from gaming: A/B testing culture, creative iteration, and building around user psychology.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on jumpstarting your tech career by joining Startschool:Apply by March 31st, 2025Get world class training for freeProject based, peer-to-peer learningLearn both tech and business skillsAnna Andersone and Kristofs Blaus are co-founders of StartSchool, a brand new transformative IT and business education program in Latvia, aimed at nurturing future technology leaders. With a unique curriculum combining comprehensive coding education from Silicon Valley and practical startup skills, the program is designed to produce well-rounded graduates ready to launch their own startups or join tech companies. Listen to the full conversation with Anna and Kristofs here on Episode 162:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/162-start-school==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Marija Rucevska is the founding partner of Outlast Fund, a newly launched venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the Baltics and Nordics. With over a decade of experience in the startup ecosystem, Marija has played a key role in shaping the regional tech landscape, contributing with brands like TechChill, Practica, Helve, Techhub and others. On this episode we talk about:The Rise of Early-Stage VC in the Baltics Outlast Fund's Investment PhilosophyThe Future of Fundraising in the RegionBuilding High-Growth Startups in a Competitive LandscapeDefense Tech and Its Investment Potential==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on starting a new company as a second-time founder:The mindset of a repeat founder differs substantially from first-time founder - more ambitionApply a structured approach to figuring out your next businessHaving the right founder is still the main key to successDon't be afraid to start in an unknown industry - there are hidden benefits to thatExecution beats planningMartins Lasmanis is the co-founder of Supliful - a platform that allows you to start your vitamin and supplement dropshipping business in minutes. He is a serial entrepreneur having co-founded and exited companies before. Martins also spent almost 10 years as a VC having seen the business also from the investor side.Listen to the full conversation with Martins here on Episode 138:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/138-martins-lasmanis==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Welcome to a new type of episode of the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. A monthly discussion format on topics we find relevant to highlight, discuss and share with you to help you become a scrappier and better version of yourself. We will be looking at events and developments in business, politics and technology from a European and particularly Baltic perspective. On this episode we talk about:A deep dive into whether Europe's free speech restrictions are justified, how Germany polices online content, and whether the Baltics have more freedom in comparison.Examining Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), its actual impact on U.S. spending, and whether such an initiative would work in Europe.Why Estonia is introducing a 2% defense tax, how it compares to other European countries, and whether other nations should follow suit.A look at the latest investment rounds, including the biggest raises in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and why growth-stage funding is still lagging behind.A discussion on the crisis in venture capital, why many 2020–2021 funds are still stuck at 1x valuation, and what this means for future startup investments.Are recent tech layoffs driven by AI automation, or is AI just a convenient scapegoat? Analyzing the Klarna and Stripe cases, plus how startups can use AI to stay competitive.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Peter Garraghan is the CEO and co-founder of Mindgard, a cybersecurity startup focused on protecting businesses from AI-driven threats. With a background as a professor of computer science and an internationally recognized expert in security, Peter has dedicated his career to understanding and mitigating risks associated with AI systems. Having raised over $8 million in funding, he leads efforts in tackling emerging AI vulnerabilities, ensuring that companies can integrate AI safely into their operations. Featured in Forbes and with over 60 published scientific papers, Peter is at the forefront of AI security research, helping businesses navigate the complex and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence risks.On this episode we talk about:Understanding the vulnerabilities of AI models and why businesses need to take them seriously.The rise of AI-powered scams, phishing attacks, and deepfakes, and how they impact businesses and individuals.Traditional cybersecurity methods vs. the unique challenges posed by AI-driven threats.Best practices for companies integrating AI into their operations without exposing themselves to risks.Where AI security is headed and the potential dangers as AI systems become more autonomous.