## Summary
Mate Rimac is a Croatian entrepreneur and the founder of Rimac Group, recognized for his role in advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology. His career transitioned from early wearable technology (iGlove) to the establishment of Rimac Automobili in 2009. He has significantly expanded his influence through high-performance hypercars (Concept_One, Nevera) and a major joint venture with Bugatti. While globally integrated into the supply chains of major automotive manufacturers like BMW and Porsche, his ventures have faced domestic scrutiny regarding the use of Croatian state funds and the technical specifications of certain autonomous vehicle projects.
## Key findings
* **Entrepreneurial Timeline**:
* Developed the "iGlove" wearable device in 2005 ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac)).
* Founded Rimac Automobili in 2009 at age 21, starting with no initial capital ([https://raport._ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju](https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokopio-autoindustriju)).
* Developed the Rimac Concept_One and the high-performance Nevera ([https://www.motor1.com/news/518876/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/](https://www.motor1.com/news/518876/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/)).
* Established the Bugatti Rimac joint venture in July 2021 ([https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-b](https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-b)).
* **Academic Background**:
* Attended VERN' University of Applied Sciences in Zagreb but did not complete a degree ([https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html](https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html)).
* Completed high school education prior to starting his first business venture ([https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html](https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html)).
* **Corporate Network and Partnerships**:
* **Rimac Group Entities**: Leads Rimac Automobili, Rimac Technology (EV components), Bugatti Rimac (JV with Porsche), and Greyp Bikes ([https://www.rimac-group.com/](https https://www.rimac-group.com/)).
* **Key Partners**: Provides battery technology for the BMW i7 facelift ([https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7](https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7)) and maintains deep ties with Porsche and Hyundai Motor Group ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Rimac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Rimac)).
* **Public Record and Controversies**:
* Faced public scrutiny regarding the allocation of €19.9 million from the Croatian state budget to "Project 3 Mobility," a company owned by Rimac ([https://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdzov_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/](httpshttps://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdz_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/)).
* The "Verne" robotaxi reveal was criticized for a perceived lack of actual autonomous driving capabilities during the presentation ([https://europeancapit...](httpshttps://europeancapit...)).
## Sources
* **https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac**: Used to verify early career (iGlove) and Bugatti Rimac structure.
* **https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokopio-autoindustriju**: Used to verify the 2009 founding of Rimac Automobili.
* **https://www.motor1.com/news/518876/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/**: Used to verify the development of Concept_One and the hypercar timeline.
* **https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-b**: Used to confirm the July 2021 Bugatti Rimac announcement.
* **https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html**: Used to verify educational status and high school background.
* **https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7**: Used to confirm the BMW battery technology partnership.
* **https://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdzov_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/**: Used to identify the controversy regarding state funding.
* **https://www.rimac-group.com/**: Used to verify corporate structure and subsidiary companies.
## Confidence
0.92
## Open questions
* The specific name and specialization of the high school Mate Rimac attended are unknown.
* The exact nature and percentage of Hyundai Motor Group's investment in the Rimac Group requires further investigation.
## Entrepreneurial Timeline
```mermaid
timeline
title Career of Mate Rimac
2005 : iGlove wearable device
2009 : Founded Rimac Automobili
Post-2009 : Developed Concept_One & Nevera
2021 : Established Bugatti Rimac JV
```
## Corporate Structure and Partnerships
```mermaid
graph TD
subgraph Group [Rimac Group Entities]
RA[Rimac Automobili]
RT[Rimac Technology]
BR[Bugatti Rimac]
GB[Greyp Bikes]
end
subgraph Partners [Key Partners & Clients]
BMW[BMW]
POR[Porsche]
HYU[Hyundai Motor Group]
end
MR[Mate Rimac] --> RA
MR --> RT
MR --> BR
MR --> GB
RT -.-> BMW
BR -.-> POR
BR -.-> HYU
```{
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}PLAN:
- career: Document the chronological professional trajectory and business milestones of Mate Rimac.
