Innovate in Greece by SEV & Endeavor Greece |
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Spyros Theodoropoulos: The journey from the cheese puffs to 2 billion Spyros Theodoropoulos bought Chipita when it was just a production line for cheese puffs and turned it into a multinational conglomerate that has been acquired for 2 billion euros. And it all started with an idea that wasn't his! In this business journey of almost 40 years, he recalls the evenings he spent in his father's business, the difficult moments and their importance to him, the toll on his personal life and the values he never transgressed. With Marco Veremis, they discuss the differences between the European and American models, the evolution of Greece and local entrepreneurship since the 1980s, the corruption that is part of the game and they share advice with the next generation of entrepreneurs. |
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| Here is a quick overview of the major acquisitions and investments in Greece in the last years. The article takes a special focus on the US as more and more technology giants, mainly from the other side of the Atlantic, are putting Greece and the domestic innovation ecosystem on the map of their investment interest. |
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Cadence Design Systems is acquiring BETA CAE Systems International AG, which makes software for analyzing car and jet engine designs, for $1.24 billion in cash and stock. BETA CAE was founded in 1999 from AUTH researchers and is now headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, has an R&D center in Kato Scholari, Thessaloniki, and 13 other offices around the world. The company’s annual turnover is approximately $90 million. Hellas Direct, the Athens-based insurtech firm, has secured a EUR 30 million investment aimed at bolstering its climate-focused insurance offerings. The funding, spearheaded by London’s ETF Partners and supported by the company’s founders along with both new and existing investors, underscores Hellas Direct’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change in central and southern Europe. Laser bioprinter developer PhosPrint raised an angel round by Google Maps founder Lars Rasmussen. PhosPrint aims at EUR 2.8 million liquidity, through EUR 2 million funding from EIC. Greek Finloup, a buy-now-pay-later platform, secured over EUR 1 million in funding from various investors, including Velocity Partners, Genesis Venture and Praxia Capital. The company aims to expand its market presence, particularly targeting startups, by offering leasing options for electronic devices. |
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| The 2nd Investor Day of egg, Eurobank's innovation and Startups incubator, celebrated 12 years of operation in the Greek ecosystem, supporting to date 1,200 entrepreneurs and over 200 Startups in operation, having raised over 45 million euros in capital. At this year's Investor Day, 39 startups and spinoffs presented in front of 100 representatives of Greek and foreign VCs, Family Offices, Business Angels and executives of large companies. |
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A short article on ot.gr discussing the opportunities and potential of the technology sector and the usefulness of innovation hubs. To what extent, can startups support the transformation of the Greek economy into a competitive economy that produces high value products and services. And can innovation hubs, touted as the Greek Silicon Valleys, serve this goal. |
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| During the 13th Business Day organized by SEV for its members, the management of EYDAP S.A. had the opportunity to meet with 17 start-up companies. The event took place at EYDAP's headquarters in Galatsi, on Tuesday 6 March 2024, and was attended by technology companies with solutions in all sectors of the economy, with the aim of exchanging know-how with EYDAP and exploring opportunities for future collaborations. |
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SEV Director of Industry, Growth, Technology and Innovation Maggie Athanassiadi discusses how a) the development of a dynamic innovation ecosystem, b) the improvement of the framework for clinical trials and c) the attraction of highly skilled staff become enablers for growth in the Greek pharmaceutical industry. |
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The Olympia Group acquires Entersoft showing stronger emphasis on business software market. The agreement was reached, with the support of an international investor, with shareholders of Entersoft S.A. representing 53,73% of Entersoft’s share capital, for the acquisition of their shares in Entersoft. The agreed consideration is eight (8) euros per share. |
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| Dr. Fotis Tekos, is the CEO of Foodoxys, a company that aims at revolutionizing the technology behind biofunctional nutrition. The company is a spin-off of the University of Thessaly, bringing to the market more than 20 years of scientific innovation. Fotis is also on Forbes “30 Under 30 Greece” list for 2024. We met with Fotis and talked about the company and his journey. Here’s what he told us. |
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Interested in a job with a fast-growing Greek startup? Are you a Greek startup looking for the right people to hire? |
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Do you want to get involved in the Greek innovation ecosystem? |
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Tell us what you want us to cover in the next issue, and who to interview or invite to speak at one of our next events. Get in touch at info@innovativegreeks.gr Want to stop receiving emails from us? You can unsubscribe here. |
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