OREANDA-NEWS. July 14, 2014. In July took place a high-end event for start-ups in Tallinn called „Surfing and Launching in Silicon Valley“. Subject why more and more start-ups are moving to the Valley and how to keep up and succeed at this high competitive environment where thoroughly discussed. Among others Steve Jurvetson (DFJ), Sten Tamkivi (Teleport), Rain Rannu (Fortumo), Rainer Sternfeld (Planet OS) shared their insights.

According to venture capitalist Steve Jurvetson (with Estonian roots) from Draper Fisher Jurvetson efficient time-management and delegating less important tasks is of upmost importance. „For example Elon Musk has to share it?s time between SpaceX and Tesla Motors and both enterprises expect their full attention. Having less time is actually good because it helps to prioritize and understand what is important.“

Sten Tamkivi, the resident entrepreneur at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and founder of Teleport, stressed the importance of staying flexible. „Going to Silicon Valley is often seen as a remarkable achievement or end-result. In reality it should simply be one step of the entire journey.“

The founder of Fortumo, Rain Rannu said that it is very important to do the things that the entrepreneur actually likes. „Build what seems interesting to you - the things were you have most knowledge and skills, and this will solve many problems by itself.“

Rainer Sternfeld, who has founded the start-up PlanetOS (previously known as Marinexplore) in Silicon Valley added how important it is to find a work-life balance. „Routine isn?t always a negative outcome. Often it helps us to reach our goals quicker.“

The audience of „Surfing and Launching in Silicon Valley“consisted mainly of Estonian start-ups from technology sector.  Some of them have already opened an office abroad, many of them are planning to do so in the near future.

Present at the event were also Enterprise Estonia, Estonian Development Fund (Arengufond), SmartCap and Nordic start-up community representatives.