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on building a multi billion dollar company and growth strategy:Companies cannot rely on just one big bet or hope to stumble upon successive growth loops. A long term structured growth plan is requiredThe 70-20-10 Framework for Company Strategy ensures a balance between stability, expansion, and innovation.Investors look for a clear and sustainable plan for growth, not just user acquisition or high valuations.Anastasija Oleinika is the President and Head of Platform of the newly merged Latvian print on demand powerhouse Fyul (Printify + Printful). At the time of recording Anastasija was the CEO of Printify, a platform revolutionizing the print-on-demand market that raised more than 50mUSD in VC funding. Her leadership journey includes her previous CEO role at the Twino investment platform, where similarly to Printify she transitioned from CFO to CEO role.Listen to the full conversation with Janis here on Episode 157:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/157-anastasija-oleinika==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Artur Schaback is the co-founder of Paxful, a peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace and one of the most well-known brands in the crypto industry. Having built Paxful into a major force in the crypto industry, Artur has witnessed the ups and downs of the Bitcoin ecosystem firsthand. He recently left his full-time role at Paxful and is now working on Clip Finance, a DeFi yield optimization protocol, where he is a core contributor.On this episode we talk about:The rise of Paxful and the early days of Bitcoin Growth hacking strategies that scaled Paxful Managing compliance and getting charged by DOJLessons from crypto's boom and bust cyclesThe role of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Clip FinanceTrump's return and the future of crypto regulations==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Welcome to a new type of episode of the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. A monthly discussion format on topics we find relevant to highlight, discuss and share with you to help you become a scrappier and better version of yourself. We will be looking at events and developments in business, politics and technology from a European and particularly Baltic perspective. On this episode we talk about:The impact of Trump's return on Europe and startups.The EU's plan to unify business regulations to boost cross-border innovation and investment.A breakdown of Sifted's list of top 20 European unicorns, highlighting successes from the Baltic region.The Estonian Startup awards, a.k.a the Pursuit of Scrappiness Homecoming.Examining recent advancements in AI, including OpenAI's new agent capabilities , Nexos.ai and Europe's role in the AI landscape.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Agris Kipurs is the Co-Founder and CEO of Origin Robotics, a pioneering defense tech startup specializing in autonomous drone systems for precision strikes in challenging environments. The company recently raised a 4mEUR pre-seed round led by Change Ventures and featuring support from the EU and the Latvian Ministry of Defense. Agris was also a co-founder of Airdog, the first commercial application drone to fly without remote control which was exited to Alarm.com. On this episode we talk about:The Evolution of Drone TechnologyBuilding a Defense Tech StartupThe Role of Reputation in Defense TechNavigating Funding in DefenseLessons from Ukraine's Defense Innovations==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Avery Schrader is the founder and CEO of Modash, a leading influencer marketing platform that helps brands scale partnerships with content creators. With a background in building relationships and driving results for companies like Bolt and Verif, Avery's journey to creating Modash stems from firsthand experience in the creator economy. Modash now serves over 1,500 customers globally, including brands like Victoria's Secret and Birkenstock, enabling them to discover and manage influencer campaigns effectively. The company recently raised an impressive 11mEUR Series A round.On this episode we talk about:Why influencer partnerships outperform traditional ads and how brands can leverage authentic storytelling.Avery's entrepreneurial journey, including product validation and pivoting to focus on search functionality.Practical advice on selecting creators, setting expectations, and adopting a portfolio-based approach.How startups can use influencers creatively for brand awareness and niche audience engagement.Key metrics to track, attribution challenges, and strategies for ensuring ROI.The importance of hiring top talent, structuring company values, and fostering a high-performance culture.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Vlad Zhovtenko is the founder and CEO of RedTrack, a leading ad tracking platform used by over 800 businesses to measure and optimize ad performance across 60,000 ad accounts worldwide. With deep experience in marketing technology, Vlad has built a solution that simplifies complex ad attribution, helping companies better understand their campaign ROI and maximize advertising budgets. The company recently raised 2.9mEUR to fulfill their mission.On this episode we talk about:How AI improves ad performance tracking and automates decision-making processes for marketers.Why accurate tracking remains difficult across multiple touchpoints and devices.Why B2B companies should embrace Black Friday.Why smaller companies often overlook valuable tools and strategies for optimizing ad spend.How tracking and observing data daily helps founders identify key patterns and make better decisions.Resources referenced in the episode:Book Scientific Advertising for ageless marketing wisdom - https://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Advertising-Claude-C-Hopkins/dp/1453821082==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Ragnar Sass is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of the unicorn Pipedrive, and an active investor in the Baltic and Ukrainian tech scenes. