Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Made In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny island

In this episode of the "Made in Cyprus" podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of moving money in today’s hyper-connected world with Viktoria Soltesz, CEO of PSP Angels Group and founder of the Soltesz Institute.

Despite living in a digital-first world, transferring money across borders is far from straightforward.

Viktoria unravels the misconceptions surrounding the financial landscape, explores why we’ve seen a sudden boom in payment providers in Cyprus, and shares insights from her book Moving Money - How Banks Think.

With over 20 years of experience navigating the complexities of finance and compliance, Viktoria explains why fintech and traditional banking aren’t as different as they might seem and sheds light on how businesses can better leverage technology to stay ahead of the curve.

Tune in to learn more about Cyprus’s potential as a financial hub, the evolving role of fintech in the global economy, and what businesses can do to better understand the invisible networks moving their money.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode, Martin Zarian sits down with Stylianos Lambrou, co-founder of The Heart Group, The Doers Company, and Reflect Festival.

Stylianos shares his inspiring journey of returning to Cyprus during a time of crisis and his unwavering belief in the island’s potential.

They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of community, and his vision for positioning Cyprus as a global tech hub. From transforming historic buildings to creating Europe’s leading tech festival, Stylianos is paving the way for the next generation of Cypriot innovators.

Brought to you by Factory 39, tune in to discover how Stylianos is transforming Cyprus into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, one visionary project at a time.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Martin is joined by Diana Verkhoturova, founder of Anymaster, a platform transforming the service industry in Cyprus by creating trust and efficiency between service providers and clients.

Together, they explore the challenges of navigating the traditional service market on the island, where unreliable tradesmen and extended delivery times are common frustrations.

Diana shares the origin story of Anymaster, sparked by her own struggles with finding reliable professionals during an office renovation.

Martin and Diana dive into the unique business model of Anymaster, which partners with local giants like Superhome Center to revolutionise delivery and installation times, making same-day or next-day service the new standard in Cyprus.

The conversation also touches on the cultural nuances Diana encountered while building a business in Cyprus, the challenge of onboarding trusted service providers, and the difficulty of breaking through as a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field.

They discuss Diana’s shift from the cryptocurrency world to solving tangible, everyday problems, and the expansion plans for Anymaster, including entry into the Greek market.

Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, scaling a service-driven business, and Diana's inspiring journey as a tech-savvy leader pushing the boundaries of Cyprus’s service economy.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we explore the fast-moving world of flexible living with Demetris Papadopoulos, the CEO and co-founder of Moving Doors. From traditional renting to the dynamic landscape of flexible accommodation, Demetris sheds light on how Moving Doors is revolutionising the real estate market in Cyprus and beyond. Demetris shares his journey from humble beginnings in real estate to founding Moving Doors, a company that bridges the gap between landlords and tenants through fully serviced, flexible-term rentals. We discuss the benefits and challenges of this model, the importance of technology, and the strategic decision to expand into markets like Dubai. Tune in to learn about the rebranding journey from Staycaee to Moving Doors, the unique business insights that set them apart, and their ambitious plans for future growth. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for property owners, real estate enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of flexible living. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we dive into the dynamic world of events and iGaming with Eman Pulis, the mastermind behind Sigma. Who would have ever thought that one of the most influential iGaming summits would emerge from the Mediterranean? Malta first and now more recently Cyprus. This is the story of how Eman Pulis, starting from organising university parties, built a global powerhouse in the iGaming industry—the biggest event company in the space. Eman shares his journey from humble beginnings in event management to founding Sigma, a summit that now attracts tens of thousands of participants from around the world. We explore the unique challenges and triumphs of running large-scale events, the importance of regulation and technology in iGaming, and the innovative ways Sigma connects stakeholders across the whole industry. He also discusses his efforts in giving back through the Sigma Foundation, his ventures into global markets, and the recent expansion and rebranding of Sigma. Tune in to hear Eman's inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and his vision for the future of iGaming and beyond. Brought to you by Factory 39.

