Founding Friday: Liisi Org – The Estonian Force Building Global Bridges to Africa's Tech Future
- Lush Angela
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to another Founding Friday, our weekly series dedicated to celebrating the visionary women founders shaping Africa's destiny and the global ecosystem. This week, we're crossing borders to spotlight a powerhouse leader whose work is creating vital pathways between Estonia, a digital nation giant, and the booming tech scenes of Africa: Liisi Org.
The Global Landscape: Why We Need to Celebrate Bridge-Builders
Before we dive into Liisi's story, let's set the stage. The global tech landscape remains uneven. Consider these facts:
Globally, women hold only about 28% of jobs in STEM fields (Source: UNESCO).
In Sub-Saharan Africa, while female founders are leading some of the most innovative startups, they receive less than 1% of all venture capital funding.
In contrast, Estonia is a world leader in digital innovation, with startups like Skype, Bolt, and Wise born from its robust ecosystem. It's a nation that has embedded tech into its very identity.
This disparity isn't just a funding gap; it's a networking, access, and visibility gap. This is exactly why the work of bridge-builders like Liisi is so critical. She isn't just running a conference; she's architecting a global network where African innovators can claim their space on the world stage.
The Architect of Connection: Liisi Org's Journey
Liisi describes herself as a "passionate community builder," but that feels almost modest. She is the strategic leader and CEO of Latitude59, Estonia's flagship startup conference that has blossomed into a global movement for early-stage innovation.
Her journey is a masterclass in building ecosystems. It began in the bustling tech scene of New York City, where she worked with EdTech pioneers and orchestrated the city's largest EdTech Festival, managing hundreds of speakers and even an opening show with the NYC Mayor. This experience in scaling community events was foundational.
She then took this expertise back to Estonia, leading national startup efforts at Startup Estonia and building the most comprehensive database of Estonian startups. But her vision was always global. Under her leadership, Latitude59 has evolved from a Tallinn-based event attracting 4,000+ thinkers into a platform with satellite editions in Kenya and Singapore.
What drives her? A profound belief in making meaningful connections, championing diversity and impact, and driving opportunities across borders. Today, as Estonia’s National Expert for the World Summit Awards (WSA), she continues to amplify tech solutions that drive social change worldwide.
Building Bridges to East Africa: The Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2025
Liisi’s vision for a connected global ecosystem is coming to life with the upcoming Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2025, happening December 3-5 at the A.S.K Dome in Nairobi. The event, which celebrates the African tech ecosystem while connecting the global startup community, is set to bring together over 3,000 attendees—from founders to investors for a powerful program of showcases, workshops, and networking.
And this is where our own mission at Sisterspeaks Global powerfully converges with hers. Just as Liisi believes in building bridges, our annual Heels Connect: Women In Tech Brunch is dedicated to fostering connections, learning, and inspiration for women in tech. It is this shared commitment to creating access and community that fuels our partnership.
Latitude59 is deeply committed to authentic ecosystem collaboration. Here is the event at-a-glance:
Date: December 3-5, 2025
Venue: A.S.K Dome, Nairobi
Scale: Expecting over 3,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and policy-makers from across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Highlights: A future-paving program, startup showcases, hands-on workshops, side events, matchmaking, and a rocking afterparty. For the Kenya Edition, they are co-creating the Investor Experience with Remode, a partner dedicated to helping investors discover the very best of East Africa’s tech potential.
Join the Movement: An Exclusive Invitation for Our Community
To ensure our community at Sisterspeaks Global can be part of this groundbreaking event, we have secured an exclusive discount.
Use code SS20xL59Â for a 20% discount on all ticket types. Purchase Today!
This is your chance to step into a global arena, make the connections that could change your trajectory, and witness firsthand the future of African tech.
Your Invitation to Take Up Space
Liisi Org’s story teaches us a vital lesson: the borders of innovation are not defined by geography, but by access and connection. The world of technology is not a closed club; it is a dynamic, ever-expanding universe waiting for your contribution. It’s time to shift our mindset. It’s not enough to be consumers of technology; we must be its architects, its innovators, and its producers. We must build the products that solve our unique challenges and challenge the status quo.
Let Liisi's leadership and the bridges she is building inspire you. Take up space. Apply for that grant. Code that solution. Pitch that investor. Build that community. The ecosystem isn't just something you join; it's something you help create.
Ready to Scale? Take the Next Step with SESA Academy
From Inspiration to Investment: Scale Your Venture with SESA Academy
The journey doesn't end at the conference. If you're a founder feeling inspired to take your business to the next level, our SESA Academy is designed for you.
This intensive program is specifically for African women entrepreneurs who are ready to:
Refine your business model and scaling strategy.
Master the art of the pitch to attract investors.
Connect with a dedicated network of mentors and funders.
The future of your business starts here. Express your interest in the upcoming SESA Academy cohort today!
Click here to learn more about the program!
Click here to SIGN-UP And secure your spot!
See you all next week in Nairobi? The future of African tech will be there.