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ragnar has emerged as a leading advocate for Ukraine during its time of crisis, founding the Help99 Convoy initiative, which has delivered over €10 million in aid and critical supplies. With deep ties to Ukraine through business and personal connections, Ragnar is leveraging his expertise to support defense tech innovation and foster resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.On this episode we talk about:The Role of drone technology in modern warfareStories of Ukrainian founders balancing entrepreneurship and national defense efforts amidst war.Opportunities in DefenseTech and how also non-technical founders can contributeInsights into navigating compliance, fundraising, and long sales cycles in the defense sector.Lessons from Israel's defense model and how Europe must adapt to new security realities.To continue supporting Ukraine financially, go to: https://www.help99.co/==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Martin Sokk is the Founder and CEO of Lightyear - the greatest investing app for stocks, bonds, ETFs, you name it. The company raised 25mUSD back in 2022 from such big name investors as Lightspeed venture partners, Virgin Group, Taavet+Sten, Metaplanet and others and has been building relentlessly since. Martin was on our show before on episode 81 shortly after their Series A round, so you are welcome to scroll back!On this episode we talk about:- Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Fintech- The Importance of Localization in European Markets- Building a Simple and Intuitive User Experience- Balancing Sustainability and Profitability- Fundraising Strategies and Longevity in Startups==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

This is an insight from our previous conversation on making your visual presentations more powerful:Breaking down complex concepts into essential elements to make them easier to understandAvoiding clutter in visual presentations, highlighting that simplicity and minimalismA method for testing visuals you can apply todayJanis Ozolins is an illustrator known for his compelling visual content on LinkedIn and Twitter. He has built an impressive following on these platforms, showcasing his unique ability to visualize and simplify complex life and business concepts. His work, which often addresses themes like productivity, procrastination, and overcoming perfectionism, resonates with a wide audience. Janis's skills have not only attracted the attention of top LinkedIn influencers like Justin Welsh and Sahil Bloom but have also made him a sought-after figure in the realm of content creation. Through his work, Janis demonstrates how to make business presentations more effective and points more relatable, turning content creation into a thriving business​​.Listen to the full conversation with Janis here on Episode 140:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/140-janis-ozolins===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Anna-Liisa Palatu is the co-founder and CEO of Woola, an Estonian startup transforming waste wool into sustainable packaging to replace plastic. Under her leadership, Woola has gained recognition across Europe, securing high-profile clients like LVMH and raising €2.5 million to scale operations.On this episode we talk about:Why plastic is harmful, from fossil fuel origins to its lack of recyclability.The challenges of pricing sustainable packaging in a plastic-dominated market.How end-user demand is driving companies to adopt eco-friendly solutions.Why founders are the best salespeople and how Woola built its customer base from day one.Staying true to company values while navigating crises and rejecting unethical opportunities.==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on product-market fit:What is product-market fit and how do you know you have it?Measuring product-market fitMethodology for continuous work with product-market fitRahul Vohra, the CEO and founder of Superhuman, has revolutionized the email experience by creating the world's fastest email service. A seasoned entrepreneur, Vohra previously sold his first startup to LinkedIn and has since grown Superhuman into a notable presence in the email and productivity sphere, backed by 125mUSD in venture capital funding from investors such as Dropbox founders, Jason Calacanis, Ashton Kutcher, Will Smith and Tiger Global. He is also an angel investor and frequently appears in media such as Forbes, Fortune as well as on many podcasts you might also be a listener of such as Acquired, This Week in Startups or My First Million.Listen to the full conversation with Rahul here on Episode 155:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/155-rahul-vohra===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Kieran Donovan is the Founder and CEO of k-ID, a company dedicated to protecting children and teens online. Earlier this year the company raised a 45mUSD Series A round led by A16Z and Lightspeed Venture Partners. With a background in privacy law, Kieran combines his expertise with a commitment to creating age-appropriate online experiences.On this episode we talk about:Challenges of trust and safety in digital spaces for kidsHow traditional controls often fall short of creating safe online spaces for children.Why parent involvement is critical in creating positive online experiences for kids.Insights on navigating legal, ethical, and technical challenges in the trust and safety space.How advancements in AI and tech can support safer digital environments.