Decision Velocity
Cut through noise fast and make decisions on what changes outcomes.
About
Builder,operator,and growthpartner.
I help founders and executive teams apply AI with discipline, improve GTM execution, and install operating systems that make delivery more dependable.
Over the last decade I have founded technology companies, led two exits, scaled multi-region teams, and worked across strategy, product, commercial growth, and execution under pressure.
20+
Years operating
07
Companies founded
02
Exits led
Operating Principles
Clear thinking, honest conversations, and steady execution.No theatre. Just work that compounds.
Strategy + Execution
Keep strategy and execution connected; no dead handoff between plans and delivery.
Applied AI
Use AI where it compounds leverage, not where it only creates novelty.
System Thinking
Treat revenue, product quality, and team health as one operating system.
Where I Create Leverage
Turning ideas into productsCutting scope without killing valueMaking AI practical, not theoreticalFixing struggling projectsImproving delivery and team habitsHelping founders close dealsFinding revenue the team is overlooking
Story
I co-founded FRAKTON, helped scale it with an exceptional team, and led the transition through acquisitions into Melon and later Kin + Carta.
I also built Zombie Soup, a software studio later acquired by a US healthcare company. Across roles, I have worked with startups, scaleups, and enterprise operators under real delivery pressure.
As a tech CEO and operator based in Kosovo, I now partner with CEOs, founders, and leadership teams that need practical help across AI adoption, operating cadence, GTM strategy, and execution quality.
Career History
- 1999
NATO / KFOR
Volunteer Translator
Provided translation support during post-conflict operations.
- 2007
PCWorld
Editor in Chief
Led editorial strategy for the region's leading tech publication.
- 2011
Athene Prosjektledelse AS
Project Manager
Managed development projects.
- Innovation Centre Kosovo
- Balkanspring
- Matchyourbusiness
- 2013
Udacity
Project Manager
Managing early educational tech projects and localization.
- 2014
IPKO Foundation
Senior Consultant
Leading digital empowerment initiatives.
- AppCamp
- Wikiacademy
- Barcamps
- 2014
Zombie Soup
Co-Founder & COO
Bootstrapped software studio specializing in VR and digital products.
- Exit in 2016
- 2015
SwissEP
Senior Consultant
Strategic consultancy for entrepreneurship ecosystems.
- Albania's Ecosystem
- North Macedonia's Ecosystem
- 2016 — 2025
Frakton → Kin + Carta → Valtech
Founder, MD & Director
A continuous journey of scaling and acquisition:
- Co-Founded & CEO of FRAKTON (2016)
- Strategic Partnership with Melon (2022)
- Acquired by Kin + Carta (2022) — Director of Growth
- Acquired by Valtech (2024) — Director of Scaling Solutions
- 2026 — Present
38Shift
Founder & CEO
An AI-first engineering and technology consultancy.
- Designing AI-native GTM systems
- Building agentic workflows for growth and operations
- Turning technical exploration into commercial products
Honors & Awards
40 Under 40 - #1 Most Successful Entrepreneur
2022
Ranked #1 in 2022 and #3 in 2023 on 40 Under 40 for Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Deloitte Fast 50 Europe
2021
Ranked in the Top 20 fastest growing technology companies in Europe.
Board & Community
YTILI (US State Dept)
Board Member2022 — 2025
STIKK
Board Member2018 — 2025
Startup Weekend
Global Facilitator2011 — 2019
Outside Of Work
I am a father to Harpa and Diell, married to Marigona, and based in Kosovo.
I enjoy motorcycles, long road trips, reading, and building tools that simplify life. If I am curious about something, I usually build it first.
Direct Line
Have something worth building?
celik@celiknimani.comPrefer to see the method first? See how I work