Dražen Breglec
Episode · #161
RITAM POSLA Dražen Breglec
Guest Dražen BreglecHosted by Lidija KiselyakMay 3, 2026
Dražen Breglec
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Dražen Breglec has spent years navigating both the highest levels of Croatian government and the intricacies of private enterprise. He now leads Fiox d.o.o., a 5-million-euro venture in microalgae cultivation, a project that stands as a deliberate counter-narrative to the common skepticism about investing in Croatia. Breglec not only convinced his German partners to build in Novska but also sees the country's perceived complexities as a fertile ground for those who understand how to operate within them. You will hear how a highly specialized biotech project can find its footing in unexpected places, and why a global crisis might actually highlight a country's hidden strengths.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Dražen Breglec convinced his German partners to invest 5 million euros in Croatia, despite common prejudices that it's not an easy country for foreign capital. The perceived difficulty of a market often hides opportunities for those willing to understand its unique operating environment, turning a common drawback into a competitive advantage.
02
The Fiox project was delayed by five months, not due to financial constraints, but because the German owners, innovators, and engineers could not easily travel to Croatia for critical setup without facing quarantine. In a globalized project, the physical mobility of key talent can be a more significant constraint than capital or supply chains, especially during times of crisis.
03
Breglec selected Novska, a town roughly an hour from Zagreb, for its excellent infrastructure, expansion potential, and local government's proactive support, specifically to draw on Zagreb's pool of biotechnology and chemistry experts. Choosing an industrial zone isn't just about land and utilities; it's about proximity to specialized labor pools and a local administration willing to offer tangible support and space for future growth.
04
While microalgae are known as a "superfood" in dietary supplements, Fiox is targeting higher-value applications in chemical, pharmaceutical, and animal feed industries, including for racing horses and pets. A seemingly niche product often has broader, higher-margin applications beyond its most common consumer uses, especially when advanced technology can extract greater value.
05
Europe accounts for only 5% of global microalgae production, with the Far East, America, and Israel dominating the market. Entering a market where incumbents are geographically distant and the local supply is low presents a clear opportunity for a new, technologically advanced producer to capture market share.
06
The initial 5-million-euro investment for Fiox d.o.o. relies heavily on existing patents and years of development from Breglec's German partner, Bernard Herman. Significant startup capital can be de-risked and accelerated by integrating a partner's mature intellectual property and proven development, rather than building from scratch.