In this episode of Power Talks, recorded live at their Nairobi event, host Ssuna Ronald sits down with Kai Isand, a key organizer and Head of Programs for Latitude59. Dive into the story of why this premier European tech conference, born in the "startup nation" of Estonia, is making a strategic home in Africa. Kai reveals the mind-blowing reception they received in Kenya, drawing parallels between the hunger of today's African entrepreneurs and the early days of Estonia's own tech miracle.
We explore Latitude59's unique role not as a direct investor, but as a high-quality connector and community builder, facilitating serendipitous moments between African startups, global investors, and policymakers. Kai discusses the success of their first investor day, the vital partnership with Smart Africa, and their ambitious goal to become the biggest and most impactful tech conference on the continent. If you're building a startup, looking to invest, or curious about the bridges being built between Africa and Europe, this conversation provides an essential insider's perspective.
(00:00:46) - The Latitude59 Mission: Kai introduces her role and the success of their first investor day in Nairobi.
(00:01:17) - The Estonian Story: Why the "startup nation" is looking to Kenya and what the ecosystems have in common.
(00:02:49) - Building Bridges, Not Dictating: How Latitude59 fosters inclusive, co-creative communities between Africa and Europe.
(00:04:34) - The "Serendipity" Model: Explaining Latitude59's role as a platform and connector, not a direct funder or incubator.
(00:06:12) - The African Ambition: Latitude59's goal to become the biggest and highest-quality tech conference in Africa.
(00:07:47) - Government & Policy: The crucial role of partnerships with entities like Smart Africa in shaping a thriving startup ecosystem.
(00:08:54) - Advice for Startups: How founders should use events like Latitude59 to build relationships and secure funding.
Power Talks is your front-row seat to the conversations shaping the future of business and technology in Africa. Host Ssuna Ronald brings you face-to-face with the most dynamic founders, investors, and ecosystem builders driving progress across the continent. From deep-dive interviews with startup founders to insights from top VCs and event coverage from hubs like Nairobi and Kigali, we unpack the big ideas, the bigger opportunities, and the game-changing conversations you need to hear.
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Executive Producer: Ssuna Ronald
Sound Engineer: Gumisiriza Richard
Art Direction: Abdu Latif Okalang
Powered By: Latitude 59
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For Inquiries: emailpowertalks@gmail.com