Croatian entrepreneur co-founds innovative sleep supplement brand in North America

Mateo Polić (Photo: Supplied)

Born in Rijeka, Mateo Polić’s journey from Croatia to North America reflects a new generation of Croatian entrepreneurs building global businesses through innovation, resilience and international experience.

Polić completed his secondary education in Rijeka before moving to Zagreb, where he graduated from the Faculty of Economics, specialising in business economics.

In 2013, at the age of 23, he made a decisive move to Canada.

At the time, Polić had no formal work experience. His CV, however, included more than a decade of top-level basketball. He settled in Toronto, where he still lives today.

After founding a recruitment agency, Polić recently co-founded Sleep Protein, now recognised as one of the most-innovative protein and recovery brands in North America.

A Business Born from a Personal Problem

The idea for Sleep Protein emerged in 2023 from a shared personal challenge.

Polić and his co-founder, Marc Boudreau, were both struggling with poor sleep caused by work pressure, stress and the long-term effects of concussions sustained during their professional sports careers.

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They found relief only through a combination of natural supplements such as magnesium, L-theanine and GABA. At the same time, as highly active individuals, they were already consuming protein at night to support muscle recovery.

What surprised them was the absence of a single product that combined both functions.

“Why isn’t there an all-in-one solution?” became the guiding question.

That question led them to Minnesota, where they partnered with Actus Nutrition, the largest NSF-certified supplement manufacturer in the United States.

Over 12 months and 12 different formula iterations, they refined a product that would combine slow-digesting, premium casein protein with clinically meaningful doses of calming and recovery-supporting nutrients.

The result was Sleep Protein, a product developed directly from lived experience rather than market trends.

Creating a New Category

From a business perspective, the main challenge was not competition, but definition. Sleep Protein did not fit neatly into existing categories. It was neither just a protein supplement nor a traditional sleep aid, it was both.

As a result, consumer education became critical. The brand’s task was to explain why people no longer needed multiple products to support sleep and overnight recovery.

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Being first to market also allowed the founders to trademark the name early and define the category on their own terms.

Clear messaging, consistency and credible partnerships proved essential in building trust in a completely new space.

Sleep Protein is designed to improve sleep quality while actively supporting overnight recovery.

The formula delivers premium casein protein, which digests slowly and supports muscle repair throughout the night, alongside amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Ingredients include magnesium, GABA, L-tryptophan, zinc and B vitamins, all used in meaningful, food-board-approved doses rather than trace amounts.

The product contains 10 naturally sourced ingredients, is made in the United States, and is flavoured with real vanilla. A two-week supply costs USD 39.99, compared to nearly USD 70 for purchasing equivalent supplements separately.

Importantly, the product addresses a widespread need. Many people consume insufficient protein, while between 30 and 50 per cent of adults experience sleep disruption at some point in their lives.

Certain groups, such as menopausal women, face both accelerated muscle loss and insomnia. Sleep Protein aims to address both issues in one simple nightly routine.

In 2025, Sleep Protein was named Most Innovative Supplement of the Year by Muscle Insider.

For Polić, the recognition confirmed market demand rather than personal achievement.

“Receiving that recognition early confirmed what we were hearing from customers. People were actively looking for a better solution for sleep and recovery. It sharpened our focus and reinforced our responsibility to build this properly,” he notes, adding.

“Sleep is foundational to health. When sleep improves, everything else follows. That recognition reminded us that we are building something that can genuinely improve people’s quality of life.”

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Partnership with Croatian Basketball Star Tomislav Buljan

A strong Croatian connection to the brand came through basketball standout Tomislav Buljan.

Buljan discovered Sleep Protein during a challenging period in December 2025 after sustaining an injury that disrupted both his recovery and sleep.

Improved rest helped him recover more quickly, allowing him to return to competition within weeks.

Today, Buljan is the leading player at the University of New Mexico, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. He is among the standout performers in NCAA Division I basketball, with the New Mexico Lobos remaining undefeated at home for 20 consecutive games in the Mountain West Conference. His long-term ambition is to reach the NBA.

Tomislav Buljan (Photo: Supplied)

Beyond athletic performance, Buljan brings credibility, professionalism and business awareness to the project, qualities Polić values highly.

Sleep Protein is currently sold on Amazon and will soon be available through iHerb.com. Retail expansion across the United States and Canada is underway, with global availability planned through iHerb for customers outside North America.

Over the next five years, Polić envisions Sleep Protein growing into a USD 100 million brand focused on sleep and recovery. Plans include expanding flavours, formats and product types, from travel packs to bars and ready-to-use options.

The goal is to make Sleep Protein a reliable nightly solution for professionals, parents, athletes and anyone seeking better rest and recovery.

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For young Croatians aspiring to build global businesses, Polić offers simple advice: start early and do not fear failure.

Early mistakes are valuable lessons, and building an international network is crucial. Platforms such as LinkedIn, mentorships, conferences and travel all contribute to long-term growth.

“Your network truly is your net worth,” Polić says. “Ambition grows faster in the right environment.”