Elevator Startups

For start-ups in the early stages, a CTO’s expertise is essential to getting the tech side right from the start. But hiring a full-time CTO can often feel like too much, too soon. That’s where an Interim CTO comes in—bringing strategic guidance without the full-time costs or long-term commitment.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐓𝐎: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐧
As your start-up grows, a CTO helps steer the tech vision, ensuring development stays focused on what matters. They bring technical strategy, oversee the development process, and build a team that truly fits the company’s culture and needs. However, many start-ups don’t need this on a full-time basis right out of the gate. In fact, full-time CTOs can be tough to keep engaged at this stage, and hiring them prematurely can eat up resources better spent elsewhere.

That’s why for many early-stage start-ups, a part-time or interim CTO can be a game-changer. Having an experienced CTO at your side—even for just 20–40 hours per month—means you’re getting high-level guidance without the full-time salary commitment. And when your start-up is ready to scale, you’ll have the right foundations in place to move quickly without stumbling over poorly planned tech decisions.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐂𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
Take the example of Indrek Ott, a tech mentor and an Interim CTO who worked with Crespect for two years. His part-time involvement was exactly what Crespect needed—just the right level of expertise to help shape their product and ensure the tech was built to last. With his guidance, they were able to avoid the usual early pitfalls, keep code clean, and stay on the right track for growth.

Without a CTO, it can be incredibly challenging to achieve product-market fit. And with a full-time CTO hired too soon, start-ups risk burning through cash and tech resources prematurely. An Interim CTO is the perfect middle ground, bridging that gap between the “too early” and “too late” stages.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝?
Join our PTP (Product Thinking Program) and let us guide you through this crucial phase. We’ll help you access the expertise you need, like an Interim CTO, so you can test, learn, and build towards product-market fit without the risk of wasted resources.

Sign up here: https://www.elevatorstartups.com/programs/product-development

Every step you take can move you closer to the product you’re meant to build—starting today.

Last week, we hit pause on the mentoring calls and gathered our teams and friends for a much-needed celebration to wrap up the summer! 🎉

Seeing everyone face-to-face was a refreshing reminder of the energy and creativity that flows when we come together in person. Now, with summer behind us, it’s time to shift gears and dive into the exciting road ahead.

As we step into this new season, we hope that teams are more motivated than ever to grow, innovate, and bring our entrepreneurial spirit to full speed!

Thanks to everyone who joined us and made the event happen. Let’s keep this momentum going and make the rest of the year our best yet! 💪

📸 Erlend Arras

Check out the PULSS magazine cover featuring Sandra Roosna, CEO of Askly , one of the teams in our growth program. In this insightful article, Sandra shares how she balances parenthood and entrepreneurship, and what motivated her to start Askly three years ago.
Don't miss her story and find out how she successfully manages her dual roles.
Read here in both english and estonian languages:
https://nordicom.ee/PULSS_2-2024.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawEgdflleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHe0Qsf9KqECkRSQvoTws70qnkUzCObPRwP6PnDhhYqMNeYGlAKawUdJxNw_aem_b-g51tiYG7IKTeK82yO1fw

Welcome to the journey of eetos, an innovative startup making waves in the Elevator Startups program. With the guidance of their mentors, Anni Sinijärv and Marili Ruus, we help promising startups grow faster and reach their dreams. Eetos, co-founded by Edward and Ralf, is one such gem, combining passion, innovation, and a mission to transform how we preserve our loved ones' stories.

Read their story: https://www.elevatorstartups.com/news/eetos-is-revolutionizing-elderly-care-through-storytelling

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that KIUD packaging, one of the innovative startups in our program, has been selected as one of the TOP 15 startups in the prestigious Amazon Sustainability Accelerator, chosen from over 600 applicants! 🚀

KIUD provides reusable e-commerce packaging from recycled textile waste, reducing CO2 emissions by 82%.

Over the next four weeks, KIUD Packaging will be crafting a special proposal for Amazon to tackle climate impact challenges through their unique reusable packaging solution.

We love the challenge and are on a mission to make the world a better place! Let's cheer on KIUD as they strive to create a more sustainable future! 🌱💪

Meet the start-ups Amazon is helping to tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges 15 start-ups from across Europe get a chance to supercharge their growth after being picked to be part of this year’s bigger-than-ever Amazon Sustainability Accelerator.

New team in our portfolio!

We are thrilled to announce that Elevator Startups has participated in a €200,000 investment for ESGrid through the ESTBAN syndicate. ESGrid, a pioneering platform in the realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management and reporting, is dedicated to solving the complexities surrounding ESG accounting and reporting.

Read more about Esgrid 👇
https://www.elevatorstartups.com/news/elevator-startups-joins-eu200k-estban-syndicate-investment-in-esgrid

Picture captured on sTARTUp Day 2024 😍

Don't miss your chance to apply for the Elevator Startups' Business Validation Program - the deadline is TODAY! 💼✨

What makes our program different?
🟠We don't believe in one-size-fits-all: Our team will work with you to analyze your business potential and team capabilities, crafting a marathon plan that’s as unique as your startup.
🟠Comprehensive Training: From startup mindset training (embracing lean and agile methodologies) to the latest tools and techniques, we've got you covered.
🟠Strategic Milestones: We'll help you set clear, measurable goals with a roadmap of initial sprints, guided by expert mentors to keep you on track and moving forward.
🟠Intermediate Assessments: Regular check-ins and reassessment stages are integral to our method, ensuring you can pivot and refine strategies as needed.
🟠Real-time Customer Testing: Every idea is validated with real customers, aligning your product with market needs and unlocking invaluable feedback.
🟠Adaptive Content: As your startup evolves, so do we. Our content and strategies will continuously adjust to meet the changing needs of your business.

