HUMANS OF LIFT99 IS A SERIES OF STORIES FROM LIFT99 MEMBERS, HIGHLIGHTING THE INSPIRING PEOPLE WE SEE AROUND US EVERY DAY. NOT ALL OF US ARE FOUNDERS (YET), OR EVEN STARTUPPERS, BUT WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL OR A SKILL TO SHARE - IT’S WHAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITY AS AMAZING AS IT IS.
Claus Pener and Taavi Kliss – Founders of Spindl
We are excited to introduce you to Claus and Taavi, two outstanding members of the LIFT99 community whose entrepreneurial journey has been full of challenges, lessons, and ultimately, success. The founders of Spindl, a powerful software for restaurants, share their inspiring stories of how they met, how they started their band, and how they eventually launched their startup.
How It All Began
Claus grew up in Türi, a small town in Central Estonia. Though he wasn’t initially inclined toward technology, he was an entrepreneurial spirit from the start. Claus began his career in various fields, first working as a real estate appraiser, then moving into banking and marketing in the telecommunications industry. It wasn’t until later, while searching for more fulfilling work, that he discovered his passion for technology and software development. With a desire to build something of his own, Claus entered the startup world, bringing a unique perspective and strong business acumen.
Taavi, on the other hand, grew up in the small village of Vana-Vigala in Western Estonia. Though he wasn’t particularly interested in technology as a child, he did enjoy playing video games, which sparked his curiosity about how things worked behind the scenes. Initially, Taavi pursued humanities at TalTech, but he soon realized that his true calling was in IT. Despite facing challenges in the early years of his IT studies, his passion for technology kept him pushing forward. This perseverance paid off when he landed his first job at RIK (the Estonian state IT center) and later joined Helmes, a leading Estonian IT company. These experiences set the stage for his successful tech career.
How They Met and Found Their Entrepreneurial Spark
Claus and Taavi met through music, which became a significant part of their story. Both shared a love for creating music and still play in a band together called Everfall. Although their initial connection was through their musical interests, they soon discovered a mutual passion for business and entrepreneurship. Over time, their conversations shifted from guitar riffs and music theory to ideas about technology, innovation, and starting their own business.
Their startup journey began with small side projects. They started creating simple websites and landing pages for businesses, learning the ropes of entrepreneurship and technology. It wasn’t long before they realized that they had a bigger idea on their hands. They decided to build something more significant than just individual projects: they envisioned a software solution for restaurants that could streamline their operations and digitalize the entire process of managing orders, payments, and menus. This idea would eventually become Spindl.
The Birth of Spindl
Initially, the two entrepreneurs planned to create a simple cash register system for a friend who owned a restaurant. However, after speaking with other potential clients and delving deeper into the restaurant industry, they quickly recognized a much larger opportunity. They realized they needed to build an all-in-one software solution that could help restaurants manage everything from food orders to customer payments, inventory, and more.
They understood the pain points of restaurant owners and saw how the industry was lagging behind when it came to adopting modern technology. That’s when they decided to scale their idea and transform it into Spindl — a comprehensive, easy-to-use software platform for restaurants. It was designed to help establishments of all sizes streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and offer better customer experiences.
The journey was not without its difficulties. The two founders encountered multiple challenges along the way, from technical issues to financial constraints. They had to rethink their product several times before finding the right solution. But despite the setbacks, they remained committed to their vision.
The Role of Networking and Mentorship
A crucial turning point came when Claus and Taavi met Rain Johanson, the CTO of Bolt at that time. Rain’s advice and mentorship helped guide them through some of the more challenging aspects of building their startup. He connected them with the right people and provided invaluable feedback on their business strategy.
Even though they didn’t secure a deal with Bolt initially, Claus didn’t give up. He took a risk and approached Wolt, telling them they had already secured a partnership with Bolt—though this wasn’t true. Wolt agreed to collaborate, and Claus used that momentum to return to Bolt, saying they were already working with Wolt. Bolt, not wanting to be left behind, then agreed to the deal. Although very risky, this strategic move helped Spindl secure partnerships with major players in the food delivery industry.
A Major Breakthrough: Investment and Expansion
In 2021, Spindl received a significant boost when they secured an investment from Icebreaker VC. This funding was a game-changer for the company. It not only provided the financial resources needed to expand their team and improve their product, but it also served as a validation of their business model. Investors saw the potential in Spindl and believed that it could revolutionize the restaurant industry.
The funding allowed Claus and Taavi to refine their product further, hire additional team members, and expand their client base. They soon gained traction with more restaurants using Spindl and more clients expressing interest in the software. With the investment, they also had the opportunity to build stronger partnerships with other companies in the tech and food industries.
What Makes Spindl Different?
Spindl is designed to simplify the restaurant experience by integrating all the essential services into one platform. Restaurant owners can manage everything from online orders to in-house payments, inventory management, and menu updates. The software is user-friendly and helps restaurants save time, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.
The beauty of Spindl lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a small café or a large restaurant chain, Spindl can be customized to fit the specific needs of each establishment. Additionally, the platform is scalable, meaning it can grow as the business grows.
The founders’ deep understanding of the challenges faced by restaurant owners has been instrumental in designing a product that genuinely addresses the industry’s pain points. By offering a solution that combines both front-end customer service and back-end operational efficiency, Spindl has created a space for itself in a competitive market.
Maintaining Balance Amidst the Hustle
As entrepreneurs, Claus and Taavi know that it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and grind of running a startup. The pressure of constant deadlines, meetings, and decisions can be overwhelming. But both founders emphasize the importance of balance.
For Claus, the key is passion. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. He also believes that taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial. Regular workouts, boxing, and physical activities help him recharge and manage stress. Taavi echoes this sentiment, explaining that working out helps him stay focused and energized. He believes in the power of physical activity to clear the mind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Looking Ahead
Claus and Taavi have come a long way since their early days of making music together. What started as a small side project has now grown into a proper business. But despite their success, both founders remain humble and focused on the future.
Their goal is to continue growing Spindl, expanding its reach, and continually improving the product to meet the evolving needs of the restaurant industry. They are passionate about making the lives of restaurant owners easier and more efficient, and they are committed to helping the industry digitize and streamline operations.
Conclusion: A Story of Perseverance and Passion
Claus and Taavi are perfect examples of what can be achieved through passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Their journey from music to tech and their ability to turn an idea into a successful startup is a testament to the power of believing in your vision. Their success shows us that with the right mindset, a good idea, and a lot of hard work, anything is possible.