The Notebook
Lessons from the trenches. A collection of insights on scaling startups, investing smart, and designing a high-performance life.
No filters. No fixed schedule. No rules.
My 2025 Review: Estonian Startup Ecosystem & Portfolio
Is the Estonian startup miracle over? Returning from Mauritius to the 2025 Fireside Chat, I found a stark contrast: negative headlines vs. a "mildly positive" reality. Here is my honest 2025 portfolio review—including 2 exits, 1 scam, and why "honorable deaths" are a sign of a maturing ecosystem.
Investor Readiness: Why It’s the Secret to Startup Fundraising Success (Checklist Included)
Got a billion-dollar idea but stuck in neutral? Investor readiness—the key to securing funding—is what sets successful startups apart.
In this post, I share lessons from 1,500+ pitch decks, 30 investments, and advising 100+ founders. Learn why some startups get ghosted while others close with ease, and grab a checklist to 10x your chances of success.
Ready to start securing funding rounds? Dive in!
40 Years of Life Lessons: Failures, Successes, and Estonian Journey to Global Impact
Born in a struggling post-Soviet Estonia, I’ve lived through poverty, wild ambition, and relentless growth. Over 40 years, I’ve built businesses, embraced failures, mentored leaders, and ventured into impact investing—culminating in lessons shaped by a life of pivots and resilience. Here's my story from Estonia to the world.