About Kristjan Raude

Entrepreneur. Angel Investor. International Startup Advisor.

I’m not a theorist or a sideline commentator—I’m a practitioner. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been in the trenches: building businesses, raising capital, and investing in solutions that matter.

As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve walked the same path I now help others navigate—across Europe, Africa, and beyond—focused on creating sustainable value through smart investments and advisory.

I’ve mentored and guided early-stage companies to successfully raise funding, (co-)founded multiple ventures in four countries, and clocked over 30,000 hours of hands-on experience. Plus, I have a personal network of 300+ impact investors ready to back ambitious founders.

What I Bring to the Table

  • With 20 years of hands-on experience, I have deep expertise in entrepreneurship, fundraising, climate finance, carbon markets, marketing, sales, and business development—the critical levers for scaling impactful ventures.

    I’ve personally invested in 30 early-stage tech startups with a focus on impact, leading 7 successful investment rounds and achieving 4 exits as both a founder and investor.

    As the (co-)founder of 6 companies across 4 countries—including the largest intact bamboo plantation in East Africa—I know firsthand what it takes to build, scale, and sustain businesses that drive real change.

    The founders I have been working with have secured millions in funding and expanded into global markets, turning vision into measurable success.

    Recognized on global platforms like COP, WEF, and EACMF, and managing my boutique family office investment portfolio since 2006, I bring more than insights—I bring 20+ years of results-driven execution and a proven track record you can trust.

  • I bring a proven track record of helping startups not just survive—but thrive—shaped by my personal journey as a founder, mentor, and investor.

    Having lived and worked in 6 countries, I’ve developed a global perspective on market dynamics and the cultural nuances that drive success.

    In the past decade alone, I’ve evaluated 1,500+ ventures, mentored 100+ startups, and raised millions for early-stage companies—particularly those focused on climate impact and sustainable growth.

    My guidance has helped startups scale faster, break into new markets, and refine their business strategies for long-term success.

    If you’re looking for mentorship that cuts through the noise, I offer real-world, actionable advice—the kind that’s helped founders win in both competitive and emerging markets.

  • Tap into a curated global network of investors—from angels and family offices to funds—focused on impact, sustainability, and climate-driven ventures.

    My personal network includes 300+ tech, climate, and impact investors, built through decades of hands-on experience.

    As the former President of the Estonian Business Angels Network, I led a community of 300+ members investing over €15M annually, driving funding into game-changing businesses.

    I’ve facilitated investments into African markets and connected top-tier carbon credit suppliers with lucrative sales opportunities.

    Whether you need introductions to niche carbon funds or access to decision-makers at global investment firms, I don’t just open doors—I align you with the right investors who share your vision and are ready to back it.

Kristjan Raude shares insights on climate finance and sustainable innovation at global events like COP and WEF.

Areas of Expertise

  1. Capital Raising for Early-Stage Startups and Nature-Based Projects

  2. Securing Climate Finance for Sustainable Development

  3. Facilitating Investments into African Markets

  4. Connecting Premium Carbon Credit Suppliers with Global Buyers

  5. Angel Investing and Scaling Impact-Driven Ventures

  6. Developing Growth, Marketing, and Business Strategies

  7. Driving Expansion into New Markets and Regions

  8. Boutique Family Office Investment Management

Kristjan Raude reconnecting with nature at Mt Longonot, Kenya, showcasing commitment to sustainable development.

As an impact-driven entrepreneur and investor, my mission goes far beyond profit.

I’m dedicated to driving sustainable development and creating measurable, meaningful change. Whether I’m leading fundraising rounds or launching new businesses, my focus remains clear: to make a real difference.

I don’t work with everyone. My approach is selective and personal—because creating real impact requires deep engagement, not surface-level advice. I prioritize results and partner with founders and teams who are truly committed to positive change and results.

You’ll also find me speaking at leading global events like COP, WEF, Latitude59, and others, where I share insights on startup investing, climate innovation, and more.

When I’m not helping startups scale or connecting investors to aligned opportunities, I’m out in nature—sailing, cycling, kitesurfing, golfing, or hiking—recharging in the environments we work so hard to protect.

A fun fact? I do push-ups every day equal to my age. It’s my way of staying grounded and reminding myself that consistency builds strength—in fitness, business, and life.

PS. Curious about my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way? Dive into my story here: “40 Years of Life Lessons: Failures, Successes, and Estonia's Journey to Global Impact”.

Ready to create something meaningful together? Drop me an email, and let’s make it happen.