Matt Orlic discovered his entrepreneurial spark at 17, working in lead generation at a business coaching firm. He was exposed to countless businesses every day, which gave him unique insights into what makes organizations tick—and fail.
By 20, Orlic had already sold his first venture and moved on to establish two more: Pro Sports Group, a manufacturer of soccer training products, and Inspire Brands Group, a consumer brand development company.
Despite these early successes, a devastating blow arrived when Orlic’s primary client, the billion-dollar Australian retailer Dick Smith, went bankrupt. Practically overnight, he lost millions of dollars in cash flow and the backbone of his main business.
“I pretty much lost that whole business,” he recalls.
In the midst of this turmoil, doubts and negative thoughts took hold. He questioned the years of work he’d poured in, feeling the emotional toll of seeing a once-thriving operation collapse.
Yet Orlic chose to view failure as a springboard for change. He shifted to a digital-first approach, recognizing that the traditional retail model he once relied on was vulnerable. This pivot wasn’t just about strategy—it was personal.
Having experienced success at an unusually young age, Orlic says he reached a point before 30 where “nothing really felt good” in business anymore.
Seeking clarity, he turned to psychologists and spiritual advisors who introduced him to the idea of “authentic money” versus “inauthentic money.”
It was a revelation: While Orlic had made sizeable profits in the past, he realized much of it came from products he wasn’t truly passionate about.
That insight prompted a dramatic course correction. He set out to build something that aligned with his values—and he didn’t want his younger sister, Kristina, to repeat his missteps.
Kristina worked alongside him as the operations and brand manager at Inspire and later co-founded Qure with him, following her genuine love for skincare.
How it all started
At first, Kristina would send Matt packages of products and detailed sticky notes on how to use them. When she visited him in Croatia, she expected glowing results on his face—but discovered he wasn’t actually using those creams and lotions at all.
Instead, Matt had been experimenting with a huge LED light panel he’d bought in China for around $5,000 after delving into the world of biohacking.
That was their “lightbulb moment.”
Kristina was fascinated by the results Matt was getting from this pricey device. They wondered: What if they could bring this technology to consumers at a more affordable price point?
“We wanted to make these clinical treatments accessible for at-home use,” Orlic explains, “because beauty shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a fundamental right.”
Two years of rigorous development with a Dutch design firm followed, and Qure emerged as a skincare-tech brand dedicated to bridging clinical-grade skincare and home convenience.
The company’s flagship product, the Red Light Mask Q-Rejuvalight Pro, is now FDA-cleared to treat acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Unlike many LED masks on the market, Qure’s version boasts wireless functionality and customizable features, allowing targeted treatments in five specific areas of the face in as little as three-minute sessions.
Since launching in 2022, Qure has experienced rapid growth, on track to reach $50 million in revenue by the end of 2025. Orlic attributes this trajectory to Qure’s unwavering commitment to creating products that truly work, as evidenced by support from top dermatologists, influencers, and doctors.
Lessons from Orlic’s story
Looking back, Orlic’s journey from losing millions of dollars to leading a cutting-edge skincare brand offers powerful insights into resilience and reinvention.
He emphasizes that aspiring entrepreneurs need focus and grit: Don’t spread yourself too thin; commit to one vision and see it through.
Orlic also highlights the importance of passion—authentic money, as he calls it.
His story underscores the volatility of entrepreneurship. It also demonstrates the growing convergence of technology and beauty. Consumers increasingly want personalized, at-home solutions, and are open to integrating devices into their daily routines.
By combining biohacking insights and clinical-grade tech, Orlic and his sister tapped into a swelling trend of accessible, results-driven skincare.
Ultimately, Orlic’s trajectory speaks to the power of thoughtful risk-taking, adaptability, and genuine passion. His advice to other founders is straightforward: Focus fiercely, push through tough times, and ensure that your pursuit aligns with what truly matters to you.
In a business world that often celebrates quick wins and split-second trends, Orlic’s story proves that bouncing back from a major setback can be the catalyst for building something far more meaningful—and more successful—in the long run.
