By bringing together world-class speakers, ambitious startups, experienced investors, and tech enthusiasts, unlockit offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and get inspired.
We spoke with Miljan Tekić, co-founder of Tenderly and unlockit conference board member, and Karlo Bem, Branch Manager at Symphony and a member representative of Digital Serbia Initiative, to hear why unlockit matters and how moments created there can become real turning points for people building in tech.
u: Miljan, from building Tenderly to launching one of the first founder-centric communities in the region Garaža, you’ve seen what it takes to scale. How much of success is just meeting the right person at the right time?
Miljan: It’s probably one of the most underrated things in building a company. So much of startup success comes down to who you meet and when. You can figure out a lot on your own, but the right person showing up at the right moment can completely change your trajectory. unlockit brings together the kind of people where those conversations happen naturally. Sometimes it’s meeting someone who becomes your first customer or design partner. Sometimes it’s a talk that shifts how you think about building your product. You just have to show up and stay open to it.
u: Karlo, let’s be direct. What are the 5 real reasons someone shouldn’t miss unlockit?
Karlo:
1) Meet speakers with great career tracks and real hands-on experience. unlockit brings together successful founders and tech leaders who have built products and companies. These are people who have faced real challenges and made real decisions. You can get practical insights and honest lessons you can actually apply.
2) Strong focus on growth and fundraising. The conference covers growth, sales, fundraising, marketing, and AI – all key areas for startups today. You could walk away with clearer ideas and frameworks to help you grow faster and make smarter business moves.
3) Meaningful networking opportunities. unlockit attracts founders, investors, leaders, and ambitious professionals, creating plenty of chances for real conversations. The right conversation at the right time can lead to unlocking potential partnerships, mentorships, or new opportunities.
4) Real stories behind real success. Speakers share their real experience, including wins, failures, and pivots that shaped their journey. This makes success feel more relatable and helps you stay motivated through challenges.
5) Insight into future tech and business trends. From AI to new go-to-market strategies, unlockit focuses on what’s next. Understanding where the industry is heading helps you stay relevant and competitive.
u: Miljan, many come to these events hoping to fundraise. Is unlockit really the right launchpad for that?
Miljan: For people building global startups who are planning to fundraise, unlockit is a great place to be. It gathers many investors in one place at one time, which is hard to replicate otherwise. You’re not going to close a round on the spot, but that’s not the point. The real value is starting conversations, getting on their radar, and building relationships that mature over time. An investor who’s seen you pitch, asked you questions, and remembers your name is far more likely to take your email seriously three months later.
u: We all have a turning point. What was your personal unlockit moment, and can this conference be that for someone else?
Karlo: My personal unlockit moment came in September 2017, when I joined my current company, Symphony. From the very first day, I had the opportunity to be part of building something truly meaningful. Working through different stages of the company’s growth and facing a wide range of challenges helped me understand that every phase comes with its own characteristics and demands. That experience taught me the importance of flexibility, agility, and adaptability – skills that have proven essential not only for navigating change, but also for continuing to grow both individually and as a team.
Miljan: My unlockit moment was my first trip to San Francisco. The energy there was just different. Everyone around you is thinking about tech, innovation, and building the future. It shifts something in how you think about what’s possible. I believe unlockit can bring a piece of that atmosphere to Belgrade. Not just through the talks from world-class speakers, but through that collective energy of ambitious people in the same room. For some startups, that spark could be the turning point.
Are you ready for your unlockit moment?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to change your game and meet the right people, this is it. Join unlockit 2026 on 19–20 February in Belgrade. There’s a spot waiting for you.
