Bringing SaaS founders in the CEE together with Leo Eldic @SaaStanak

saas.unbound is a podcast for and about founders who are working on scaling inspiring products that people love, brought to you by https://saas.group/, a serial acquirer of B2B SaaS companies.

In episode #44, Anna Nadeina talks with Leo, founder of SaaStanak, a recurring meetup and a conference of SaaS folks in Southeast Europe.

SaaStanak began as a small meetup in Zagreb, Croatia, in November 2021, attracting just 12 attendees. Leo Eldić, inspired by his experiences at international conferences like SaaStr in San Francisco, sought to create a space for local SaaS founders to connect and share insights. The vision was clear: foster a community that could help each other grow and thrive.

As the first meetup gained traction, it quickly expanded beyond Zagreb to other cities in the region, including Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Skopje. The organic growth of these events demonstrated a strong demand for community engagement among SaaS founders. In 2022, the first SaaStanak conference was held in Zagreb, gathering 400 participants, primarily bootstrapped founders and operators. This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of SaaStanak, solidifying its role as a key player in the CEE SaaS ecosystem.

The role of community in SaaS

Community is the lifeblood of any successful SaaS venture. Leo emphasizes the importance of creating a space where founders can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Unlike traditional business networks, SaaStanak fosters a “many-to-many” relationship, where participants can engage with each other without a rigid hierarchy.

This approach allows for genuine connections and collaboration, enabling founders to learn from one another’s successes and failures. As Leo states, “We are custodians of an already existing community; we’re just facilitating deeper connections.” This philosophy has been instrumental in building a thriving SaaS community in the CEE region.

Moderation and authenticity in events

One of the hallmarks of SaaStanak events is their focus on authenticity. Leo believes that while moderation is important, it should not stifle the organic flow of conversation and engagement. Instead of relying solely on professional speakers, SaaStanak features operators and founders who share their real stories—messy and imperfect as they may be.

This commitment to authenticity resonates with attendees, who appreciate hearing from peers who understand their challenges. The blend of structured content and spontaneous discussions creates a dynamic environment where valuable insights emerge naturally.

Creating unique conference experiences

As SaaStanak prepares for its upcoming conference in 2025, Leo is excited about the unique experiences they have to offer. The event will take place in a coastal location, combining work with leisure in a relaxed Mediterranean setting. This innovative approach aims to foster genuine connections while providing valuable content.

Attendees can expect a mix of structured sessions featuring industry leaders and informal networking opportunities, such as winery visits and boat tours. This blend of work and play is designed to create an environment where participants feel comfortable engaging with one another, ultimately leading to more meaningful connections.

Cultural differences in SaaS discussions

Leo highlights the cultural differences that shape SaaS discussions in the CEE region. Founders in this part of the world often face distinct challenges compared to their counterparts in Western Europe or the U.S. For instance, access to funding and resources may be limited, which influences the way businesses are built and scaled.

Despite these challenges, Leo sees a strong sense of resourcefulness and adaptability among CEE founders. Many successful SaaS businesses in the region have emerged from agencies, as founders leverage their agency experience to create products that solve real problems. This approach reflects a deeper understanding of the market and a commitment to building sustainable businesses.

Trends and challenges of CEE founders

As the SaaS landscape continues to evolve, several trends and challenges have emerged for founders in the CEE region. One significant trend is the shift from growth at all costs to a focus on profitability. This transition has prompted many founders to reevaluate their business strategies and prioritize sustainable growth.

Additionally, the rise of AI and automation has changed the way businesses operate, leading to increased demand for face-to-face communication and networking opportunities. Leo emphasizes that the value of in-person connections has never been more apparent, as founders seek to build relationships that can help them navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.

The shift from agency to SaaS

Many successful SaaS founders in the CEE region have transitioned from agency work to building their own products. This shift has been fueled by the realization that the agency model may not be sustainable in the long run. As Leo points out, founders are increasingly looking to create products that can serve a global market rather than just local clients.

This transition has led to the emergence of a new wave of SaaS businesses that are leveraging local talent and resources to build competitive products. By focusing on scalability and market fit, these founders are positioning themselves for success in the ever-evolving SaaS landscape.

Emerging SaaS ecosystem in Eastern Europe

The SaaS ecosystem in Eastern Europe is gaining momentum, with a growing number of startups and funding opportunities. Leo notes that while the region may have lagged behind in terms of investment, there is a palpable energy among founders who are eager to build and innovate.

As more founders come together to share their experiences and insights, the potential for collaboration and growth within the ecosystem increases. SaaStanak plays a pivotal role in this development by providing a platform for founders to connect, learn, and support one another.

Building connections at conferences

Networking is a crucial aspect of any conference experience, and SaaStanak is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Leo believes that the key to a successful conference is ensuring that attendees leave with new relationships and insights.

To facilitate this, SaaStanak incorporates various networking activities into its events, such as curated sessions, informal discussions, and social outings. By fostering an environment where attendees feel comfortable engaging with one another, SaaStanak helps to bridge the gap between founders and operators.

Creating lasting community engagement

Building a community goes beyond hosting events; it requires ongoing engagement and support. Leo emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships with attendees even after the conference is over. SaaStanak organizes regular meetups and encourages participants to connect through WhatsApp groups and other platforms.

This continued engagement helps to create a sense of belonging among founders and reinforces the idea that they are part of a larger community. By investing in these relationships, SaaStanak ensures that its impact extends far beyond individual events.

Lessons learned from organizing events

As SaaStanak continues to grow, Leo has learned valuable lessons about event organization and community building. One key takeaway is the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Events can be unpredictable, and being prepared for unexpected challenges is crucial.

Another lesson is the significance of focusing on the attendee experience. By prioritizing the needs and interests of participants, SaaStanak can create events that resonate with the audience and foster meaningful connections. Ultimately, the success of any community-driven initiative hinges on the ability to listen, learn, and evolve.