Who would have ever thought that Cyprus would be home to a successful biotech and deep tech company? This is the story of Constantinos Loizou, the visionary founder of Embio Diagnostics. In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the fascinating, complex and inspiring world of biotech and deep tech with Constantinos, who shares his journey of pioneering advanced diagnostics technology right from the heart of Cyprus. We explore how Embio Diagnostics has transitioned from its initial focus on food tech to developing cutting-edge air and health monitoring systems. Constantinos discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a deep tech company in Cyprus, emphasising the importance of innovation, persistence, and a strong team. He also sheds light on the critical role of AI in enhancing their technologies and offers valuable insights for aspiring tech entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn about the groundbreaking work of Embio Diagnostics and how it's poised to make a global impact. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we explore the digital construction ecosystem with Sotiris Pittas and Joanna Krashia, co-founders of BolsterUp. They share how their platform addresses the fragmentation of the construction industry by connecting all stakeholders, from architects to suppliers, creating an inclusive network for successful project collaborations. Sotiris and Joanna discuss the challenges they faced in bringing BolsterUp to life, from identifying the problem in Australia's construction sector to navigating the unique hurdles of Cyprus. They highlight how their diverse backgrounds and experiences across different countries helped shape their solution. The episode delves into the importance of a strong founding team with complementary skills, the role of effective matchmaking in construction projects, and the significance of building trust and transparency in the industry. They also touch on their plans for expanding BolsterUp beyond Cyprus, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry globally. Listeners will be inspired by the founders' dedication to solving a pervasive problem and their vision for a more connected and efficient construction ecosystem. Tune in to learn how BolsterUp is paving the way for innovation in the construction industry. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the innovative world of Social Tech Lab with founders Stephen Stavrou and Burak Berk Doulay. They share their journey of using entrepreneurship and technology to bridge the divide in Cyprus and promote peace through business. Stephen and Burak discuss their mission to create resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems that thrive in complex conditions. With Social Tech Lab, they leverage technology and entrepreneurship to build bridges across divides, solve social and environmental challenges, and foster positive peace. They share their experiences of overcoming challenges, such as navigating the political and social complexities of a divided island, the skepticism that often accompanies peace-building efforts, and much more. Listeners will learn about the innovative programs offered by Social Tech Lab, such as hackathons, academies, and venture builders, which have supported over 80 startups in 2023 alone. These programs provide training, mentorship, and resources to help early-stage entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market. Notably, three of these startups received funding to advance their projects, demonstrating the tangible impact of Social Tech Lab's initiatives. This is a story of resilience, determination, and a shared passion for creating positive change through entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover how Social Tech Lab is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape and promoting peace through business. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we dive into the world of investment-based crowdfunding with Frixos Larkos, founder of Crowdbase, the first regulated investment crowdfunding platform in Cyprus. Crowdbase is pioneering a new way to fund innovative startups on the island. Frixos shares his vision of creating a pan-European platform that connects investors with promising Cypriot startups in need of funding. We explore the challenging journey of launching Crowdbase, from the initial idea in 2020 to the first campaign launch in 2022. Frixos navigated the complex regulatory landscape and overcame numerous obstacles to get the platform off the ground, spending over a year on regulatory approval alone. Despite the long hours and bureaucracy, Frixos remained focused on his mission to create an ecosystem that empowers startups and investors alike. This is another wonderful story that testifies to how Cyprus is the perfect startup hub, provided that the right policies and initiatives are implemented to nurture innovation and growth. Tune in to discover how Crowdbase is driving change and enabling startups to thrive in Cyprus and beyond. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the almost impossible brand and business story of Hasan Siber, founder of Colive, a pioneering olive oil brand that transcends the island’s historical divide between North and South.

Hasan, a Cypriot entrepreneur born in Istanbul, was inspired by the unique quality of family-produced olive oil and driven by a vision to foster peace and collaboration in Cyprus.

Colive operates across the hard borders of the island, collaborating with family farmers from both communities; Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots , making it the first business in over 50 years to bridge this geopolitical divide.

