In conversation with ... SMEC | Wirtschaft Innovation Linz

In conversation with ... Smarter Ecommerce GmbH

Teamwork, Social Responsibility, and International Success at SMEC in the Tabakfabrik Linz

Smarter Ecommerce GmbH—SMEC for short—based in the Tabakfabrik and employing 90 people from 19 countries, is committed to innovation in digital advertising and social responsibility.

Jan Radanitsch, Managing Director and co-founder of SMEC, sums up the drive and philosophy that fuel SMEC every day right at the start of our conversation: “We started with the idea of innovating and automating a specific area of digital advertising. Even today, I’d say this constant drive for innovation, paired with genuine expertise, is what keeps us going. Our goal is always to be the best at what we do.”

Flexibility and Teamwork in Challenging Times

However, an unforeseen incident would put this mindset to the test. When Google changed the rules for Shopping Ads overnight due to a €2.4 billion EU fine, SMEC faced the loss of its existing business model. Working through the night, the team developed a new price comparison platform within a week and, in a six-week sales rally, convinced customers not to switch. This generated an additional annual revenue of 1.5 million euros for the company, which had 70 employees at the time.

Radanitsch recalls this situation as “a sword of Damocles hanging over us, which, however, made the resulting success all the more special.” For it was the swift, innovative response and the team’s solidarity that led to success and the international rollout of the model. The project exemplifies SMEC’s innovative strength and adaptability.

International Growth with Regional Roots

This expertise is already being successfully shared with the world from Linz and currently reaches customers in over 50 countries. Global exports are further supported by branches in Vienna and London. Despite its international focus, Radanitsch also values its regional ties, which is why the headquarters will remain at Peter-Behrens-Platz in the future.

This comes as no surprise, as Radanitsch particularly values the strong labor pool in Linz, the proximity to educational institutions such as universities of applied sciences and universities, as well as the city’s pleasant atmosphere and compact layout. “Linz offers an exciting balance of size, dynamism, cultural offerings, and green spaces.

Cooperation between companies is positive, and competition for talent is fair,” says the managing director. Looking ahead, Radanitsch hopes to see investments in enhancing the city’s international appeal and expanding educational institutions to make Linz even more attractive to international professionals. In 10 years, he envisions the city as: “Cosmopolitan, highly dynamic, with a strong international reputation, even more IT flagship companies, and still a highly livable place.”

Social Responsibility and Corporate Culture

From a social perspective, SMEC frequently thinks outside the box and fosters an open and inclusive corporate culture. Despite the turnover typical of the industry, there are many long-term employees and former staff members (affectionately called “Smecies”) who regularly return for events or lunches—a sign of strong loyalty and appreciation.

True to the motto “Sharing our Success,” a portion of the profits is regularly donated to social and regional projects, even in difficult years. Every employee can submit suggestions, which can then be implemented collectively—examples include free campaign optimizations for NGOs or educational projects in Nigeria.

More about SMEC

Success stories "made in Linz"