==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Mathias Eklof is a Swedish impact entrepreneur and investor with Hype Ventures. He has remained steadfast in supporting Ukrainian founders as war continues raging on in Ukraine. Since his last appearance on the show in 2022, he has been spending considerable time in Kyiv and with his military background being able to offer unique insights into Ukraine's tech and investment scene during this critical period. More recently Mathias has co-founded a new higher education product called Pareto School, which offers an alternative to traditional business education.On this episode we talk about:Applying the 80/20 Pareto principle in life and businessReimagining business educationThe role of AI and skillful prompting in educationThe power of cohort-based learningListen to the first part of this recording discussing building companies in wartime Ukraine on the previous episode from this Tuesday!Listen to the 2022 recording with Mathias on episode 70: https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/70-mathias-eklof-hypeventures==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Mathias Eklof is a Swedish impact entrepreneur and investor with Hype Ventures. He has remained steadfast in supporting Ukrainian founders as war continues raging on in Ukraine. Since his last appearance on the show in 2022, he has been spending considerable time in Kyiv being able to offer unique insights into Ukraine's tech and investment scene during this critical period. More recently Mathias has co-founded a new higher education product called Pareto School, which offers an alternative to traditional business education.On this episode we talk about:The mood on the ground in Kyiv tech sceneChallenges with mobilization and “booking”Investing when founders and key people can be mobilizedGrowth of Ukrainian DefenseTech sectorListen to the second part of this recording discussing the future of education on the next episode this Thursday!Listen to the 2022 recording with Mathias on episode 70: https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/70-mathias-eklof-hypeventures==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on dealing with self-delusion and self-awareness:Defense mechanisms like denial keep people from recognizing uncomfortable truths about themselvesThe importance of self-awareness in understanding personal thoughts, emotions, and behaviorsJournaling of thoughts and feelings and regular self-talk can help with self-awarenessKristina Mänd-Lakhiani is the co-founder of Mindvalley, a life transformation platform with a following of 20 million, as well as a writer, speaker, mother and philanthropist. She is one of the most successful businesswomen in Estonia. Kristina has set her mission to help people heal their most important relationship in life - the relationship with self. To achieve this, Kristina has recently released her new book called “Becoming Flawesome” and the book has become the No. 1 bestseller in the US on the lists of the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.Listen to the full conversation with Kristina here on Episode 131:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/131-kristina-mand-lakhiani===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Uve Poom is the Head of Operations at Tenity Tallinn - one of the 6 hubs in Tenity's international ecosystem. Tenity is a global fintech accelerator and VC. In addition to advising startups in Tenity's portfolio, he also works with financial and state institutions to drive their innovation agendas. Uve firmly believes in building ecosystems and leveraging the strength of weak ties. Before completing his MA at Stanford, Uve spent 5 years as CEO of the Unitas Foundation (founded by 2x Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laar) and as a fundraising consultant at Civitta, a leading independent management consulting firm in the Baltics and CEE.On this episode we talk about:Building an Ecosystem for FinTech and Climate FinanceFundraising Landscape in 2024Traits of a Standout FinTech CompanyBest Practices for Founders in Building and Maintaining Investor RelationshipsThe Role of ESG and Climate FinTechOpportunities and Challenges in Neo-Banking and Digital Lending==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on focusing on what differentiates successful content creators:Focusing on quality/engagement of the audience not the sizeFinding your X-factor and the true authentic selfAvoiding mimicking other creatorsElvis Kruze is the founder of Eksplodemedia - a content creation strategy and execution agency. Elvis has helped his clients get over 1Bn views in the past 2 years on social media. He is working with famous YouTubers such as Mike Thurston and runs an agency that specializes in helping brands, influencers & entrepreneurs produce consistent short form content to grow organically. Listen to the full conversation with Elvis here on Episode 173:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/173-elvis-kruze===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Andreas Helbig is a partner at Atomico, one of Europe's leading venture capital firms, focusing on B2B SaaS, vertical SaaS, and B2B marketplaces. With extensive experience in the tech and investment space, Andreas leads Atomico's coverage in the Nordic and Baltic regions, helping to drive innovation and scale in some of Europe's most promising startups. One of Europe's Venture capital juggernauts, Atomico announced a massive $1.25 Bn raise across 2 funds just a month ago. On this episode we talk about:How AI is transforming businesses and why founders need a clear AI strategy.Atomico's $1.2 Billion FundWhy startups without AI can still be attractive to investors and how to stand out.The importance of founder-investor relationships and how they can impact success.The differences between the US and European tech ecosystems and their potential.Insights into how startups can scale efficiently and manage the challenges of growth.