Apify Technologies: Revolutionizing Web Scraping adn Automation
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In the fast-paced world of technology, few companies manage to carve out a niche as unique and impactful as Apify Technologies. Founded by Jan Čurn, this Czech-based company specializes in web scraping, a process that involves downloading structured data from websites for use in industries like marketing and e-commerce.But Apify’s ambitions go far beyond scraping—Čurn envisions it becoming the world’s largest marketplace for automation software,a hub where developers can publish and sell thier tools to a global audience.
from Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Čurn’s journey began in 2009 when he founded his first company, focusing on private consulting for customized software growth. Six years later, he and his partner applied to the prestigious Y Combinator startup program with their web scraper idea. Out of 6,000 applicants, they were among the 30 selected projects, earning a spot in the program and a ticket to California.
“We are pleased to succeed in such a strong competition of amazing projects, especially as one of the few software companies in the competition,” Čurn said after their selection. “I feel that we have it a little easier compared to the competition. If somthing goes wrong, we can do a fairly quick update, whereas if you make a mistake in production, it’s much harder to fix.”
This experience laid the foundation for Apify’s current platform, which has since become a cornerstone of the company’s operations.
A Strategic Approach to Growth
Success in Y Combinator provided Čurn with the initial funding needed to kickstart Apify, but it wasn’t an astronomical sum. Instead,the company grew gradually,with Čurn leveraging his background in consulting to keep the business afloat. In the early days, consulting services accounted for up to 80% of Apify’s revenue. Today, that figure has dropped to around 15%, reflecting the company’s shift toward its core automation and web scraping offerings.
Čurn’s strategic approach to growth has paid off.Apify now operates entirely in English, a decision made from day one to ensure global scalability. The company’s services are not bound by geographical limitations, making it a truly international player in the tech space.
Expanding Horizons: AI and beyond
looking ahead, Čurn has ambitious plans for Apify. The company is exploring new fields and services, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Čurn is even considering the development of a platform for selling AI agents, further solidifying Apify’s position as a leader in automation technology.
“The field of structured data downloads does not deal with geographical boundaries,” Čurn noted. “We are planning further expansion into new fields and services.”
Recognition on the Global Stage
Apify’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Čurn was recently honored as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, a prestigious global competition that recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs. organized by the consulting firm EY, the competition has been running as 1996 in the United States and since 2000 in the Czech Republic.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition is designed to be international, with comparable judging criteria across nearly 60 countries on six continents. Winners from regional and national rounds, including the Czech Entrepreneur of the Year, go on to compete in the global finals in Monte Carlo, where the World Entrepreneur of the Year is announced.
Key Milestones in Apify’s Journey
| Year | Milestone |
|———-|—————|
| 2009 | Jan Čurn founds his first company, focusing on customized software development. |
| 2015 | Čurn and his partner are selected for the Y Combinator startup program. |
| 2017 | Apify’s platform is launched in the Czech Republic. |
| 2023 | Čurn is named EY Entrepreneur of the Year. |
the Future of Automation
As Apify continues to grow, its focus remains on innovation and expansion. With plans to integrate AI into its offerings and explore new markets, the company is poised to remain at the forefront of the automation industry.
For developers and businesses alike, Apify represents a gateway to the future of automation—a future where tools and technologies are more accessible, efficient, and impactful than ever before.
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What are your thoughts on the future of web scraping and automation? Share your insights in the comments below!Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: Sotirios Zavalianis Named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic recently marked a significant milestone as the business talent,has become a cornerstone of the Czech entrepreneurial ecosystem. This year, the title was awarded to Sotirios Zavalianis, the founder of the healthcare holding Akeso Holding, who joins an illustrious list of past winners.
The competition, known for its rigorous selection process, is judged by an expert panel that includes previous winners. This year’s jury was particularly impressed by Zavalianis’ contributions to the healthcare sector, which have not onyl transformed the industry but also set new standards for innovation and sustainability.
A Night of Festivity and Recognition
The award ceremony, held at the Kunsthalle Prague, was a glittering affair attended by prominent figures from the business and political spheres. Martina Kneiflová, managing partner of business, across various fields. Jan Čurn is also active abroad, which also fulfills the international character of the competition.”
