The kites are up

In late 2019, I decided to go back to school and get an IT education. My plan was simple: learn new skills and return to my first love: Architecture. Little did I know that within the first six months of my studies, I would fall in love again, this time with computer science. It was, without exaggeration, one of the hardest things I've ever done. Between personal challenges and a global pandemic, it felt like everything was against me. But through the struggle, I discovered something deeper about myself: a genuine curiosity and the 'addiction' that comes from the satisfaction of solving complex problems.

As I dove deeper into this new world, I realized that what fascinated me most wasn't just the code, but also how technology could shape businesses, improve processes, and help people work smarter. I found myself drawn to IT Strategy, Software Architecture, and Project Management - the areas where technology and people meet. That's when I realized that I wanted to become a consultant so I could constantly meet new people and explore new projects. Furthermore, it would push me to learn continuously and solve unique, difficult problems every day.

After my time at Netcompany, I started looking for my next challenge. And I didn't have to look far. Denmark, like much of Europe, is facing a growing shortage of IT specialists. Businesses want to innovate, but they often struggle to find the right people to make it happen. And this is especially difficult for Danish SMEs and startups. On the other hand, I knew Romania (my home country) is filled with incredible technical talent, bright minds ready to take on complex digital challenges. That's when the idea for Zmei was born.

In Romanian, the word 'zmeu' (plural 'zmei') has two meanings that perfectly capture what I wanted this company to stand for. The first meaning refers to kites: symbols of freedom, creativity, and the joy of exploration. Kites rise with the wind, not against it. I saw in that a perfect metaphor for what we aim to do: help businesses soar higher, giving them the agility, flexibility, and innovative solutions to reach their full potential. The second meaning comes from Romanian folklore, where a 'zmeu' is a dragon-like creature: strong, wise, and courageous. It represents the spirit of perseverance and the power to overcome challenges with insight and determination. That's exactly how I want Zmei to face the complex digital landscape: with strength, wisdom, and courage.

Zmei was created to help Danish companies thrive in the digital era by combining Danish insight with top-tier Romanian talent. For our Danish SME clients, we offer world-class IT consulting and support at a competitive price, helping them achieve their goals with flexibility and confidence. For our Romanian consultants, we provide superior wages, benefits, and opportunities for growth, positioning Zmei as a boutique consulting house that values expertise and people above all else. We are not a 'near-shore body shop.' We are a bridge between markets, between people, and between ambitions.

Zmei is still a young company, but our ambitions are high, just like the kites that inspired our name. We believe in a Europe where collaboration outweighs competition, where talent is nurtured across borders, and where businesses can grow without being limited by geography.

To our clients, partners, and future colleagues: thank you for joining us on this journey. The wind is strong, the sky is open, and the kites are up.