Ján Švantner, CEO of Instea, sat down with us to discuss his journey, the mission of his company, and how they are leveraging technology to make a difference. Born in Banská Bystrica and now residing in Bratislava, Ján has a deep connection to Slovakia and a passion for innovation. Instea, a software development company he co-founded, is dedicated to enhancing efficiency at work, allowing people more time for personal pursuits and creativity. “We believe computers are excellent at handling tedious tasks, so people should focus more on relationships and creativity,” says Ján.
Ján’s background in programming and technical expertise led him to establish Instea with a clear mission: to partner with other companies, particularly startups, and help them build their products. His vision extends beyond just software development. “AI is the second step after digitalization, making processes even faster and more efficient,” he explains. Instea’s approach is characterized by forming long-term partnerships with clients, understanding their products deeply, and working closely to solve their problems.
One of the company’s standout projects is an application developed for Medusa Group, a well-known restaurant group in Slovakia. This app strengthens customer relationships through loyalty programs and discounts, encouraging repeat visits. On an international level, Instea has been collaborating with Quick International Courier, a U.S.-based logistics company specializing in socially responsible logistics, including the transportation of medical supplies and human organs for transplants. “Seeing the operations firsthand and understanding the critical nature of their work was incredibly inspiring,” Ján shares.
Instea’s success abroad, particularly in Western Europe and the USA, can be attributed to a combination of good English proficiency, reasonable labor costs, and strong technical education in Slovakia. Ján emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and a Western approach to business, which resonate well with international clients.
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, Ján maintains a work-life balance driven by curiosity and a love for new challenges. “It’s tough, especially with everyone working from home, but we trust our employees to manage their time effectively,” he says. Instea fosters a supportive work environment, encouraging employees to work through differences and build strong relationships. Monthly team lunches, randomly pairing employees from different departments, are one of the initiatives that strengthen team cohesion.
Ján defines success not by financial metrics but by working on interesting projects with interesting people and making a meaningful impact. Instea’s future goals include expanding their team and client base, particularly in the United States, and forming closer partnerships with startups. Ján remains driven by curiosity and the desire to try new things, ensuring that both he and Instea continue to grow and evolve.
Ján Švantner’s dedication to fostering efficiency and innovation through Instea is truly inspiring. Whether you’re a startup looking to bring a groundbreaking idea to life or an established company aiming to enhance your operations with cutting-edge software solutions, Instea offers the expertise and partnership you need. Visit Instea’s website to learn more about their impactful projects and how they can help your business thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Connect with Ján and his team to explore how you can collaborate on creating meaningful and lasting change.
