Gauss is an incredible example of transformation, demonstrating that with knowledge and willpower, the fastest-growing technology company can be created in less than five years.
Deloitte has released a list of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Central Europe, and Gauss has stood out as one of the leaders. What makes their success even more remarkable is the fact that they achieved all of this in eastern Croatia.
We spoke with Ivan Lozančić, the director of Gauss, about the secret of their success.
Why, even though you could have chosen to work and succeed in Zagreb or London, did you choose to stay in your hometown of Osijek and establish a company there?
Because it's great to live here. I've traveled a large part of the world, and while everything was beautiful, I didn't find any reason not to live in Osijek. We were invited to work in London and the USA, but we saw no sense in moving there. Osijek has been developing very well lately thanks to the people who live in it and their efforts. It's important to us that our young people stay here because working with them, we've noticed that our people are very talented. We've received the same confirmation from various parts of the world, even from people in very high positions," reports Nacional.
“We learn on the go and find models that suit us best." - Ivan Lozančić
Today, Gauss is a reputable company in Croatian and European contexts. How did you dare to venture into entrepreneurship, especially in an environment that is not ideal for private business?
As a long-time freelancer in web development, I didn't think about entrepreneurship until I decided to leave a well-paying job. With my partner, Dragan Ibriks-Golub, we started building our own company. Our previous experiences helped us avoid rookie mistakes, but running a dynamic company with 80 employees requires daily learning.
Most of our employees left secure jobs to join our adventure. Although we didn't have a clear plan written on paper, the will for change and the desire to build something big led us. We are satisfied with what we have achieved and have great ambitions for the future. Although the environment in which we operate is not ideal, we believe it is improving.
What does Gauss offer to the market, and why would someone choose your services over others?
We differentiated ourselves from most software companies with our wide range of services and adaptability to client needs, which we have successfully maintained from the beginning. Although we started with websites, we quickly recognized the importance of mobile and business solutions. When working for larger clients, all these areas become closely connected. Clients choose us because we always strive to simplify the process, shifting the focus from technology and development processes to problem-solving.
The majority of your traffic consists of exports, i.e., selling services to foreign clients. How did you initially attract your first clients abroad, and how did you gain their trust?
In the beginning, we attracted foreign clients solely through recommendations, while today, the majority comes through the web. Trust is crucial, especially for a small company from Croatia. Over time, we faced skepticism due to our youth and location, but the quality of our work always dispelled such doubts. Our most common collaborations are with clients from Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
What incentives and support do you receive from the government? Do local government units assist you, and to what extent?
Despite widespread debate, the entrepreneurial climate here is not healthy, and progress towards it is almost negligible. Every entrepreneur wants normal conditions, but the system is oppressive and challenging to navigate. Although we have been in business for five years, we have not received any incentives; we are left to fend for ourselves.
It is known that Slavonia is in need of jobs. Is there a rush towards you as an ideal employer?
We receive many job applications, and the greatest satisfaction is that there are increasingly more quality applications. It is a bit disappointing when you see that some individuals do not put effort into job applications, considering the high unemployment rate.
There is noticeably more interest after Gauss was placed on Deloitte's list.
Gauss is one of the pioneers of the 'Osijek as an IT zone' idea, and other startups are following this concept. Are educational institutions, which should produce more professionals for this business area, also supporting you in this idea?
An IT zone in Osijek with proper infrastructure and incentives for companies would significantly contribute to creating a positive atmosphere among the youth. We continuously gather young people, educate and mentor them in developing ideas. The dynamic nature of the IT industry requires adaptability, but we want motivated young individuals to stay in Osijek. Although we are far from real results, we are aware that there is much work ahead to truly build Osijek as an IT zone.
What are your plans for the future? Are you planning further growth and expansion, or will you proceed more cautiously?
Lately, I often say that now I have a plan to make a plan. Although there is a plan, it has never been written down. My partner and I want to realize profitable ideas, both our own and those of our employees. In addition to delivering top-notch services to clients, our goal is to build our own products. Implementation is getting closer, but there is still work to be done.
What message do you have for young people who do not have a job but have knowledge and willingness?
Work, work, and just work. Knowledge is easily accessible now; you just need to choose a direction and educate yourself. Gauss's best employees have various experiences, from telecommunications and seasonal jobs to agricultural farms. Every experience is important because something can be learned from every job. I value loyalty, work habits, responsibility, diligence, and perseverance.
Individuals with these qualities, even without specific knowledge, get an opportunity and progress quickly.
For the complete interview, visit the Index website.