I build growth engines and run companies.

I'm Kristjan Raude. I build and run companies, and I invest in founders: 20 years as an operator, 30+ startups as an investor.

Trusted by /
Portfolio includes

My strategy is two-fold. I actively partner with founders who combine ambition with execution. To ensure longevity, I balance these high-growth assets with a preservation portfolio including real estate, public equities, and fixed income.

The Operator’s Investor

Estonian operator and investor. After 20 years of building companies, I know where value hides in a business and what it takes to unlock it.

I don't just read spreadsheets. I have the scars and operational reality of building businesses from scratch.

Today I run Raude Holdings with a family-office mindset: I invest in founders, and I'm a supportive owner in the companies we operate.

The Track Record:

  • Operator: 8 companies founded in 4 countries. Started building a digital agency group before Facebook was mainstream, grew it to €1M revenue and exited.

  • Sales: Started my career door-to-door on commission and finished as Regional Director for the Baltics and Poland. Set a company-wide world record in sales management.

  • Angel investor: 30+ startups, 7 lead rounds, €10M+ raised, 4 exits.

  • EstBAN: President in 2021. "Newcomer of the Year" 2019 and "Master of Exits" 2025.

  • AI: My companies run on an AI operating system I built.

  • Global: Lived and worked in Estonia, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Uganda and Mauritius.

  • Network: 300+ tech and impact investors; mentored 100+ founders.

  • Lessons: Two frauds in the portfolio and a costly hire taught me as much as the wins.

Operator mandates

My companies run on systems, not on me. So I'm open to one full-time mandate: Operating Partner or value creation for a fund or family office, or CEO / Executive Chair of a company in growth, turnaround or generation change. Baltics and the Nordics.

Talk to me about a mandate →

In my free time, you'll find me sailing, golfing, kitesurfing or hiking—reconnecting with nature.

A man prepares a yellow and black kiteboarding kite on a sandy beach with turquoise waves and blue sky in the background. Other kiteboarders and a kite in the air are visible in the distance.
Man preparing to putt on a golf course near the ocean, with a red flag marking the hole, under a partly cloudy sky.

Selected engagements

Alongside my holding and portfolio work I take on a few selected engagements, at most three at a time. Fixed scope, price on request.

Five people standing on a stage, celebrating and holding large checks and bouquets of flowers, with a colorful LED background and stage lighting.

Investor Readiness

  • Your equity story, model and data room, ready before the raise.

  • Two mock pitches with real investor questions.

  • Introductions from my network when you are ready.

Two people on stage, one holding a microphone and the other jumping with arms raised, holding a large check that reads 'Your Startup'. A large screen behind them displays a man's face.

Growth & Sales Engine

  • Where revenue leaks: recruiting, pipeline, pricing and follow-up.

  • A 90-day plan to fix it, and board-level advisory to see it through.

AI in Operations

  • Audit and plan: the automations with the biggest euro impact.

  • Pilot build on your real data, then run and improve.

Partnership Criteria

YES

  • Geography: Founders based in the Baltics & Nordics.

  • Stage: Early-Stage (Pre-Seed/Seed) or Secondary Opportunities.

  • Model: Scalable Tech or Cash-Flow Positive SMEs.

  • Mindset: Founders who execute fast and want direct, honest feedback.

NO

  • Speculation: Crypto/Web3 gambling or "hype" cycles.

  • Short-Termism: Founders looking for a quick flip rather than building a legacy.

  • Inefficiency: "Coffee chats" without a clear agenda or deck.

  • Dependency: Founders who need a boss, not a strategic partner.

The Notebook

Thoughts and blueprints on business, startups, longevity, and lifestyle design.

Get in Touch

Let’s build something that lasts 100 years.

Drop me a line via contact form or kristjan (at) raude.eu, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. If now isn't the right time for a deal, let's stay connected via LinkedIn.


© 2026 Raude Holdings