As Applifting marks its 10th anniversary, we sat down with co-founders Vratislav and Filip for a special episode of our Innovation Spotlight podcast. They reflected on their journey, the evolution of the tech industry, the company’s unique culture, the most unusual projects, and last but not least—on each other.
What did they learn along the way? Which projects are they most proud of? And how do they see the future of Applifting? We’ve distilled nuggets of wisdom, insights, and fun memories into 10 key areas below.
You can also listen to the whole episode in Czech or watch it on Youtube.
"Our philosophy is simple. Be transparent and communicate openly."
1. On the start of the journey
How do you feel about celebrating 10 years of Applifting? What does it mean to you?
Filip: It’s incredible. When we started, I wasn’t sure a value-based company like ours could thrive in the Czech tech scene. But we did it, not just us, but all the Applifters along the way who proved that being decent to clients and each other can lead to success.
Vratislav: It’s a humbling experience. Being in IT for 10 years is no small feat. For the first 5–6 years, I never thought about whether we’d succeed; I just focused on making great apps with great people. It’s the team’s effort that got us here.
2. On company culture
Was the laid-back culture part of Applifting from the beginning?
Vratislav: Yes, from the start, our philosophy was simple: "Let’s not make life difficult for each other, avoid unnecessary managers, be transparent, and communicate openly what’s going on." This basic setup has evolved over time but remains our core.
"Ten years ago, having a few developers was enough. Today, it’s about providing comprehensive solutions."
3. On industry evolution
How has the tech industry changed over the past 10 years, and where do you see it going?
Vratislav: The fundamental needs remain the same—clients come with problems, and we find technological solutions. However, the complexity has increased. It’s no longer just about having developers; it’s about providing comprehensive solutions including analysis, design, product development, and infrastructure.
Filip: I agree. Clients now expect a full package—from design to business understanding. Ten years ago, having a few developers was enough. However, those few developers didn't handle proper design, user testing, or consider the business implications. These aspects were often left to the client, resulting in less successful products. Today, the situation is different. We ensure that all these needs are well taken care of from the start, even if the client isn't fully aware of them.
Vratislav: And I would add that ten years ago, IT was in a "gold rush" phase—having developers made you a king, and companies would just throw them at problems, hoping for the best. The economic crisis changed that. Now, just having developers isn’t enough; you need comprehensive services to succeed.
"I think we will program at a higher level of abstraction. Developers will transition to more analytical and empathetic roles."
4. On future prospects
Where do you see the company in the next 10 years?
Filip: I hope we continue operating on the same values. The company has changed a lot in the past 10 years, evolving into areas we once thought were taboo. Initially, we aimed to work without managers because we had seen poor examples in other companies. However, we gradually realized that a certain level of project management is necessary. Whether done by developers or scrum masters, it helps people focus and adds value when done right.
What about technology? Where do you see it going in the next 10 years?
Vratislav: I think we will program at a higher level of abstraction. Just as we moved from Assembler to C, we’ll move to neural prompts or similar inputs. AI will play a bigger role, and developers will transition to more analytical and empathetic roles, focusing on client needs and setting tasks for AI.
5. On impactful projects
Can you highlight a project that brings you the most pride?
Vratislav: For me, it’s Foedus, a platform for organ transplant coordination within the EU. It’s saved over 400 lives by speeding up the organ exchange process from 45 minutes to just 5–10 minutes. Before our solution, hospitals had to call each other to check organ availability and manually determine rights based on international agreements. Now, this entire process is automated.
Filip: I’m proud of BankID, a project that, while not life-saving, significantly saves time and simplifies processes for many people. This is what I really like about Applifting—it excels in both high-impact projects for a few and small-impact projects for many.
"Every project that comes to us must pass through the filter of what Applifting wants and doesn't want to do, and each Applifter gets to vote on it."
6. On unusual projects
Any interesting or unusual projects you’ve encountered over the years?
Filip: One memorable project was when a client wanted to create a parking meter app that would notify the police when the time expired. We had to explain that this might not be popular with users, and the client’s response was, "We don’t have to tell them." That’s when we realized some ideas just don’t align with our ethics.
