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From a Small Village Without Electricity to an IT Empire: This Is the Incredible Story of Ante Mandić

Ante Mandić is one of the pioneers of the Croatian IT sector and one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the region. His path to success began in a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he first saw electricity at the age of eight. In elementary school in Otok near Vinkovci, where he moved in the 3rd grade, he was often teased and did not have an easy childhood, but his passion for learning and desire for a better future prevailed. Mandić became a nuclear physicist, after which he served in the military, and then built a career in the IT industry by founding IN2, one of the first and leading IT companies in Croatia and the region.

In a new episode of Lider’s podcast, Ante Mandić shared his fascinating life story with journalist and host Roko Kalafatić – from the challenges of growing up in poor conditions, through a career in nuclear physics, and then military service, to how he recognized the potential of the IT sector and decided to create and sell a company that today has more than 700 employees. He spoke about what motivated him to become an entrepreneur, how the development of the IN2 Group looked from the first projects to the position of market leader, and also about the challenges that come with doing business in Croatia.

Mandić also revealed his view on the future of the IT industry, the importance of investing in talent, and why it is crucial to maintain human curiosity and openness to change. His story confirms that with dedicated work and brave decisions, it is possible to achieve incredible successes, but also that entrepreneurs will never truly retire.

Don’t miss another inspiring episode of Lider’s podcast available on our website and YouTube channel, and you can follow short clips on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

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