What we’re about
Welcome to Kaunas IN Startups, a group dedicated to helping startups of all kinds thrive and succeed
- Events – We host open, free gatherings like Startup Social Kaunas, Pitch Night Kaunas, and others with our partners. These monthly meetups are made to inspire, connect, and educate.
- Ecosystem visibility – We share startup news, success stories, upcoming events, and valuable resources from across Kaunas
- Startup resources – Explore the Kaunas startup ecosystem map and discover who’s doing what: Kaunas Startup Ecosystem: Resources List
- Your contact point – Don’t know where to start? We’ll help you find the right people: mentors, founders, experts, or support organizations
- Consultations – We offer advice and insights on both startup growth and ecosystem development.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Startup Social Kaunas #27: Donatas Smailys (Billo)Kaunas "Science Island", Kaunas
Sartup Social Kaunas #27 – a valuable monthly networking event for the Kaunas startup ecosystem. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs, get inspired, and build lasting connections 🌟
❗ Don’t forget to register by clicking "Attend"The event is best suited for:
• Early-stage founders 💡
• Curious people and aspiring entrepreneurs. We especially love first-timers! 🚀
• Experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors 🌱
• Investors, ecosystem stakeholders, and service providers 🤝We’ve had quite a break from our usual Founders Spotlight – but we’re back and better than ever! This month, it’s finally time to meet the Co-Founder and CEO of Billo, Donatas Smailys 🎤
Billo is the largest UGC video platform in the U.S., connecting brands with content creators. It also made it into Meta’s TOP 10 Creative Partners worldwide based on ad spend 💰 And yep, it all started in Kaunas back in 2020.
Just about a month ago, Billo expanded to the UK, Canada, and Australia and their 2024 revenue reached €8 million. Donatas brings a ton of experience to the table, having worked as CBDO (Chief Business Development Officer) and CEO in other organizations - like KTU Startup Space, for example.When: Tuesday, May 6th, 6:00 pm (doors open)
Where: Kaunas Science Island. Nemunas Island, Kaunas🕒 AGENDA
18:00 - Doors open + networking
18:30 - Intro
18:35 - Founders Spotlight: a fireside chat with Donatas Smailys, Co-Founder and CEO @Billo + QnA from the audience
Moderator: Šarūnas Strasevičius, CEO & Automation Engineer @Tillforty
19:35 - networking, snacks, and drinksPowered by: Confluence Investment
Confluence Investment, a Kaunas-based family office with a history of investing in startups through global funds, is now turning its attention to Kaunas. They are eager to contribute directly to the growth of startups in the city. With a commitment to empowering ambitious founders, Confluence Investment aims to be an active player in helping Kaunas startups scale beyond Lithuania.❗ IMPORTANT:
The event will be photographed.
Interview language – English.***
Don’t forget – Pitch Night Kaunas is happening on April 29! Register HERE.
- Founders Morning Coffee ClubHer Excellency by Vero Cafe, Kaunas
Important announcement: We're passing the Morning Coffee Club into the capable hands of two long-term participants – Kristupas Jonynas and Mantas Vaitkūnas. We believe their energy and ownership will take these meetups to the next level.
From now on, please register for the event here: https://lu.ma/founders-coffeeEvery two weeks, current, former, and future startup founders gather in Kaunas for the Morning Coffee Club. It’s an open space to share experiences, gain valuable connections, and meet potential business partners. No formal agenda—just meaningful morning coffee conversations with fellow founders.
⏰ Time: 08:00 AM
📍 Location: Vero Cafe, K. Donelaičio St. 60 (BLC business center)
🗣 Language: Mostly Lithuanian, but if you’re not a Lithuanian speaker, don’t worry—everyone speaks English!Sounds interesting? We love first-timers!
- Founders Morning Coffee ClubHer Excellency by Vero Cafe, Kaunas
Important announcement: We're passing the Morning Coffee Club into the capable hands of two long-term participants – Kristupas Jonynas and Mantas Vaitkūnas. We believe their energy and ownership will take these meetups to the next level.
From now on, please register for the event here: https://lu.ma/founders-coffeeEvery two weeks, current, former, and future startup founders gather in Kaunas for the Morning Coffee Club. It’s an open space to share experiences, gain valuable connections, and meet potential business partners. No formal agenda—just meaningful morning coffee conversations with fellow founders.
⏰ Time: 08:00 AM
📍 Location: Vero Cafe, K. Donelaičio St. 60 (BLC business center)
🗣 Language: Mostly Lithuanian, but if you’re not a Lithuanian speaker, don’t worry—everyone speaks English!Sounds interesting? We love first-timers!
- Founders Morning Coffee ClubHer Excellency by Vero Cafe, Kaunas
Important announcement: We're passing the Morning Coffee Club into the capable hands of two long-term participants – Kristupas Jonynas and Mantas Vaitkūnas. We believe their energy and ownership will take these meetups to the next level.
From now on, please register for the event here: https://lu.ma/founders-coffeeEvery two weeks, current, former, and future startup founders gather in Kaunas for the Morning Coffee Club. It’s an open space to share experiences, gain valuable connections, and meet potential business partners. No formal agenda—just meaningful morning coffee conversations with fellow founders.
⏰ Time: 08:00 AM
📍 Location: Vero Cafe, K. Donelaičio St. 60 (BLC business center)
🗣 Language: Mostly Lithuanian, but if you’re not a Lithuanian speaker, don’t worry—everyone speaks English!Sounds interesting? We love first-timers!
