September 28, 2020
On our first morning in the capital Zagreb, we walked from the Airbnb where we were staying to the offices of Accelerance’s first certified partner in Croatia. To be honest, I thought we’d never get there. There’s a pekara (bakery) on almost every street corner and the smell of freshly baked bread was almost irresistible; we wanted to stop at every single one!
What also impressed me was their office culture. It’s a very collaborative environment and the company has connected positively with the community in a way that means they’re able to attract top talent. That gives them a significant advantage in the local market, where there aren’t enough skilled IT professionals to meet a growing demand.
Croatia is a great cultural match for Western companies looking to outsource their software development. Our new partner was already working with a number of US clients and everyone on the team spoke perfectEnglish. The cost of living is low in Croatia, so even if you’re on a tight budget, your money goes a long way.
Zagreb has been called an old city with a young soul. With an urban population of less than 700,000, it’s one of the oldest cities in Central Europe – and has an extremely low crime rate. After dinner one night, we walked through streets full of life in the early hours of the morning and felt absolutely safe.
Unlike many European cities, where there’s a stark contrast between old and new, the architecture in Zagreb is beautiful wherever you are because buildings have been modernised from the inside, retaining the historic facade.
Luckily, our flight to Zagreb (via a short stopover in Germany) was well before international travel was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When borders are reopened safely, I can’t recommend a visit to Croatia highly enough, both for the value of meeting your remote team in person but also because it’s such a wonderful country to visit.
Sometimes you can feel a bit out of place when you’re immersed in a country and culture you’re not familiar with. In Croatia, we slotted right in.
Outsource with Confidence with Accelerance
Accelerance travels the world to simplify your search for the best offshore companies – and we’re impressed with what Croatia has to offer. If you’re interested in outsourcing your software development, contact Accelerance to find out more.
For the latest analysis on outsourcing opportunities throughout Eastern and Central Europe, check out our 2020 regional guide.