==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on focusing on the key principles of successful B2B sales:How to Apply "Sell, Demo, Build" philosophyIncrease FOMO, reduce FOMU (Fear of Messing Up)Decide if you are selling reduced costs or increased revenueKalev Kaarna is a Mentor at Creative Destruction Lab and recently became ex-VC at Superangel where for the past 5 years Kalev operated as an investor and startups coach two in one. Kalev has specialized in propelling early-stage software and deep-tech startups to significant growth, with a keen focus on AI/ML, robotics, logistics, mobility, and SaaS B2B sectors. His prowess in guiding startups through initial challenges, especially in the Nordics and Baltics, is marked by his success in leading Superangel's accelerator program, where 33 startups collectively raised €40M. Listen to the full conversation with Kalev here on Episode 146:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/146-kalev-kaarna===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Ervins Grinfelds is the Co-founder of TestDevLab, a leading quality assurance and software testing service provider that works with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Zoom, and Twilio. TestDevLab has grown from a small startup to a company with more than 500 employees, all without external funding. Ervins is passionate about ensuring that software products meet the highest quality standards, and he brings invaluable insights into the importance of trust, scaling a service business, and the role of quality assurance in the tech ecosystem.On this episode we talk about:Why founders often only turn to QA when s%&t hits the fanHow TestDevLab expanded from a small team to a company with over 500 employees and global clientsThe balance between people-driven services and product-based scalabilityHow to ensure trust and reliabilityHow TestDevLab has managed to remain profitable and grow without external investment.==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on focusing on the US market for B2B startups:US companies are more innovative and have larger budgetsSilicon Valley still beats all other hubsHow good investors can push founders to take bold betsKaan Eren is a Principal at 500 Emerging Europe, the Istanbul-based arm of the 500 Global organization. The team in Europe has recently raised its second fund and is boasting several unicorns among its investments. Kaan concentrates on the Eastern and Central European regions, with a particular focus on the Baltics. Before his current role at 500, Kaan had a successful career in investment banking, after which he transitioned to the dynamic world of startup investing​​​​.Listen to the full conversation with Kaan here on Episode 142:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/142-kaan-eren===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

Rokas Peciulaitis is the Founder and Managing partner of Contrarian Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in climate tech investments across Europe and Israel. With a background in trading and finance, Rokas brings a unique perspective to venture investing. His firm focuses on backing ambitious founders tackling climate change with innovative business models and sustainable solutions.On this episode we talk about:Why climate tech investing is difficultScaling ClimateTech startupsHow to build companies that create both economic and environmental valueAttracting scientists and technologists to build impactful solutions How artificial intelligence can accelerate ClimateTech==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on the frugal culture that has helped the company grow into a unicorn. This was recorded during the fundraising craze when profitability was not a VC expectation across the board, but now it is:How to remain frugal after raising hundreds of millionsPractical tips for measuring ROI of different activitiesMartin Villig is a Co-Founder of Bolt, one of the most widely known Estonian unicorns and a global leader in modern mobility. Martin has been an entrepreneur for more than 20 years and is an integral part of the Estonian startup community. In recent years, he has been especially active in social impact projects with such initiatives as coding school kood/Johvi and the Good Deed Education Fund for solving acute problems in the education sector.Listen to the full conversation with Martin here on Episode 44:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/44-martin-villig

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe====Julija Jegorova and Mauro Battellini are co-founders of Black Unicorn PR, an agency specializing in helping tech companies reach global media and audiences. With extensive experience working with such companies and friends of the show as Klaus, Nordigen, INZMO, eAgronom and Startupwiseguys, Julia and Mauro have become experts in building trust, awareness, and brand equity for early-stage companies. On this episode we talk about:The importance of PR for startups and how it builds trust and brand equityBasic PR “hygiene” for startupsCommon misconceptions about PRNewsworthiness: What makes a story attractive to journalistsStrategies for startup founders to do their own PR before hiring an agencyHow PR can support fundraising efforts and enhance a company's reputation==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an insight from our previous conversation on combining entrepreneurship with investing as well as investment principles:Be mindful of not working on problems in stagnant marketsThere needs to be good chemistry between founder and investorAllan Martinson is a legendary Estonian entrepreneur and investor with a rich history in technology and media. Starting his entrepreneurial journey in the early '90s, he founded the Baltic News Service, a pivotal news agency in the Baltic region. Martinson's career spans across various roles, including key positions at Starship Technologies and Xolo. With over two decades of investment experience, he has significantly contributed to the Baltic tech ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth.Listen to the full conversation with Allan here on Episode 156:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/156-allan-martinson==The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe====Silver Laus and Siim Raadik are the founders of Shroomwell, an innovative Estonian company dedicated to harnessing the power of functional mushrooms and fungi