Ragnar Sass

Estonian Startup Awards 2019 - The Fastest, The Biggest, The Most Impactful

Estonian Startup Awards 2019 - The Fastest, The Biggest, The Most Impactful

Estonian Startup Awards 2019 took place on January 22nd, 2020. The initiative, lead by LIFT99 and Startup Estonia highlighted the most outstanding startups and community activists in 9 impactful categories, summing up the brightest moments of 2019.

“Founder’s style is just go and survive!”, — Ragnar Sass about Estonian and Ukrainian startup communities

“Founder’s style is just go and survive!”, — Ragnar Sass about Estonian and Ukrainian startup communities

Ragnar Sass is a leadership figure on a truly international scale — his ever-growing team at LIFT99 is dedicated to building up startup ecosystems and helping founders from non-traditional startup markets succeed. Ragnar Sass launched his first startup back in 2007 when the phrase “startup ecosystem” wasn’t yet known. In the past 13 years, he has co-founded several startups and impactful organizations, including Pipedrive and Garage48.

My 5 Lessons as an Angel Investor

My 5 Lessons as an Angel Investor

Investing is my side project & I am still mostly a startup entrepreneur, with sleepless nights & 23-hour work days. But there a few things I have learned from the privilege of seeing things from both sides of the table - the point of view of an investor, as well as a founder.

Ukraine – From a Pool of Developers to an International Tech Hub

Ukraine – From a Pool of Developers to an International Tech Hub

The country that is currently a pool of tech talent for many huge American and Western European IT companies will soon become an ocean of successful startups. The writings are already on the wall.

LIFT99 is Investing in eAgronom

LIFT99 is Investing in eAgronom

“Robin Saluoks is the next Markus Villig,” said Ragnar in summer 2018. Just 4 months later, the 23-year-old founder of eAgronom accepted the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2018, following the footsteps of Kristel Kruustük and Markus Villig. eAgronom is on the way to doing great things. LIFT99 is has decided to give them a bit of a lift.

LIFTOFF: 5 Startup Stories from Europe’s Top Founders

LIFTOFF: 5 Startup Stories from Europe’s Top Founders

LIFTOFF is a startup podcast with a live audience of around 100 people, highlighting the stories and struggles of startup founders who have battled to realize their big ideas. Launched in 2018 by LIFT99 and Avery Schrader, the CEO of Modash.io, we’ll keep on bringing you new founder stories every month from the region’s top founders.

LIFT99 is Lifting Veriff

LIFT99 is Lifting Veriff

For some people, “impossible” is just a word. Kaarel Kotkas, the Founder and CEO of Veriff is one of them. Today I am super happy to share with you the news Kaarel announced this morning - Veriff raised an A Round and LIFT99 is on board of this amazing ride! - By Ragnar Sass, CEO & Founder of LIFT99

LIFT99 Raised $2.3 mil to Develop a Skillsharing Platform for Founders

LIFT99 Raised $2.3 mil to Develop a Skillsharing Platform for Founders

We’ve been quietly working on this product well over half a year. In May 2018, backed by an investment round of $2.3 mil, we are ready to enter the next phase and sign up our first carefully picked round of users - accomplished founders who’ll form the core of the network.

LIFT99's First Investment - Dashbird

LIFT99's First Investment - Dashbird

As a serial startup founder myself, my view on investing is different from what the average investor seeks. Money is just a commodity. Investors’ advice, connections, know-how, and dedication are much more valuable to a startup than money. - By Ragnar Sass, CEO & Founder of LIFT99