This marathon lasts 2-3 months, depending on your team, and is the perfect opportunity to align your startup with its long-term vision while achieving short-term wins.

Don’t let this opportunity sprint past you! Apply now and start your marathon.

Business Idea Validation Teams learn by facing real challenges and gain insights from top experts. They validate all aspects of the lean canvas business model and learn how to apply it in the future. The key principle is that a good idea must be validated by a paying customer before product development.Our program provides....

News for dreamers and doers! 🚀

Elevator Startups is beyond excited to soon launch our Business Validation Program, specially designed for the brave hearts venturing into the startup world. For the next 12 months, we're dedicated to supporting 8 early-stage startups, providing you with all the necessary tools and guidance to transform your idea into a market success. On average, we dedicate about 2 months of focused support to each team.

Why us? Because we understand every startup has its unique rhythm. Our program is all about giving that personalized touch—whether it’s mentorship that speaks directly to your journey, or tailored marathons that fit just right.
Our goal? Helping you validate your brilliant ideas and land those first crucial customers.

Curious to learn more and possibly join our next cohort? Check out our blog for the full scoop!
https://www.elevatorstartups.com/news/the-evolution-of-our-incubation-program

First application round will be closing 28.02

Elevator Startups is thrilled to spotlight the incredible strides made by Flowbase, a visionary project that embarked on a mission to revolutionize outdoor media. Flowbase joined our second batch in 2018, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

January 2022 was a milestone for Flowbase, as it successfully closed its pre-seed funding round at €250,000, joining prestigious programs like Nvidia Inception and AWS Activate. Serving over 20 manufacturing companies to date, Flowbase is now on the cusp of closing its seed funding round by the end of Q1 2024. 🌱

Elevator Startups is proud to have been part of Flowbase's journey, witnessing their growth, resilience, and success.
⭐If you would like to start your journey, apply to programs on our webpage.

Pivoting to Prosperity: From City-Data to Flowbase - A Journey of Reinvention and Success Back at the end of 2018 the team behind Flowbase was approached by Jaak Ennuste as they were trying to build a platform to digitalise outdoor media, it was called TADDY. The team was offered a spot in Elevator Startups second batch and work began on developing the business alongside the workshops of...

Are you buzzing with creative ideas and ready to see them bloom into awesome businesses? We're thrilled to introduce our newest adventure, created hand-in-hand with EAS, designed just for folks like you in the creative tech world. This is your chance to learn by tackling real-world challenges and to gain invaluable insights from top industry experts.

What You Will Gain:
▪️ Hands-on Experience: Validate all aspects of the lean canvas business model through actual application, ensuring that your idea not only exists in theory but is also viable in the market.
▪️ Expert Guidance: Learn directly from leading figures in the field, absorbing knowledge that can pivot your approach towards success. We will involve a community of over 200 people (IT, marketing etc.) to help you or teach you.
▪️ Customer Validation: Find out why it's crucial to have fans even before you launch. A paying customer's nod is your green light!
▪️ Practical Business Development Skills: Acquire the essential skills and experience needed to attract your first customers, setting a solid foundation for your business growth.

This program is a unique blend of practical knowledge and hands-on experience, designed to get you off the ground. Our community will support you in every step.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your team and your project. Sign up now and take the first step towards turning your creative technology idea into a thriving business!

👥 Requirements?
Just bring a team of at least two founders and your idea. Our team of expert will select out most promising ideas and teams to join the program.
Ps! Your company is/will be established in Estonia.

Ready to craft the future together?
https://lnkd.in/dXC5a7gY

Hey Elevator Startups fam! 🚀

Have you guys caught wind of what Analytical Alley is up to? It's nothing short of epic. They're rolling out with €700k to shake up the marketing game in Europe, and honestly, we're here for it.
Tanel Rebane, the brain behind the Alley, is cutting through the noise with a clear message: throwing money at marketing without thinking is old news. It’s about making every single euro count, pushing for growth that doesn’t just look good on paper but actually means something.

As they dive headfirst into this adventure, it’s a reminder of what we stand for: turning the impossible into the next big thing. Analytical Alley is leading the way, showing us all how it's done.
So, hats off to them! Let’s watch this space as they redefine what's possible. Go, Analytical Alley, show the marketing world what you’ve got! 😍

Tehisintellektil põhinev Eesti tehnoloogiaettevõte kaasas 700 000 eurot Tehisintellektil põhinev tehnoloogiaettevõte Analytical Alley, mis aitab ettevõtetel mõista, kuidas turundustegevusi võimalikult kasumlikult planeerida, kaasas 700 000 eurot. 15-liikmeline tiim tegutseb juba kogu Baltikumis ja asub sel aastal Euroopa turge vallutama.