to improve human health and the environment. With over a decade of experience in the mushroom industry, Silver and Siim have become pioneers in producing high-quality, scientifically backed mushroom-based wellness products. They are passionate advocates for the potential of mushrooms not only to enhance cognitive function and immunity but also to create sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that could significantly impact industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals. Shroomwell combines the wisdom of ancestors with modern-day science and run farms in Estonia, Sweden and USA covering an area of over 700 hectares, that's 2x size of central park in New York.On this episode we talk about:The role of mushrooms in enhancing human health and productivity.The environmental impact of fungi and their potential to address issues like pollution and climate change.The underappreciated importance of mushrooms in the global ecosystem and why they are gaining popularity.Key challenges in the functional mushroom industry, including quality control and regulation.The science behind various types of mushrooms and their specific benefits (e.g., Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi).Scaling mushroom-based innovations for global environmental sustainability.Use promo code: POS20 to get 20% off your first purchase at https://shroomwell.com==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============

This is an excerpt from our previous conversation with Taavet Hinrikus on brave early stage building decisions and scrappy marketing tactics of Wise (Ex-Transferwise):How to build trust when nobody knows your companyMaximizing marketing efficiency on low budgetsSwitching your mindset from waiting to doingTaavet Hinrikus is a partner at Plural, a VC investing in founders on a mission to change the world through technology. He co-founded the legendary Estonian unicorn Wise (initially Transferwise) in 2010, where he was CEO and later Chairman, which went public in the first-ever direct listing in Europe in 2021. Prior to that, Taavet was Skype's Director of Strategy until 2008, starting as its first employee. He's been an active investor supporting more than 100 companies globally. More recently he co-founded Jōhvi Coding School to help increase the number of people with coding skills in Estonia.Listen to the full conversation with Taavet here on Episode 160:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/160-taavet-hinrikus==The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe====Nick McEvily is a seasoned entrepreneur and product strategist with a track record that speaks volumes. Backed by Mark Cuban and with over $40 million in venture funding, Nick has developed multiple top 5 ranked apps in the App Store and played a pivotal role in scaling one of his companies to become the #2 fastest growing software company in North America in 2023, according to Deloitte. With a deep expertise in finding and maintaining product-market fit, Nick's insights on human-centered design, product obsession, and scaling businesses are invaluable to any aspiring entrepreneur.On this episode we talk about:Defining and Achieving Product-Market FitHow to Recognize False Indicators of SuccessStrategies for Listening to UsersBalancing Data and Intuition in Product DevelopmentMaintaining Product-Market Fit Over TimeFostering a Culture of Experimentation and Risk-takingResources referenced in the episode:Superhuman Product Market Fit framework - https://review.firstround.com/how-superhuman-built-an-engine-to-find-product-market-fit/Jobs to be done framework - https://jobs-to-be-done.com/jobs-to-be-done-a-framework-for-customer-needs-c883cbf61c90==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/=============== ===============This episode is brought to you in collaboration with our supporters of the show - SAMSUNG and their new AI enabled Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone!Take your productivity & creativity to the next level with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Find out more at https://www.samsung.com/lv/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

This is an excerpt from our previous conversation on the importance of validating your product before building it:How to get ture validation for your productWhat is fake validationWhy you should not be afraid to do things manually at firstMartins Vaivars is the CEO and Co-founder of RivalSense, an AI-based tool designed to help businesses monitor their competitors. He is a serial entrepreneur, this being his fourth company, thus on top of practical AI software building knowledge, Martins also brings plenty of learnings from his previous startups. Listen to the full conversation with Frank here on Episode 169:Link to Apple PodcastsLink to Spotifyhttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/169-martins-vaivars==The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe====Olesja Bondarenko is the Founder and CEO of Nanordica Medical, a cutting edge deep science medtech company developing wound dressings using nanotechnologies. The company recently raised 1.75mEUR from such investors as Superangel and Specialist VC and they have leapfrogged the long medtech time to revenue by launching a product for animals before shipping a product approved for human use.On this episode we talk about:Introduction to Nanotechnology and MedtechChallenges of Building a Deep Tech StartupImportance of Regulatory and Business Development in MedtechFundraising and Communicating with InvestorsScientific Mindset vs. Business DevelopmentIterative Processes in Product DevelopmentResources referenced in the episode:Book Traction by Gino Wickman - https://books.google.lv/books/about/Traction.html?id=88b51eSsiXgC&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=yNATO Innovation Fund - https://www.nif.fund/==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/=============== ===============This episode is brought to you in collaboration with our supporters of the show - SAMSUNG and their new AI enabled Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone!Take your productivity & creativity to the next level with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Find out more at https://www.samsung.com/lv/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

