The conversation delved into the startup ecosystem and its key players. It also touched upon Szabolcs’ career path, the founding of his company, its services, challenges in the startup world, and key aspects of building a successful company. Throughout the conversation, Szabolcs detailed his professional background and experiences. He described the journey of his professional career, highlighting the sources of his motivation. He earned multiple domestic and international degrees, studied business development methodologies in Japan, and focused on empirical experience. After spending a comfortable 16 years at a construction and engineering company, he decided to make a radical change and joined Solvo Biotechnology in 2008, founded by Duda Ernő. Here, he gained hands-on experience in strategic controlling and measurability, learning how to creatively and persistently fight for the company’s survival. Over the years, they faced challenges such as continuous capital shortages for development funding and strong international competitors. They had to find a balance and learn where and how to raise funds under various conditions. They successfully learned from these experiences, marking the point of a strategic shift that rapidly turned their income-generating capacity positive. One crucial milestone was establishing their own subsidiary in the United States, which led to significant growth, replacing their former distributor.

 

During the strategic shift, they parted ways with three international colleagues and restructured the company. They empowered those who they knew were capable of solving tasks that they had previously undertaken only in the shadow of foreign colleagues. They motivated them with employee shares and focused on sales development. New marketing elements were devised for international sales, solidifying their leading role in their niche market on a global scale. They reinforced this leading position through self-organized professional conferences, which proved successful. Additionally, they faced the challenge of finding an excellent salesperson in America, a typical challenge for startups. Their choice proved successful, as the selected colleague remains one of Charles River’s top salespeople to this day. They primarily emphasized service sales, practically examining transporter interactions in preclinical drug development.

 

Since his exit from SOLVO, Qualinnova has once again taken center stage. Over time, with his team, they began offering strategic financial consulting, reporting preparation, complex back-office system development, internal process optimization, and specialized accounting and tax consulting to both companies and private/state capital funds. They now have experience and references not only in company valuation but also in exit preparation. They understand the market from both target companies’ and investors’ perspectives. With their back-office accounting team and employees working in controlling and grant application sectors, they efficiently support the establishment of transparent operational frameworks.

 

Szabolcs emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and efficiency in the life of startups. He explained that developing a successful strategy and measurability play a significant role in enabling a startup to grow successfully and overcome initial challenges. At the end of the conversation, he summarized how Qualinnova differentiates itself from other advisory firms and the added value they offer to startups. Furthermore, he offered advice for those aspiring to succeed in the startup world.

 

The conversation also touched on Szabolcs’ civic activities, which he has been engaged in since 2006 within the Rotary International charity organization. As part of this, he has led the International Foundation, continuously worked on youth exchange programs and youth club development, and developed international projects and relationships.