At just seven years old, Jeta Zagragja’s journey began, not as a typical childhood tale but as a lesson in entrepreneurship. Her parents, who were determined to provide for their family amidst a very difficult period characterized by conflict and instability in the 1990s, owned and operated a local family-run grocery store. It was here, behind the cashier’s counter, that Jeta discovered her passion for commerce. From those humble beginnings emerged an ambitious young woman, determined to carve her own path in the competitive world of business. With Kosova rebuilding itself from the effects of war, Jeta saw opportunity where many saw despair.
Today, Jeta Zagragja is the CEO and Founder of AnchorzUp, a global outsourcing firm based in Prishtina, the capital city of Kosova and one of the world’s top emerging hotspots for strategic sourcing of young talent. In addition to outsourcing services, the firm also provides digital solutions such as UI/UX design, website and marketing solutions. They serve a diverse group of clients all across the world in sectors such as technology, finance, professional services and healthcare, etc.
AnchorzUp’s expertise is in assembling successful teams for businesses through staff augmentation. They offer a cost-effective solution compared to onshoring firms when it comes to hiring qualified professionals. Additionally, in comparison to other non-US or European based companies, AnchorzUp also acts as a cultural bridge, ensuring that the professionals they provide are not only skilled but also culturally aligned with the client’s market. Their process involves identifying, training, and managing remote teams efficiently, emphasizing cultural fit, increasing productivity and reducing operational complexity. By leveraging their deep recruitment pipeline, their clients have access to competent professionals for various roles such as customer service, technical support, sales and even software development.
Summer of 2024, Jeta and her team will celebrate the company’s second year anniversary and although AnchorzUp as a business is still in the early part of its life-cycle, it is quite evident that Jeta and her team were not handed anything on a silver platter. The success they are experiencing today was forged through years of hard work, determination, and unwavering grit. After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology (formerly known as the American University in Kosova) with her bachelor’s degree in Business Management / Economics and Statistics, Jeta decided to pursue her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in the United States. She saw studying abroad as an opportunity to broaden her horizons, challenge herself intellectually and gain a global perspective on business and entrepreneurship. Her decision was also influenced by her innate curiosity and desire to experience new cultures and perspectives. As she reflects on her journey away from home, Jeta notes that “studying in Chicago was a transformative journey, not just academically, but on a deeply personal level. It expanded my horizon to what’s possible and helped me refine my business skills. Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new culture was invaluable; it expanded my perspective on the power and advantage of diversity. Beyond the textbooks and classrooms, I made true friends and built a vast business network that has been instrumental in building and growing my businesses thereafter. The experience was about more than acquiring knowledge; it was about opening my mind to new possibilities, learning to navigate through diverse business environments, and understanding the power of genuine connections.”
After earning her MBA, Jeta made the choice to return to Kosova, where she assumed the significant role of Chief Business Development Officer at Gjirafa, Inc and CACTTUS, two very prominent technology firms headquartered in Prishtina. She then embarked on what would be a very impactful journey at UCX, another growing tech firm in Kosova, where she joined the team early on as an equity partner. She played a pivotal role in propelling the company’s growth from a modest team of 5 employees to a robust workforce of 95 before orchestrating its sale to an investor group based in Chicago. Jeta wasted no time in leveraging her expertise to embark on her next venture. Just three weeks after the sale of UCX, she founded AnchorzUP, her current company, showcasing her swift transition and the ambitious entrepreneurial drive that defines her personal brand today.
It is no surprise that in early 2024, she was honored with the Presidential Medal for Innovation by Kosova’s President, Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, in recognition of her contributions to innovation, research, and development in the tech industry. This prestigious award acknowledges Jeta’s dedication and hard work in advancing technology and creating opportunities within the industry.
“This recognition is far more than a personal achievement; and it’s a testament to the consistent hard work, drive, and collective spirit of every team member, partner, leader, and mentor I’ve had the privilege to work with.”
According to Jeta and her research team responsible for the outsourcing e-book that they have published, Kosova remains a prime market for any firm seeking strategic outsourcing. Kosova’s youthful population and well-educated workforce, equipped with qualifications from competitive universities and proficiency in languages like English and German, present a valuable asset for companies in search of skilled talent. Additionally, Kosova’s strategic location at the heart of Europe, coupled with its position in the CET time zone, offers a nearshore outsourcing advantage with modern infrastructure and convenient access to major European hubs such as Berlin and London, offering seamless collaboration and communication.
Kosova’s business-friendly environment, characterized by an impressive high ranking in ease of doing business, a low corporate tax rate of 10%, a stable banking system, reformed taxation laws, and regulatory environment that safeguards foreign investors also creates an attractive landscape for businesses seeking to outsource. Jeta’s advocacy for leveraging Kosova’s strengths underscores the potential for businesses to gain a competitive edge by tapping into the country’s skilled workforce, strategic location and supportive business ecosystem.
As of this year, citizens of Kosova gained visa-free travel within the European Union’s Schengen Area, allowing them to travel without a visa for up to 90 days. This milestone marked Kosova as the last of the six Western Balkan countries to achieve this waiver, a significant step towards the country’s aspirations to join the EU. However, according to various media outlets, this visa-free travel privilege may pose a potential risk for Kosova as it could lead to a brain drain and loss of skilled labor force seeking opportunities abroad. According to Jeta, early survey data provide a more optimistic outlook. These results indicate that while citizens may enjoy the newfound freedom to travel, a vast majority are not inclined to permanently relocate or overstay their visas abroad. The data suggests that while visa-free travel may have opened doors to explore new horizons, a big portion of the talent of Kosova’s workforce remains firmly rooted in their commitment to building a brighter future for their country.
Jeta Zagragja’s journey from a young girl behind a grocery store counter to today as the CEO of AnchorzUp speaks about her ambition and determination. In a way, her story encapsulates the resilience that defines her country’s emerging business landscape. Through her many ventures and now advocacy for strategic outsourcing in Kosova, Jeta is showcasing the country’s potential and also contributing significantly to its emerging tech industry. As she continues to lead AnchorzUp and inspire others, one can’t help but wonder: What new frontiers will Jeta conquer next, and how will her entrepreneurial journey continue to impact the future of business in Kosovo and beyond?