This year’s event was graced by the support of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and Seznam Zprávy, which served as the media partner. Their involvement underscores the competition’s meaning in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
A Legacy of Excellence
Over the past 25 years, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition has become a platform for celebrating visionary leaders who drive innovation and sustainability. From healthcare to technology, the winners represent a diverse array of industries, each contributing to the Czech Republic’s economic landscape.
| Key Highlights of the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year |
|————————————————————|
| Winner: Sotirios zavalianis, Founder of Akeso Holding |
| Jury: Composed of previous winners |
| Venue: Kunsthalle Prague |
| Media Partner: Seznam Zprávy |
| Sponsor: President Petr Pavel |
Looking Ahead
As the competition enters its next quarter-century, it continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. The stories of zavalianis, Čurn, and other nominees serve as a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.
For more insights into the competition and its impact,visit the official CzechTrade Offices website.
The EY Entrepreneur of the year is more than an award—it’s a celebration of ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of business. Here’s to the next 25 years of groundbreaking achievements!
Headline:
apify Technologies: Revolutionizing Web Scraping and Automation – A Perspective from tech Expert, Lukáš Dusín
Introduction:
Welcome to World-Today-News, where we deliver insights into the dynamic world of technology. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Lukáš Dusín, a seasoned tech specialist and entrepreneur, to discuss Apify Technologies, a game-changer in the realm of web scraping and automation. Lukáš, thank you for joining us. Let’s dive right in!
From Humble Beginnings to global Recognition
World-Today-News: Lukáš, could you start by giving us some context about Apify Technologies and how it evolved from a humble beginning to a global player?
Lukáš Dusín: Of course! Apify was founded by Jan Čurn in 2017, but its roots trace back to 2015 when Jan and his partner participated in the prestigious Y Combinator program. Initially, Apify focused on web scraping, but they had a much larger vision – to create the world’s largest marketplace for automation software. Today, Apify is indeed a global platform where developers can publish and sell their automation tools to a global audience.
World-Today-News: That’s quite an impressive journey. it truly seems like Apify’s strategic approach to growth has played a critically important role in its success.
A Strategic Approach to Growth
Lukáš Dusín: Absolutely. Apify grew gradually, initially relying on consulting services for up to 80% of its revenue. Jan, being a former consultant, leveraged his expertise to keep the business afloat. now, that figure has dropped to around 15%, reflecting Apify’s shift towards its core automation and web scraping offerings.Additionally, Apify operates entirely in English since day one, ensuring global scalability and accessibility.
Expanding Horizons: AI and Beyond
world-Today-News: Looking ahead, Apify seems to have ambitious plans, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. Could you share some insights into this?
Lukáš Dusín: Indeed, AI is the next frontier for Apify. The company is exploring new fields and services,with plans to develop a platform for selling AI agents. Jan Čurn has always been keen on staying at the forefront of technology, and AI is no exception. With structured data downloads not bound by geographical boundaries, Apify is planning further expansion into new fields and services.
Recognition on the Global Stage
World-Today-News: Apify’s success has been notable, with Jan Čurn recently being honored as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year. How significant is this recognition for Apify and the tech industry?
Lukáš Dusín: The EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition is a prestigious global event that recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs. Being selected as the Czech winner and competing on the global stage is a monumental achievement for Jan Čurn and Apify. It not only validates their hard work and innovation but also puts Apify and the Czech tech industry on the global map.
the Future of Automation
World-Today-News: As we look towards the future, how do you see Apify shaping the landscape of web scraping and automation?
lukáš Dusín: Apify is poised to remain at the forefront of the automation industry. With plans to integrate AI into its offerings and explore new markets, the company represents a gateway to the future of automation. This future is one where tools and technologies are more accessible, efficient, and impactful than ever before, and Apify is at the heart of it all.it’s an exciting time for this dynamic industry.
World-Today-News: Lukáš, thank you for sharing your insights on Apify Technologies. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you.
Lukáš Dusín: Thank you for having me. I’m always eager to discuss innovative companies like apify.
