Entrepreneurship Seminar by Jordan KOSTELAC (Deploy)

11 Mar, 2025

From packing boxes for Gap to launching his own startup, Mr. Jordan KOSTELAC’s journey is a testament to the power of a diverse skillset and a relentless drive for improvement. The Deploy founder recently shared his inspiring story with over 170 students at the HKBU School of Business on 11th March 2025,  as part of the Entrepreneurship Seminar Series organised by the School's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (EIC), offering key takeaways for navigating today's business world.

One of the key themes Mr. KOSTELAC emphasised was the importance of identifying “pain points” – those nagging problems that plague organisations. He encouraged students to transform these challenges into opportunities.

Forget superficial schmoozing. Another major piece of advice from Mr. KOSTELAC was to build genuine relationships and seek constructive feedback, not just empty praise. “If you're just getting compliments,” he warned, “you're not doing it right.”

His startup, Deploy, tackles a major challenge in venture investment by connecting early-stage companies with expert advisors. In a world increasingly reliant on algorithms, Deploy highlighted the enduring importance of human intuition.

The seminar was moderated by Dr. Marta DOWEJKO, Director of the EIC. Mr. KOSTELAC's visit powerfully reminded students that success comes from a combination of hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the challenges along the way. From warehouse work to entrepreneurial success, his story is an inspiration for any aspiring entrepreneur.