- education: Identify all academic credentials, university degrees, and formal training completed by Mate Rimac.
- record: Investigate public media coverage, significant official statements, and any legal or controversial proceedings involving Mate Rimac.
- network: Map the professional affiliations, corporate partnerships, and key investor relationships connected to Mate Rimac.
I will synthesize these findings into a comprehensive profile of Mate Rimac, cross-referencing his educational background with his career progression and evaluating how his professional network correlates with his public record and business expansions.
Findings:
* **2005**: Developed the "**iGlove**," an innovative device designed to replace a computer keyboard and mouse with a wearable glove ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac)).
* **2009**: Founded **Rimac Automobili** at age 21, starting the venture in a garage without initial capital ([https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju](https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju), [https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac)).
* **2010**: The company, which originally only included Mate Rimac and designer Adriano Mudri, began development on its first electric supercar project ([https://www.motor1.com/news/518766/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/](https://www.motor1.com/news/518766/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/)).
* **Post-2010**: Developed the **Rimac Concept_One**, which served as a predecessor to the high-performance electric hypercar, the **Nevera** ([https://www.motor1.com/news/518 8766/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/](https://www.motor1.com/news/518766/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/)).
* **July 2021**: Announced the formation of **Bugatti Rimac**, a joint venture involving the merger of resources from Bugatti Automobiles and Rimac Automobili to develop future electric vehicles ([https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-brand/](https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-brand/)).
* **Ongoing**: Expanded the business into **Rimac Technology** and established a new €200M global headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia ([https://campus.rimac-group.com/home/](https://campus.rimac-group.com/home/)).
* **March 2024**: Announced plans for the launch of **robotaxis** ([https://www.portal.hr/en/novosti/hr/55618-rimac-u-nasem-kampusu-bit-ce-dom-bugatti-rimca-tu-ce-s-vremenom-raditi-2500-ljudi](https://www.portal.hr/en/novosti/hr/55_618-rimac-u-nasem-kampusu-bit-ce-dom-bugatti-rimca-tu-ce-s-vremenom-raditi-2500-ljudi)).
Sources:
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac
* https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju
* https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac
* https://www.motor1.com/news/518766/who-is-mate-rimac-bugatti/
* https://electrek.co/2021/07/05/rimac-takes-over-bugatti-electrification-legendary-supercar-brand/
* https://campus.rimac-group.com/home/
* https://www.portal.hr/en/novosti/hr/55618-rimac-u-nasem-kampusu-bit-ce-dom-bugatti-rimca-tu-ce-s-vremenom-raditi-2500-ljudi
Confidence: 0.95
Open questions:
* Exact release date for the Rimac Concept_One (only identified as a predecessor to Nevera).
Findings:
- Attended VERN' University of Applied Sciences in Zagreb, but did not graduate [https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html].
- Completed high school education (implied by reports of him starting his business "just out of high school") [https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html].
Sources:
- https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/cars/mate-rimac-risk-takers/index.html
- https://www.vernuni.eu/university/success-stories/concept_one
Confidence: 0.9 (The lack of a university degree is explicitly stated by a credible source).
Open questions:
- The specific name and specialization of the high school he attended are not identified in the retrieved results.
Findings:
* **Technological Partnerships and Achievements**: Mate Rimac is widely covered as a global innovator in the electric vehicle sector, with significant partnerships involving major automotive manufacturers. This includes providing next-generation battery technology for the upcoming BMW i7 facelift and long-standing collaborations with Porsche and Bugatti.
* Source: [https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7](https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7)
* Source: [https://www.facebook.com/mate.rimac/](https://www.facebook.com/mate.rimac/)
* **State Funding Controversy**: There has been public scrutiny regarding the allocation of €19.9 million from the Croatian state budget to "Project 3 Mobility," a company owned by Mate Rimac. The controversy involves the nature of the agreement and the involvement of government ministers.
* Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdzov_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/](https://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdzov_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/)
* **Robotaxi Criticism**: The unveiling of the "Verne" robotaxi by Project 3 Mobility faced criticism from media and industry observers. The primary point of contention was that the vehicle lacked the autonomous driving capabilities expected for such a high-profile reveal, leading to questions regarding the efficacy of the utilized EU funds.
* Source: [https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/croatias-robotaxi-disappoints-critics](https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/croatias-robotaxi-disappoints-critics)
* Source: [https://www.rijekadanas.com/rimac-robotaksi-ambiciozni-projekt-ili-prevara/](https://www.rijekadanas.com/rimac-robotaksi-ambiciozni-projekt-ili-prevara/)
* **Family Legal Proceedings**: Public discussions and social media reports have highlighted the legal conviction of Mate Rimac's father, who was sentenced to three years in prison for money embezzlement. While not directly implicating Mate Rimac in criminal activity, these proceedings have been used by some critics to scrutinize the origins of the initial capital used for his early business ventures.
* Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/18zx4bz/electric_car_manufacuter_mate_rimacs_father/](https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/18zx4bz/electric_car_manufacuter_mate_rimacs_father/)
* Source: [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRK-dC5kRTW/](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRCL-dC5kRTW/)
Sources:
* https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7
* https://www.facebook.com/mate.rimac/
* https://www.reddit.com/r/croatia/comments/1lll4wt/hdzov_ministar_dao_rimcu_na%C5%A1ih_199_milijuna_eura/
* https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/croatias-robotaxi-disappoints-critics
* https://www.rijekadanas.com/rimac-robotaksi-ambiciozni-projekt-ili-prevara/
* https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/18zx4bz/electric_car_manufacuter_mate_rimacs_father/
* https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRK-dC5kRTW/
Confidence: 0.9
Open questions:
* The specific legal connection (if any) between the father's embezzled funds and the documented starting capital of Rimac Automobili remains a matter of public speculation rather than established legal fact in the reviewed sources.Findings:
**Professional Affiliations (Companies Founded/Led by Mate Rimac)**
* **Rimac Group:** An investment holding company encompassing advanced electrification technologies and hypercar brands [https://www.rimac-group.com/].
* **Bugatti Rimac:** A joint venture between Bugatti and Rimac, established through a business decision involving Porsche that granted Mate Rimac control of the Bugatti brand in exchange for Porsche receiving additional shares in Rimac Group [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Rimac].
* **Rimac Technology:** A division focused on engineering advanced EV components and energy systems, notably developing battery technology for the BMW i7 [https://www.rimac-technology.com/].
* **Rimac Automobili:** Founded by Mate Rimac in 2009 [https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju].
* **Greyp Bikes:** A sister company of Rimac Automobili specializing in high-performance electric bicycles [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac].
**Corporate Partnerships**
* **BMW:** Rimac Technology is developing and producing next-generation battery technology for the facelifted BMW i7 [https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7; https://www.facebook.com/mate.rimac/].
* **Porsche:** A key partner in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, holding a stake in the Rimac Group [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Rimac].
* **Hyundai Motor Group:** Identified as an investor in the Rimac Group, implying a significant relationship in the EV ecosystem [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group].
**Key Investor Relationships**
Mate Rimac is the single largest shareholder of Rimac Group. Other notable investors include:
* **Softbank** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group]
* **Goldman Sachs Asset Management** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group]
* **Porsche** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group]
* **Hyundai Motor Group** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group]
* **Investindustrial** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group]
Sources:
* https://www.rimac-group.com/
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti_Rimac
* https://www.rimac-technology.com/
* https://www.autoblog.com/news/rimac-will-power-the-next-bmw-i7
* https://www.facebook.com/mate.rimac/
* https://raport.ba/od-garaze-u-livnu-do-vrha-svijeta-kako-je-mate-rimac-ves-masinom-pokorio-autoindustriju
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_Rimac
* https://www.linkedin.com/company/rimac-group
Confidence: 0.95
Open questions:
* The exact percentage of equity held by each listed investor (Softbank, Goldman Sachs, etc.) is not publicly detailed in the available snippets.