In this episode of SaaS Scaling Secrets, host Dan Balcauski interviews Kristjan Vilosius, co-founder and CEO of Katana, a leading cloud-based manufacturing and inventory management software for SMBs. Kristjan shares his journey from Soviet-era Estonia to becoming a global SaaS leader, the early influences on his entrepreneurial path, and the founding story of Katana. The discussion covers milestones like going global from day one, building a diverse and international team, and maintaining company culture across geographies. Kristjan offers valuable insights into scaling strategies, overcoming challenges, and the importance of a clear purpose and transparent communication in achieving business success.
00:28 Meet Kristjan Vilosius: From Soviet Estonia to SaaS Leader
01:18 Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Aspirations
04:12 The Birth of Katana: From Frustration to Innovation
06:17 Scaling Challenges and Lessons Learned
13:11 Global Expansion and the Estonian Startup Ecosystem
20:05 Building a Global Team and Maintaining Culture
25:12 Open Culture and Transparency at Katana
29:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
Guest Links
katanamrp.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristjan-vilosius/