About Magista

A one-person advisory built on real experience, not buzzwords.

Vlatko Škarica

Meet Vlatko Škarica

Founder & Principal Advisor

25+ years in business — from building startups to running $300M operations. Now I help business owners like you figure out this whole AI thing.

I've worn a lot of hats. I built Acer's business in the Adriatic from scratch. I managed Apple's sales across Central and Eastern Europe. I turned around a struggling retail chain and grew it 90% in four years. Along the way, I started three of my own companies — including Gooma, an app that hit #1 on the App Store, and iTrainer, where I teach kids to code.

The thread through all of it? Adopting new technology before competitors do — and learning (sometimes painfully) what works and what's just hype.

Now I help small and medium business owners do the same with AI. No complicated frameworks. No pushing expensive tools you don't need. Just honest, practical guidance from someone who's been in your shoes.

The Journey

1997-2005

Early Foundations

Started in retail tech at Computer Centar Mercatone, hands-on with everything from building PCs to managing stores. Built and sold first company (Mobikom) while learning the business from the ground up.

2005-2008

Regional Expansion

Sony Ericsson Regional Manager, then first employee at Acer's Adriatic office. Built the operation from zero, achieved #2 market position in two years.

2009-2018

Apple & Entrepreneurship

Account Executive for Apple across Baltic States and CEE. Grew territory from $50M to $300M. Simultaneously founded Gooma (award-winning app) and iTrainer (training center for 500+ students).

2018-2022

Retail Transformation

Executive Director at Links, Croatia's leading IT retail chain. Led transformation through COVID: 90% revenue growth, 3X EBITDA increase, earned "Employer Partner" certification.

2022-2024

SaaS & AI

Executive Director at Strategio (Kliker.biz), a B2B market intelligence platform. Led AI integration, EU funding rounds, and positioned for €1M ARR. Early adopter of AI in business operations.

2024-Present

Magista

Founded Magista to help SMBs navigate the AI transition with the same practical, results-focused approach that worked throughout my career.

What You Can Expect

Straight Talk

I'll tell you what I really think — including when something isn't worth your time or money. No sugarcoating, no upselling.

No Hidden Agenda

I don't sell software or get commissions. If a free tool does the job, that's what I'll recommend. My only interest is what works for you.

I Teach, Not Just Tell

My goal is to make myself unnecessary. I'll show your team how everything works so you never feel stuck or dependent on outside help.

Real-World Focus

I've run businesses, hit targets, managed teams. I know the difference between ideas that sound clever and ideas that actually work when Monday rolls around.

Credentials

Education

MBA equivalent (univ.spec.oec.)
Faculty of Economics, Zagreb

B.Sc. Economics
Faculty of Economics, Zagreb

Certifications

Apple Leadership Series
Apple Certified Trainer
Miller-Heiman Sales Methodology
ASANA Project Management Expert

Languages

Croatian (native)
English (fluent)
Italian (basic)

Active Projects

Gooma.biz — Travel expense SaaS
iTrainer.hr — Kids coding education

Want to See If We're a Good Fit?

No pressure, no sales pitch. Let's just have a coffee (virtual or real) and talk about your business.

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