This is an excerpt from our previous conversation on the importance of adjusting your personality to each sales prospect:What AI tools you can use to prepare. Why mirroring is important. How much of it is natural and how much can be taught. How not to become creepy with the abundance of information available online.Frank Sondors is a seasoned sales expert and the Founder and CEO of Salesforge. With over a decade of experience in the sales industry, Frank has honed his skills in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of sales and distribution. Frank's company, Salesforge, is at the forefront of this innovation, helping businesses streamline their sales processes and improve their email outreach. Salesforge is also one of the truly most Baltic startups - a company based in Estonia with founders from Latvia and Lithuania. They recently secured half a million in pre-seed funding, but even before that have managed to build their ARR to $1M with a team of just 4 people.Listen to the full conversation with Frank here on Episode 172:Link to Apple PodcastsLink to Spotifyhttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/172-frank-sondors==The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast.Head to https://bit.ly/3Muxh4f====Eduard Titov and Jurate Plungyte are the co-founders of Joiner App, an innovative socialization platform designed to help people connect and form meaningful relationships in their local communities. With backgrounds at companies like Tinder, Uber, and Ogilvy, the Joiner team brings a wealth of experience to their mission of addressing loneliness and fostering genuine social interactions.On this episode we talk about:Why Build Another Social NetworkChallenges of Launching in a Saturated MarketGrowth Strategies and Marketing TacticsHow to Build User Experience and Product Design That WorksBuilding in Trust and Safety in Social PlatformsThe Role of AI in Social Interactions==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/=============== ===============This episode is brought to you in collaboration with our supporters of the show - SAMSUNG and their new AI enabled Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone!Take your productivity & creativity to the next level with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Find out more at https://www.samsung.com/lv/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

The support for this episode comes from Leadfeeder - turn anonymous pageviews into concrete sales pipeline.Imagine knowing which companies are checking out your site, tracking their behavior on your site, and integrating all this into your CRM.That's exactly what Leadfeeder does for you. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe for a FREE demo and get a FREE EXTENDED premium trial by mentioning the Pursuit of Scrappiness podcast. Head to https://bit.ly/4dQVsWe====Elvis Kruze is the founder of eksplodemedia.com - a content creation strategy and execution agency. Elvis has helped his clients get over 1Bn views in the past 2 years on social media. He is working with famous YouTubers such as Mike Thurston and his agency specializes in helping brands, influencers & entrepreneurs produce consistent short form content to grow organically. On this episode we talk about:How Short Form Video is Taking Over Social MediaContent Creation Strategies to Elevate Your ReachHow is AI Impacting Content Creation Today and in the FutureWhy Being Authentic is the Key to Success in Content CreationPractical Tips on Sourcing and Executing Content IdeasThe Most Common Mistakes in Social Media Marketing==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/ ===============This episode is brought to you in collaboration with our supporters of the show - SAMSUNG and their new AI enabled Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone!Take your productivity & creativity to the next level with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Find out more at https://www.samsung.com/lv/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

Frank Sondors is a seasoned sales expert and the Founder and CEO of Salesforge. With over a decade of experience in the sales industry, Frank has honed his skills in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of sales and distribution. Frank's company, Salesforge, is at the forefront of this innovation, helping businesses streamline their sales processes and improve their email outreach. Salesforge is also one of the truly most Baltic startups - a company based in Estonia with founders from Latvia and Lithuania. They recently secured half a million in pre-seed funding, but even before that have managed to build their ARR to $1M with a team of just 4 people.On this episode we talk about:Sales and B2B Strategies That WorkLeveraging AI in SalesHiring and Evaluating SalespeopleWhat makes a Successful SalespersonEthics in Sales TacticsNavigating the Evolving Sales Landscape==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/ ===============This episode is brought to you in collaboration with our supporters of the show - SAMSUNG and their new AI enabled Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone!Take your productivity & creativity to the next level with Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Find out more at https://www.samsung.com/lv/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/