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Hi Sifted Reader,

The wait is over and our first ever Sifted Sessions event kicks off in Tallinn tomorrow! We’ll be diving into all things startups with a former president, the region’s top startups and a host of unicorns. And we’ll be running more events across Europe this year — keep your eyes peeled for news. 

Back at our London HQ we look into Big Tech’s advertising crackdown on Europe’s “taboo” healthtech startups, and reveal the old-school marketing tactic they’re using to sidestep censorship. Plus…

• How to offer sabbaticals
• Why Europe’s time zone is best for cracking the US
• The Sifted Startup Dictionary makes its debut

— Amy, editor & Tom, digital editor

When sexual wellness startup Vibio launched its app on the Google Play Store, it was suspended three times within the first two months. And it’s not the only “taboo” healthtech startup to be blocked by Apple, Google, Facebook or Instagram.  

The censorship is seriously affecting their bottom line — but it’s also forcing founders to get creative with advertising.

So how are they sidestepping censorship?

Do you have up to 50 employees and outside funding? You qualify for the Zendesk for Startups Program, which means six months free customer support software, expert advice and access to a community of founders. 

Apply here.

A growing number of startups are offering sabbaticals as a way to draw in talent. But it’s easy to get wrong. 

So how do you get sabbaticals right? That’s the question we put to Linnea Bywall — head of people at Alva Labs, a Stockholm-based digital hiring platform. 

Here’s her five-step plan. 

This interview first appeared in our Startup Life newsletter. Sign up here for everything you need to know about building a startup.

Varos CEO Yarden Shaked used to think startups should operate in the same time zone as their customers and investors. But then he changed his mind.

After years of working in the US and Israel he’s found a strategy that brings his team together in Europe, minimises interruptions and boosts collaboration.

So why isn’t this a terrible idea?

In Europe alone, there are more than 70 tech unicorns. What do they have in common? Most have an international footprint.

To successfully compete today most companies can't escape thinking globally, thinks Dileep Thazhmon, cofounder and chief executive of fintech Jeeves. 

But how do you expand successfully and ensure your finance team is ready?

📖 The Sifted Startup Dictionary. Do you know your VC from your LP? What about your MVP from your TAM? The ever-growing lingo of the startup ecosystem can be hard to get your head around. So we’ve packaged everything up and launched the Sifted Startup Dictionary. Think we’ve missed something? Let us know!

\Sifted Sessions | Tallinn | Estonia | May 3

Tomorrow we get our Sifted Sessions off the ground with our first event in Tallinn, Estonia. We'll be bringing together the region's top startups, unicorns and a former president. Missed it this time? Don't worry, we’ll be running more events across Europe this year — keep your eyes peeled for news.

Pivot, pivot, PIVOT | Online | May 11

Building a product can be full of tight corners and misjudged fits. But how can you ensure your product is agile enough to navigate these inevitable challenges? Join us May 11 to find out.

Founders, find out how VCs are doing due diligence on you | Online | May 17

When pitching to a VC, chances are that investors are going to assess you, not just your company. So what’s the best way to prepare? Find out what top funds look for in founders at our member-only event on May 17. 
Not yet a Sifted Member? Join here.

Find out how founders can spend smarter | Online | May 25
A seed round today would easily have been the size of a Series A three years ago. So how best to spend this extra cash? Our next Sifted Talks will explore what challenges come with entering the next phase of growth. Sign up here.

Amy Lewin
Editor 

Get in touch with her at amy@sifted.eu
Or tweeting at @amyrlewin

Tom Nugent

Digital Editor

Get in touch with him at tomnugent@sifted.eu 
Or @TJNugent92

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