30
yearS

Frane graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computing in Split, and holds a postgraduate Financial Institutions and Markets degree from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb. He was elected lecturer by the Rectors’ Assembly. Frane regularly speaks at numerous technology- and entrepreneurship-related events. He is the initiator of several international conferences:  Zagreb Forum (which specializes in Smart City strategies and solutions), Zagreb Connect  (the most prominent startup conference in Croatia) and  Startup Europe Regatta (a business-meets-sports event specializing in sustainable greentech and fintech technologies).

He established the first Croatian acceleration program – Startup Factory and launched Global Growth and Tech Transfer. Frane is passionate about bringing together stakeholders from all levels of society in building a thriving startup ecosystem. Through ZICER, he runs the largest startup hub in the area.

He prepares ZICER’s business plan for the financial year, as well as the company’s financial plan proposals. He writes semi-annual and annual business reports.

Tomislav heads ZICER’s finances and accounting, and prepares financial, audit and other reports. He also manages finances for specific EU projects implemented by ZICER. He closely cooperates with the City Office for Economy, Environmental Sustainability and Strategic Planning and city administrative bodies.

Tomislav graduated from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and has earned a master’s degree in Economics. Since graduating from college, he has been working in finance and accounting.

She is focused on creative accounting and development project financing models, and continuously monitors tax and legislative regulations. She promotes an entrepreneurial culture and the creation of small oases in which entrepreneurs have an environment for unhindered growth and development.

Vini performs public procurement activities: she prepares annual procurement plans and initiates and manages small- and large-scale procurement procedures. She also works on cooperation agreements with partner institutions.

She has a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy and prior experience in the tourism and financial sectors.

Milica leads ZICER’s incubation program, drafts and implements projects, advises entrepreneurs regarding project applications, informs entrepreneurs on project cycle management, and participates in the development projects for the City of Zagreb.

She also coordinates Startup Factory, Global Growth and Tech Transfer acceleration programs.

She relies on 20 years of hands-on experience in preparing and implementing over 50 projects directed at entrepreneurship (business incubators), financial education and debt management, microcredit, creating public policies and fiscal decentralization. Milica holds a PhD on Financing Small and Medium Entrepreneurship in Different Life Cycle Stages.

Lidija graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zagreb.

Mia Despotović is an expert with over nine years of experience in policy development, strategic planning, and project implementation across the IT, education, finance, and public administration sectors. In her role as Coordinator at ZICER, she focuses on acceleration programs and partnerships, as well as on planning, preparation, and implementation of EU-funded projects. Mia has managed innovative projects involving digitalization and business process optimization.

She excels in ideation, development, and operational implementation of business strategies and provides executive-level consulting aimed at business transformation and growth optimization. She continuously enhances her expertise through professional programs, such as Business Consulting at Harvard Extension School (Boston, Cambridge MA), workshops, and academic programs, including a PhD in applied economics and a semester at the prestigious CERGE-EI research institute.

Ivana is in charge of public relations, media affairs and marketing activities at ZICER. She organizes conferences, roundtables and media appearances, and creates content for ZICER’s communication channels. She also implements Startup Factory.

Ivana obtained a Law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, and Marketing degree from Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb. Previously, she worked in full service media agencies, planning and implementing marketing activities through traditional and contemporary advertising channels, as well as coordinating and implementing client PR activities.

Ana coordinates Startup Factory, Global Growth and Tech Transfer acceleration programs.

She graduated from the City University of New York (CCNY) with a degree in Economics. She previously worked for cultural nonprofits in New York City and on a USAID-funded healthcare program in Uganda.

Željana prepares and implements EU and national projects. She supports the organization and implementation of project activities, prepares reports, monitors project implementation and coordinates project activities. Željana has extensive experience in the preparation and managing of various EU (ESF, ERDF, Horizon, ERASMUS and Europe for Citizens), national and locally funded projects/programs focused on the development of entrepreneurial, innovation, startup and employment ecosystems.  She also coordinates Startup Factory, Global Growth and Tech Transfer acceleration programs. As a member of the ZICER’s team for organization of local and international events she was coordinator and member of the organizing committees of international conferences and numerous other events, such as entrepreneurial competitions, meetups, B2B meetings, bootcamps, hackathons.

Željana holds a degree in Political Science. She has professional education in public relations and development of social skills.