Vratislav: Another was a woman who wanted an app for sending wishes to the universe, with an in-app purchase to keep them there longer. She knew her target audience, but it didn’t pass our ethics check. We have a process in place—every project that comes to us must pass through the filter of what Applifting wants and doesn't want to do, and each Applifter gets to vote on it.
Filip: Oh, and one time, a guy came to us needing an app with augmented reality to demonstrate his hardware, as customers doubted its functionality. Technically, it sounded great, so we invited him to visit. He showed up with a glass lamp that supposedly blocked 5G waves. When I asked for supporting studies, he sent over research done by schoolgirls in the U.S. They placed some herbs by a window and another on top of a router, noting that the herbs on the router grew poorly. We really enjoyed reading those studies.
"The important thing in leading a company is not just to bring up problems but also solutions."
7. On leadership and growth
How did you handle the transition from a small studio to a full-fledged company?
Vratislav: Moving to a bigger office in Karlin four years ago was a milestone. It allowed us to professionalise and expand our non-programming departments, which was crucial for our growth.
Filip: The key was hiring the right people and giving them the freedom to excel. It’s about trusting your team and letting them take the reins.
Any hurdles you had to overcome?
Filip: I think the hurdle we continually face is communication. It's an ongoing challenge, and I believe companies that stop facing this challenge often do so by halting communication altogether. Another important thing in leading a company is not just to bring up problems but to also bring solutions.
Vratislav: I'm sometimes unsure if I'm a good leader for over 150 people. Leadership and communication for such a large group is a significant challenge. Another big question is how the IT market is shifting towards efficiency. This pressure on efficiency affects us as well, making it a major challenge to maintain effectiveness.
"Patience is important. Changes take time, and you can’t rush everything."
8. On lessons learned
What lessons have you learned from Applifting?
Vratislav: One big lesson is patience. Changes take time, and you can’t rush everything. Also, maintaining a healthy distance from the company is essential to avoid burnout.
Filip: The toughest lesson was learning to make difficult decisions, like letting people go, in the most considerate way possible. It’s about balancing tough choices with compassion.
9. On role models
Do you have any role models in leadership or company management?
Filip: I think there are plenty of role models. For a long time, we were inspired by Frederic Laloux’s book, Reinventing Organizations, and his thinking has been a big influence on us. Then, for instance, the owner of Patagonia, a company known for its ethical stance and high-quality outdoor gear, is a great example.
Vratislav: I tend to focus more on business-oriented role models because I deal with Applifting’s profitability. I admire how Zdeněk Cendra runs CDN77. They handle data streams for companies, have a relatively small team, but generate significant revenue through strong R&D. When you talk to him, you see his authenticity and directness. His straightforward approach is very inspiring—he’s a great example of effective leadership.
"Filip sometimes views the world too optimistically, but it balances my perspective. His positive outlook is often exactly what we need."
10. On each other
What do you appreciate most about each other?
Filip: Vratislav’s authenticity and intelligence are invaluable. He says what he means, and people trust him. His directness is inspiring.
Vratislav: Filip’s humanity and ability to get things done complement my skills perfectly. He’s the cultural leader and organizer who ensures our ideas are realized.
Anything you’d change about each other?
Filip: When Vratislav is in a meeting and thinking, he has this habit of leaning forward, grabbing the bridge of his nose, and closing his eyes. It looks like something is really bothering him, but that’s just how he thinks. For a client seeing this for the first time, it can be quite disconcerting. But honestly, there’s little I’d change.
Vratislav: Filip sometimes views the world too optimistically, but it balances my perspective. His positive outlook is often exactly what we need. If I were the only one talking about things in the company, I might be too authentic.
On gratitude
As we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?
Vratislav: We deeply appreciate the support from our clients and Applifters. Their trust allows us to create software that makes a real difference.
Filip: Every person we’ve worked with has contributed to Applifting’s success. We’re grateful for everyone who has been part of our journey and look forward to meeting more inspiring people in the future.
