Milan Behro, a long-time entrepreneur and co-founder of ZONER a.s., died on Wednesday morning after a sudden health complication. According to available information, he had been hospitalized since last week.
An entrepreneur who stood at the birth of a Czech software phenomenon
Milan Behro was one of the prominent figures of the Czech IT scene. He was born in 1969, and at the beginning of the 90s, together with his associate Roman Slavičínský, he co-founded Zoner Software.
The company was established in 1993 and initially focused on the development of graphic editors. One of the first products was the Zebra program, later followed by other tools for working with graphics.
However, Behro gradually managed to strategically direct the company into areas that proved to be key – internet services and digital photography. Zoner thus became one of the first web hosting providers in the Czech Republic and at the same time a significant player in the field of photographic software.
Building the Zoner brand and international expansion
Under the leadership of Milan Behro, Zoner grew from a small company with a few employees into an international company operating in Europe, the USA, and Japan.
The key product became software for digital photography, especially Zoner Photo Studio, which gained millions of users and was able to compete even with global brands.
Behro gradually moved into the role of strategic leader within the company – as chairman of the board of directors, he set the direction for further development and at the same time led the company's internet division. In addition to software, the company also developed other areas, such as web hosting, online security, and publishing activities, thus becoming a comprehensive technological player.
Media and public activities
Milan Behro was not just a “behind-the-scenes” entrepreneur. He actively participated in professional conferences, in the media, and in public debates about the internet and technologies.
For example, at the Internet and Technology conference, he recalled the beginnings of entrepreneurship and the development of the Czech internet, thereby contributing to the popularization of the field.
He also appeared in interviews and articles in economic and technological media, where he commented on market developments, IT entrepreneurship, and the international expansion of Czech companies.
Thanks to these activities, he became one of the visible faces of the Czech technology scene and an inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs.
The legacy of Milan Behro
Milan Behro left a significant mark on the Czech technological environment. He built a company that stood its ground in global competition and helped shape the market for internet services and digital photography in the Czech Republic.
A significant part of his legacy is also the ZUN radio project, which was created precisely thanks to his vision and initiative. Without Milan Behro, this project would probably never have originated – it was he who recognized the potential of this station and supported its creation. ZUN radio gradually profile itself as a modern digital radio focused on quality music and a digital audience. Thanks to a well-thought-out concept and the background of a strong company, it gained a stable listenership and can be considered a successful project in the field of new radio media.
His entrepreneurial story – from humble beginnings to international success – demonstrates the importance of courage, innovation, and the ability to recognize technological trends in time.
His sudden death thus represents a loss not only for Zoner but also for the broader community of Czech IT and business.
photo source: ZONER