Krešimir Kavčić
Episode · #490
PAMETNA HRVATSKA Krešimir Kavčić, powered by JANAF
Guest Krešimir KavčićHosted by Borislav ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026
Krešimir Kavčić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The core tension is the increasing conflict between human activity and wild animal populations. Krešimir Kavčić isn't just observing this; he's building the tools to manage it. His startup, Capra, is developing a system of remotely controlled traps and feeders designed to address the growing problem of wildlife entering urban areas and causing damage to agriculture. Kavčić, an agronomist and biologist, explains how his system aims to move beyond traditional hunting methods to offer a more precise, humane, and efficient approach to wildlife management. You will walk away with a clearer understanding of how technology can reshape our relationship with nature when the boundaries between them blur.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Traditional hunting only allows for 'shooting one individual' before the rest of the herd scatters and returns. If your problem is an entire group of animals, a single-target solution is a temporary fix. True control means addressing the collective, not just individual encounters.
02
Capra's circular traps are designed so 'animals cannot injure themselves when they enter.' When the goal is wildlife management, the method itself must be part of the solution, not a new problem. A humane approach isn't just an ethical consideration; it's a practical requirement for broad public acceptance.
03
The Capra system will provide 'live monitoring,' allowing users to 'decide whether they want to catch them or not' based on what they observe. The true control isn't merely in the physical trap, but in the operator's ability to make a selective, informed decision in real-time, from a distance.
04
Even with finished and automated hardware, Capra is still 'looking for an IT developer' to bring the full system to a functional application, estimating six months to a year. The gap between a physical solution and a fully connected system often requires external expertise, and it’s the hardest part of the project to close.
05
The problem of urban wildlife isn't confined to Croatia; it's a 'problem across all of Europe.' Framing a local issue against a broader continental trend reveals a much larger market opportunity. A domestic solution can quickly become an exportable model if the underlying challenge is widespread.
06
Capra's initial business model focuses on 'selling hardware to hunting societies,' with a subscription plan for the application planned for later. Generating immediate revenue by selling a tangible product first validates the core offering, allowing the more complex recurring revenue model to be layered on once the software is mature.
07
Capra has had 'no marketing to date,' yet its first orders came from 'word of mouth.' In an established but underserved market, a genuinely effective solution can spread organically, proving its value without a dedicated marketing budget.
08
The traps are designed not just for wild animals but also for 'feral species' like dogs and cats, and could even capture an escaped zoo panther. A specialized tool designed for a specific problem often finds broader utility in solving adjacent, unexpected challenges, expanding its market far beyond its initial focus.