Blaž Mandl

KonectIQ is a company that deals with smart building automation systems, system integration and custom solution development. Its founder, Blaž Mandl, is a graduate electrical engineer, a certified partner of the KNX organization, and a long-time enthusiast of electronics, technology and cybersecurity.

He later expanded his experience in the field of industrial automation as a web developer, but the desire to pursue an independent entrepreneurial path and create something of his own was always smoldering. That's how the idea for KonectIQ was born.

Blaž believes that technology should not be an end in itself, but should help people live a better, safer, and more comfortable life. His vision is to bring intelligent building automation closer to a wider circle of people and make it more accessible and useful in everyday life.

The beginning of an entrepreneurial journey

Blaž's entrepreneurial journey began in a way in his elementary school years, when he and a classmate admired successful entrepreneurial stories and thought about how he could one day create something of his own. Ideas came one after another, but the reality was often different. At that time, the environment of his generation was still strongly marked by the mentality of the industrial age: school, work, retirement.

Although life took him down a more traditional path for a while, his desire for entrepreneurship never completely disappeared. After graduating from school, he took a job at TAB, where he stayed for six years, before deciding to completely change his career direction. With self-initiative and a lot of willpower, he retrained as a web developer and continued his journey at Vitapur and later SirPauls in Graz, Austria.

It was the period of working abroad that gave him important confirmation that he could succeed outside the established framework. Despite a good job and excellent conditions, the desire to follow his own path kept pulling him forward. In the end, the decision to start building something of his own prevailed.

First steps into entrepreneurship

When he decided to pursue an independent entrepreneurial path, he was quite lost in the field of entrepreneurship. He was looking for direction and support, so he turned to MPIK. There he first seriously got to know the PONI project, which he initially did not believe was suitable for his business idea. He believed that the idea for inclusion in the project must necessarily be a product or a distinct innovation, and his vision was based primarily on services in the field of electrical installations and smart installations.

He submitted his application on the last day of the application deadline and was later accepted into the PONI project, which gave him significant support, confidence, and guidance in his first entrepreneurial steps.

Blaž identifies exposing himself and performing in public as his biggest personal challenge. He is more of an introvert by nature, so he is aware that promotion in entrepreneurship is an area he needs to work on. Nevertheless, he actively faces this and gradually overcomes his own limitations.

A turning point

One of his greatest personal victories was the decision to leave his secure job and embark on his own journey. Today, he says he is grateful for all the experiences from his past jobs, as they shaped him both professionally and personally.

Life lesson

He highlights an important life lesson: blindly following societal norms and expectations often distances an individual from what they truly want. If they had had today's knowledge and experience earlier, they would have embarked on their own entrepreneurial journey much sooner.

Today, KonectIQ is still in the development phase, acquiring its first customers, and building a network of partnerships and acquaintances. Blaž is aware that in the initial phase, you often have to invest more than you receive, but he believes in the potential of his business idea and the long-term vision of the company.

He advises anyone considering an independent entrepreneurial path not to hesitate too long. If a person feels the desire to create something of their own, they must trust themselves and continue on their path - even when those around them may not understand their decisions.

His thinking is also beautifully summarized by the thought that accompanies him on his entrepreneurial journey:
"If you want something more than just selling your time for money, don't hesitate and start creating your own story."