Like founders anywhere in the world, CEE SaaS founders deal with a lot:
- Scaling their businesses
- Navigating new markets
- Staying ahead of constant change
Not an easy list. And that’s just the start of it.
While there are communities for founders in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, we felt there was still a need for a space focused solely on SaaS founders. A space with conversations that dig deeper into the challenges unique to this industry.
This led us to create the SaaStanak Founders Forum, a new branch within the largest SaaS community in the CEE, SaaStanak.
Our goal is to offer founders a space where they can:
- Have candid, real-world conversations about scaling and leading SaaS companies
- Connect with peers who truly understand the complexities of the journey
Why create an exclusive space for CEE SaaS founders
Shared understanding.
Concerns and visions.
Growth and support.
Founders face unique pressures that go beyond the operational side of running a company. From setting the vision and culture of a business to ensuring long-term growth while managing risks. The founder’s journey is distinct and often isolating.
The SaaStanak Founders Forum is designed to bring together people who are going through the same experiences. Whether it’s dealing with investors, entering new markets, or managing a growing team.
This is a space for candid conversations. Where founders can openly discuss their concerns and share what’s worked, and what hasn’t, without fear of judgement.
It’s about building deeper connections in a setting that promotes both professional growth and personal support.
The need for founder collaboration in the CEE region
The SaaS ecosystem in the CEE region is booming. However, many founders feel that they are working in silos, disconnected from a broader network of like-minded individuals.
While there are fantastic opportunities in Western Europe and North America, it’s crucial for CEE-based founders to have a platform that understands the specific challenges of scaling within and beyond this region.
At SaaStanak, we believe that founders in CEE have unique advantages, including access to high-quality tech talent and cost-effective development environments. However, these advantages need to be matched with the right mentorship, networking, and market insights to truly compete on a global scale.
This is why we launched the Founders Forum: to bridge this gap, fostering collaboration and learning among the brightest minds in SaaS in this region.
A glimpse into the first Founders Forum meetup
We held the inaugural SaaStanak Founders Forum last week, and the turnout was beyond our expectations. This invite-only event brought together some of the most innovative SaaS founders from across the CEE region.
Our distinguished speakers were:
- Marko Kovač, Co-Founder of Repsly
- Matthew Brogie, CEO of Repsly
They shared their incredible journey of scaling Repsly from a small startup to a multi-million dollar business in the U.S. market.
The event kicked off with a relaxed networking session, where founders could meet each other and share their backgrounds. After a brief welcome address, Marko took the stage to discuss his experiences of building a SaaS company from the ground up. His talk was followed by a lively Q&A session. Attendees asked the tough questions, everything from fundraising strategies to entering new markets.
After a coffee break, Matthew led a session on the operational aspects of scaling in the U.S., providing a wealth of practical tips and advice.
As photos are proving, both sessions sparked rich discussions, and the energy in the room was palpable. We ended the day like we started, with a relaxed networking session, where founders continued exchanging ideas and making valuable new connections.
What’s next for the Founders Forum
The SaaStanak Founders Forum is just getting started, and we have ambitious plans for the future.
Going forward, we’ll be hosting these events regularly through the CEE region, ensuring that founders have opportunities to:
- Reconnect
- Learn from each other
- Stay updated on the latest trends in the SaaS world
We’re also exploring partnerships with seasoned SaaS leaders from outside the CEE region to bring even more value to our community.
What makes these events truly special is the experience. Each Founders Forum will be carefully curated to go beyond traditional presentations and panel discussions. We focus on creating an environment where founders can openly share their stories, struggles, and wins in a more intimate setting.
During a coffee break or in a spontaneous Q&A that sparks a deeper conversation, founders often realize that others in the room have faced the same challenges they’re currently dealing with, and that leads to valuable insights and support.
Moving forward, we want to continue delivering this experience. Our goal is to make the SaaStanak Founders Forum the go-to destination for SaaS founders in the CEE region. People who are looking for more than just high-level advice.
SaaStanak Founders Forum is about:
- Learning from real-life experiences,
- Hearing firsthand from those who have scaled successfully,
- Fostering meaningful connections that will last long after the event ends.
Whether it’s through panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, or simply sharing a coffee with a fellow founder, these events are built to offer real value in a setting that promotes genuine interaction.
We’re excited about what’s to come and look forward to seeing how this community of founders grows and evolves together.
Join us on this journey
At SaaStanak, we’re incredibly excited about the future of the Founders Forum.
We believe that, by bringing together SaaS founders from across the CEE region, we’re building a community that will not only support individual growth but also strengthen the entire SaaS ecosystem here.
The connections, insights, and collaborations that arise from these forums will help founders accelerate their businesses, enter new markets, and tackle challenges together.
If you’re a SaaS founder looking to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and be part of a growing community of innovators, we invite you to join us. We’re here to support you on your journey.
Together, we can shape the future of SaaS in the CEE region and beyond.
