What does it look like when you grow from zero to a company that delivers results three to five times better than the industry average for global brands in just a few years? This is the story of Stjepan Zelić, CEO and co-founder of Hypefy, a Croatian startup that began in 2021 with the idea that AI can completely change the way influencer marketing operates. Today, Hypefy stands behind an advanced platform that automates influencer selection, campaign management, and results measurement, operating in about twenty markets and boasting a portfolio of respectable global brands.
In a conversation with host and journalist Sandra Babić, Zelić reveals what the first investment pitch looked like, what it means when only three out of 300 funds say ‘yes’, and how important it is to be persistent when facing rejection. He discusses growth challenges, expansion into global markets, and whether there is a recipe for virality (yes, there is), whether it is easier to sell or build a product, and how he leads the team with infectious optimism. Zelić also shared what he would advise every startup founder entering the world of venture capital and what the future of influencer marketing looks like.
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