Every startup dreams of making the right connections at the right time. For Hypefy, led by Stjepan Zelić, Podim proved to be the perfect place. After winning Podim’s Pitching Competition, Hypefy not only secured the fourth investor of their €1,7M seed round at Podim but also opened doors to global opportunities, setting the stage for their next big chapter.
Connections that close €1,7M investment deals at Podim
Podim isn’t just about pitching; it’s about meeting the people who can change your startup’s trajectory. For Hypefy, this came true in the Deal Room, where scheduled meetings led to conversations with key investors.
“We met Euroventures at Podim and they became the final piece in closing our seed round,” Stjepan shares. “It was incredible—we even had to increase the round size because they wanted more.”
They have just closed a massive €1,7M seed round, lead by Interactive Venture Partners with additional support form Oktogon Ventures, Euroventures and InterCapital. This wasn’t just a financial win. Securing this investor validated Hypefy’s vision and gave them the resources to scale their operations globally.
What’s more, Interactive Venture Partners (IVP)—Hypefy’s lead investor—was also present at the conference. “It’s surreal to think that we were pitching on stage while some of our present and future investors were in the audience”.
In fact, Stjepan’s confidence left a lasting impression. “I talked to the team from IVP before the semifinals and told them, ‘Hey, we’re going to win the Pitching competition. Don’t worry about it.’ Laszlo laughed and said, ‘Yeah, sure you will. I believe in you.’ Did I just promise my lead investor we’d win one of the toughest competitions in Europe? It might have been overboard, but luckily, we delivered.” Moments like this underscore how Podim not only fosters connections but also gives startups the stage to prove themselves.
With their seed round secured, Hypefy is now focused on scaling their operations:
- Expanding to the UK, U.S., and beyond.
- Running campaigns in 17 markets.
- Aiming for €5 million in revenue in 2025.
From Podim to global stages
The impact of Podim didn’t stop at funding. The visibility Hypefy gained led to an invitation to Expand North Star, a conference with over 70,000 attendees. As the only Croatian startup on the stage, Hypefy stood out, ranking 6th among 800 startups in a competitive competition.
“Podim is more than a conference—it’s a springboard,” says Stjepan. “We wouldn’t have made it to Dubai without the exposure we got here.”
Why Podim is a must-attend for startups
When asked about the biggest value of Podim, Stjepan is clear: it’s the people.
- Investors: “Podim is where serious investors come to find the next big thing. If you stay in their sights, opportunities will follow.”
- Peers: “The startup ecosystem here is inspiring. You meet other founders who challenge your thinking and spark new ideas.”
- Energy: “It’s fun. It’s so much fun. It’s a great place to be. Just being there pushes you to aim higher.”
For Hypefy, Podim wasn’t just about growth. It was about finding the right partners to scale globally. “Meeting experienced investors and other founders at Podim made us realize that we were on the right track,” says Stjepan. “The conversations here are different, more personal and intimate. They push you to refine your approach and think bigger.”
Advice for startups considering Podim
“If you’re on the fence about applying, let me say this: go for it.” Stjepan emphasizes that Podim isn’t just about winning. “It’s about being seen, meeting people who matter, and learning what it takes to succeed.”
Whether you’re pitching your heart out or soaking up insights from the program or the Deal Room, Podim offers a rare chance to connect with decision-makers in the regional and global startup ecosystem.
Ready to meet your next investor, partner, or big opportunity? Apply to Podim now and see where the right connections can take you.