After obtaining her degree in Economics, she worked for a courier company where she managed internationalization-related affairs as well as human resources. In parallel, Lena ran a small family business and is a certified freight forwarder. She has worked extensively with exporters assisting them with international placement of goods and services. 

Marina provides legal counselling to entrepreneurs, educates entrepreneurs in the fields of commercial, labor and statutory law, counsels entrepreneurs regarding financing entrepreneurial and other projects from national and EU funds, and assists them with applying for grants.

Klementina is responsible for managing the financial records and accounting affairs of the company, which includes handling accounting events and payroll, preparing and submitting tax reports, final accounts, and annual financial reports. Additionally, she participates in the preparation of financial plan proposals and monitors other business expenses.

Klementina completed her professional studies at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and gained 13 years of experience in accounting and finance while working in the private sector.

Having a diverse portfolio that includes graphic design, UX/UI, web development, and digital marketing, Maja is responsible for creative and multimedia content at ZICER. 

With years of experience in the IT industry, she has developed an understanding of technological trends and best practices in visual communications design. She is a graduate of the Technical Polytechnic in Zagreb. 

Anita chairs the Technical Secretariat of the City of Zagreb Local Partnership for Employment and works as a professional orientation trainer for the youth, mentor and lecturer on the EDUBIZ project. She has also been appointed the Information Officer and Occupational Safety Coordinator for ZICER.

During twenty three years at ZICER, Anita worked as a business consultant and educator for entrepreneurs and Homeland War veterans, an expert advisor for marketing and education, business education teacher and organizer, as well as took part in national and EU projects implementation. She organized 480 seminars and lectures attended by 9600 participants. Anita also acts as a HAMAG-BICRO mentor within the Student Entrepreneurial Incubator Network project, e-Business coach, and has co-authored a booklet for entrepreneurs Preparing IT Experts for Entrepreneurship.  Anita is a graduate of the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and London School of Public Relations, and practices lifelong learning.

As part of the business incubation program team, Hrvoje is responsible for administrative and technical duties. He also takes care of ZICER’s high-tech labs that were equipped through the StartUp Factory Zagreb – High Technology Incubator EU project. 

Hrvoje is an electrical engineer.

Dino is part of the team responsible for the entrepreneurial incubation programme. He provides technical support and assists with event organization.

He graduated from Effectus – College for Finance and Law. He spent a number of years working in the tourism sector, managing a travel agency and catering business.    

Nikolina graduated from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology. However, she’s never worked as a fashion designer as life had different plans in store. Instead, she gained more than 10 years of professional administrative experience leading a call center and managing a retail chain branch.

While studying Communication Science and Sociology at the University of Zagreb, Centre for Croatian Studies, she held jobs where she conducted qualitative and quantitative research, and worked in sales and digital marketing and PR campaigns.

She is passionate about public relations and new media, as well as spreading positivity through stories of everyday life.    

She has a Public Administration degree from the Faculty of Law in Zagreb. Prior to ZICER, she worked in administration and finance in the private sector.  

She graduated from the University Zadar, Faculty of Economics. She worked as a sales representative at Croatian Telecom for several years. She joined ZICER team following her move to Zagreb.  

Ivo participates in the implementation of entrepreneurial support programs and in organizing business consulting and educational activities. In daily communication with entrepreneurs, he provides support at various stages of their development. He also collaborates with with city administrative bodies, institutions, and partners on the implementation of programs and projects aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

He earned a master’s degree in Economic Policy and Financial Markets from the University of Split. His professional experience includes working in a global FMCG corporation, as well as in the banking industry where Ivo led projects and actively contributed to the development of financial market products.

In the Artificial Intelligence for Smart Healthcare and Medicine (AI4HEALTH) project, Siniša is involved in its operational implementation.

Siniša is a graduate lawyer with extensive experience in entrepreneurial education, business consulting, and business plan development. He has built his career as a project manager at ZICER Plavi ured and also has experience in managing his own entrepreneurial ventures.

She holds a degree in Finance from the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb and possesses considerable accounting experience.

For the last five years, she has been at the service of all employees, members and visitors to the Agency on a daily basis.

Ksenija is in charge of operational accounting and bookkeeping as well as administrative and technical tasks as part of running the company.

During her years of experience in the private sector, she gained experience and knowledge in the field of administration.