The June 2021 issue of Forbes published a long company profile about our company, which can be read here:“If you’ve got this much nerve, you’re bound to succeed.”
By Emese Fekete
Alan Vincent, the British investor who grew up in Kenya, and Csaba Zeley, who transitioned from acting to real estate, form a well-coordinated, strong duo in Budapest’s office market. They are not the biggest—but they aim to be the best.
From Actor to Real Estate Developer
Csaba Zeley became a real estate professional almost by accident—he originally wanted to be an actor. After graduating from Petőfi High School, he got involved with literary stage productions, and when he was admitted to the Székesfehérvár theatre troupe, he experienced his first major success and became deeply committed to acting.
However, after being rejected from the Academy of Drama, he lost confidence. Since he typically made it to the second round but not beyond, by the third attempt he realized he needed a different path.
He spent six years trying, including one year at the Madách Theatre and another in Győr, where he worked both as a national and practical actor, while also assisting backstage.
A turning point came when director László Mészáros—during rehearsals—suggested he try something else. Shakespeare’s plays had brought him to the Thália Theatre. His acting career never fully took off, though he played minor roles and appeared in low-budget films. His final notable appearance was in the 1995 film Céltalan célok.
“Then I had a moment of realization. I saw myself getting older, and although I loved acting, I realized it wouldn’t bring the freedom or fulfillment I wanted.”
He responded to a newspaper ad from Colliers and applied for a trainee position. He didn’t know exactly what real estate brokers did, but the name “Colliers” appealed to him, and after a few interviews, he was hired.
A Chance Meeting and a Career Shift
Zeley’s breakthrough came through a connection with actor Tamás Tóth Márivárk. Someone once told Csaba:
“If someone is this unlucky, they will definitely succeed.”
Later, when he was facing financial hardship—his last paycheck from the Győr theatre had already been spent—Colliers offered him a salary equivalent to nine times what he had previously earned. That was the moment he realized:
“Yes, I’ve made it.”
Around this time, Alan Vincent also entered the picture. Vincent, a British investor who grew up in Kenya, became a key figure in Budapest’s real estate market from the mid-1990s. After spending several years in London and Vienna, he relocated to Budapest in 1994 and initially joined Richard Ellis International (now CBRE).
The 1990s were an exciting time in Budapest: a rapidly developing market, driven by international investors. Vincent first worked at Anglo Hungarian Bank (later ING/White Star), contributing to the development of office buildings starting in 1998, many of which were later managed or leased by Colliers.
Founding ConvergenCE
The two professionals later joined forces and founded ConvergenCE, which has since grown into a significant player in the Hungarian real estate market.
Their philosophy is clear:
“We don’t want to be the biggest—we want to be the best, the most creative, and the most knowledgeable in the market.”
They operate with a relatively small but highly effective team, emphasizing hands-on involvement and close collaboration with clients.
Portfolio Highlights
Their portfolio includes several notable office developments:
- Árpád Center – A modern office building in Budapest’s 13th district
- CityZen – Office complex near Váci Road
- Kálvin Square – Prime office location in central Budapest
- ZenGarden – Office development with integrated green solutions
They focus on value creation through repositioning, renovation, and professional asset management.
Business Model and Strategy
ConvergenCE specializes in:
- Office development and redevelopment
- Asset and property management
- Investment and project management
Their approach often involves acquiring underperforming properties, upgrading them, leasing them out, and then operating them efficiently.
“It’s not just about buying and selling—it’s about creating value through expertise.”
They also emphasize tenant satisfaction and long-term sustainability, tailoring solutions to individual tenant needs.
Growth and Financial Performance
ConvergenCE Central Europe Hungary Kft.
- Founded: 2004
- Owners: Alan Vincent (31%), Zelei Csaba, Papp Zsolt, Kovács Balázs, Kovács Gábor
- Revenue (million HUF):
- 2017: 690.1
- 2018: 409.2
- 2019: 420.5
- 2020: 300–350 (estimated)
- After-tax profit (million HUF):
- 2017: 436.3
- 2018: 161.6
- 2019: 189.4
- 2020: 60–80 (estimated)
Crisis and Adaptation (COVID-19)
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the office market. Vacancy rates increased, and uncertainty grew.
“When the pandemic hit, I thought—this could go very wrong,” says Csaba.
However, their strategy proved resilient:
- Existing tenants largely stayed
- Operations continued
- They adapted to changing market conditions
“The office market won’t disappear—it will transform.”
They believe hybrid work models will reshape demand, but well-managed, high-quality office spaces will remain essential.
Future Outlook
Despite uncertainty, they remain cautiously optimistic:
- Office demand will evolve but not vanish
- Flexibility will become increasingly important
- Quality and service will differentiate successful players
“No one can plan precisely now. The key is adaptability.”
A Personal Philosophy
Csaba Zelei compares business to acting:
“Sometimes you have to step into the dark and trust that the light will follow.”
Just like in theatre, success in business requires timing, presence, and collaboration.
Closing Thought
Their journey—from uncertainty and career shifts to building a respected real estate company—reflects persistence, adaptability, and vision.
“If someone is this unlucky, they will succeed.”