“ABC helped me understand how to turn ideas into business models and, in Silicon Valley, how to focus on customers and real value.”
Can you introduce yourself? Tell us your name, where you’re from, and a bit about your background.
Hi, my name is Luka. I’m from Zagreb, Croatia. I completed an MBA with a focus on finance and banking, and previously worked in the banking sector at Intesa Sanpaolo Group.
Today, I work at ABC, and I joined the program to deepen my understanding of entrepreneurship and build my own business.
What motivated you to join ABC, and what were you hoping to learn?
I wanted to learn how to develop a business idea, create a business plan, and especially how to pitch. I had heard that ABC offers great lectures, guest speakers, and company visits, so it seemed like the right place to start exploring entrepreneurship in a more practical way.
What did you learn during ABC Toronto?
During the Toronto program, I learned the fundamentals of building a business. We worked with different frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and the Flourishing Business Canvas, which helped structure ideas and understand how a business works.
A big focus was also on pitching. I realized how important it is to clearly present your idea before moving into deeper planning.
The experience was also enriched by meeting international participants and exploring the city together, including company visits and trips like Niagara Falls.
What did you gain from ABC Silicon Valley?
Silicon Valley added a different perspective, especially in terms of mindset.
The biggest takeaway was understanding that the customer is always the number one focus. You need to think about who your customer is, what value you are creating for them, and how your product actually fits their needs.
The company visits were the most valuable part for me, because they gave a real insight into how leading companies think and operate.
What was your favourite part of the overall experience?
For me, the highlights were definitely the company visits, both in Toronto and Silicon Valley. Visiting places like startup incubators and global companies gave a clear picture of how ideas are developed and brought to market.
I also really enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and exploring the cities, especially just walking or biking around and experiencing everything firsthand.