The challenges of setting up such a venture are immense, involving negotiations with multiple administrations, navigating complex bureaucracy, and building trust among communities historically at odds.Hasan’s commitment to Colive is not just about producing exceptional olive oil but about crafting a narrative of unity and cooperation.

By labelling the product simply as Cypriot, Colive embodies a vision that surpasses entrenched nationalistic divides. This effort not only supports local agriculture but also serves as a model for economic cooperation as a means of peace-building.The creation of Colive stands as a testament to the potential of entrepreneurship to bridge deep-rooted conflicts by promoting a shared goal and mutual benefits.

Hasan’s journey with Colive illustrates the profound impact that visionary entrepreneurs can have, turning everyday commodities into instruments of peace and reconciliation.

Join us to explore how Colive is not merely selling olive oil but is nurturing seeds of peace across Cyprus, proving that business can indeed be a powerful catalyst for change.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus: Big Biz Stories from a Small Island," we delve into the innovative world of Cypriot real estate with Pavlos Loizou, the founder of Ask Wire. Coming from a traditional background in real estate, Pavlos has transitioned into tech entrepreneurship to reshape the industry with data-driven solutions. Quite a challenge for one of the most conservative industries of Cyprus... Listen in as Pavlos discusses how Ask Wire leverages data analytics to simplify the real estate market, offering unprecedented clarity and insight. This episode explores how technology can transform traditional industries, using Pavlos' venture as a prime example. It's a discussion on innovation, challenges, and the future of real estate, highlighting how Ask Wire is positioning Cyprus as a hub for tech-savvy real estate solutions. Pavlos shares his insights on the Cypriot market dynamics, the evolution of real estate demands, and the strategic approach needed for success. Ask Wire is not just a startup; it's a testament to how data can empower decisions, fostering a more transparent and efficient market. This episode is essential for tech enthusiasts, real estate professionals, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of tradition and innovation. "Made in Cyprus" gives you a closer look at how Pavlos Loizou is steering the future of real estate, promoting a culture of innovation that transcends the small island's borders. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this captivating episode of "Made in Cyprus: Big Biz Stories from a Small Island," we delve into the innovative world of plant-based cuisine with George Vou, the founder of Mighty Kitchen, a plant-based meat company from Cyprus.

Join us as George shares his trailblazing journey from traditional Mediterranean meals to pioneering a plant-based meat company that's challenging culinary norms and reshaping the food industry in Cyprus and beyond.

Mighty Kitchen is making waves by crafting vegan Mediterranean delights that cater to a global palate whilst staying true to regional tastes. From Greek-style gyros to Middle Eastern shawarma, Mighty Kitchen is on a mission to create plant-based alternatives that honour the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean.

But what prompts a successful tech entrepreneur to venture into the world of vegan meats? In a revealing conversation, George takes us back to his roots, sharing personal anecdotes from his upbringing in a traditional Mediterranean family, his pivotal moment of change in 2014, and the journey towards adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

His transition wasn't just a personal transformation but a spark that ignited the idea for Mighty Kitchen.

Faced with scepticism from family and the challenge of introducing a new product category, George's story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the ability to see beyond the conventional. Mighty Kitchen's journey from ideation to becoming a sought-after brand in Cyprus and expanding into international markets like the UK and UAE is nothing short of inspiring.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation, the environmental and health benefits of plant-based eating, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives change. George's perspective on building a brand that resonates with diverse tastes, navigating the challenges of product development, and the vision for Mighty Kitchen's future will leave you inspired and perhaps a bit hungry for change.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on "Made in Cyprus," where we explore big entrepreneurial journeys from a small but mighty island. George Ru's story is a vivid reminder that with passion, patience, and a bit of creativity, it's possible to make a significant impact, one plant-based meal at a time.

Brought to you by Factory 39, tune in to discover how Mighty Kitchen is putting Cyprus on the global map, one delicious, sustainable bite at a time.