In 2005, the Serbian IT industry looked very different, at the dawn of a new era. Levi9 emerged as a pioneering software engineering company dedicated to connecting talented IT professionals from the Balkans with innovative projects in Western Europe.
At a time when remote collaboration was uncommon, Levi9’s visionary approach helped build a bridge between two IT ecosystems and foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
Local Serbian expertise was just beginning to align with the rapid pace of global digital transformation. The idea of distributed teams collaborating across borders was still new, back in 2005, and high-impact international projects were rare opportunities for most software engineers in the region
Building a Company Before There Was a Playbook
A handful of people joined Levi9 in those early days, driven by a shared belief in innovation, global collaboration, and the future of technology. Two decades later, five of them are still here, and their journey tells a story not only of personal and professional dedication but also of an entire industry coming into its own.
Levi9 was founded with a clear vision – to deliver modern software engineering services to Western European clients by finding and engaging skilled professionals from the Balkan region who had not yet been fully recognized or involved in international IT projects. But the mission wasn’t just about outsourcing, it was about building a bridge between two IT ecosystems.
From the start, Levi9 championed remote collaboration, at a time when it was far from the norm.
This openness attracted forward-thinking professionals who were ready to challenge themselves with cutting-edge technologies and complex business needs. They weren’t just writing code, they were pioneering a new way of working.
Investing in Local Talent and Education
Those early years were shaped by strong partnerships with universities in Serbia, investments in local talent, and a deep commitment to building technical excellence from the ground up. Levi9 helped create hundreds of jobs which shaped an entire generation(s) of engineers ready to meet global standards.
As the IT world evolved, so did Levi9.
This flexible mindset has become part of Levi9’s DNA: combining discipline with adaptability, structure with creativity. Whether building digital products, modernizing legacy systems, or co-creating solutions with clients, the company’s ability to tailor its delivery approach has kept it both stable and agile across the years.
The people who have been with Levi9 for 20 years embody the culture that’s made this possible: open, collaborative, and always looking forward. Their experience and mindset have been key in inspiring others and in setting the tone for the company’s continued development.
They’ve seen the industry shift, from waterfall to agile, from on-premise to the cloud, from startup culture to scaled delivery models, and have continued to learn and adapt every step of the way.
Their loyalty speaks not only to the company’s values but to the meaningful work and real human connections that Levi9 has nurtured over two decades.
Honoring Our Longest-Standing Team Members
This year, as we celebrate our 20th company anniversary, we look back with pride at the foundation we’ve built, and the people who built it with us. Tech Doc Open-Air Festival, held in Novi Sad, was our way to celebrate birthday. This was also an opportunity to invite to the stage levi niners who started their journey back in 2005. Congrats to:
- Jelena Kutlača Milošević
- Dario Đurica
- Nikola Milutinović
- Viktor Kovač
- Jan Dolinaj
To our five colleagues, with whom we’ve shared two decades of challenges and triumphs: your dedication has not only shaped Levi9 but has also touched us all personally. Your story is embedded into the very soul of our company.
Our journey is far from over. In fact, it feels like the best is yet to come!
Discover how Levi9 continues to innovate and empower IT professionals in Serbia. Connect with us to learn about our journey and career opportunities.
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