StrictlyVC, a prominent platform for venture capital insights, is set to host its inaugural international event in Athens on May 8, 2025. This gathering aims to foster in-depth discussions on the evolving landscape of European innovation and investment, with a particular focus on emerging tech hubs like Greece.
Event Overview
The event will take place at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a venue renowned for its architectural elegance and cultural significance. Attendees can anticipate a series of engaging sessions featuring influential figures from the European tech and venture capital sectors.
Key Sessions and Speakers
1. Why Europe, Why Now: Betting Big on the Continent’s Next Wave of Startups
This session will explore the rapid evolution of Europe’s startup ecosystem, emphasizing the opportunities and challenges in burgeoning hubs like Greece. John Tsioris, Founder and CEO of Revotech, will share his entrepreneurial journey, while Panos Papadopoulos, Partner at Marathon Venture Capital, will provide an investor’s perspective on the region’s potential.
2. Building Europe’s Innovation Future: From Grassroots to Governance
Simon Schaefer, Founder of Factory and Co-Initiator of The EU-Inc Petition, will discuss the dynamic shifts in European startup policies, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and data privacy. He will offer insights into how founders can actively influence the future of EU regulations.
3. Built in Europe: Scaling Ambition from the Ground Up
Haris Pylarinos, Co-Founder and CEO of Hack the Box, and Dimitrios Kottas, Co-Founder and CEO of Delian Alliance Industries, will share their experiences in scaling European startups to a global level. They will delve into topics such as talent acquisition, funding strategies, and achieving product-market fit.
Greece’s Ascending Tech Ecosystem
The selection of Athens as the event’s location underscores Greece’s burgeoning role in the European tech landscape. Historically known for its rich cultural heritage, Greece is now gaining recognition for its vibrant startup ecosystem.
In recent years, Greek startups have demonstrated remarkable growth. In 2024, over 90 companies secured more than €555 million in funding, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This surge is particularly noteworthy given the 5% decline in startup funding across Europe during the same period. The Hellenic Development Bank of Greece (EATE) has played a pivotal role in this growth, supporting 30 investment funds, with 16 actively targeting startups. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in participation from angel investors and family offices.
The maturation of Greece’s startup ecosystem is evident in the substantial funding rounds achieved by companies at Series C and D stages, which collectively exceeded €190 million. However, there remains a pressing need to bolster early-stage investments to sustain this momentum.
Emergence of Specialized Venture Capital Funds
The establishment of specialized venture capital funds further signifies Greece’s commitment to nurturing its tech ecosystem. Evercurious VC, a €12.5 million fund launched in early 2025, aims to bridge Greece’s deep tech startups with Europe’s leading innovation hubs, including Zurich, Munich, and Berlin. Founded by engineers-turned-investors Alex Vamvakas and George Georgiadis, Evercurious VC focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, fostering cross-border collaboration and driving growth for purpose-driven founders at the intersection of hardware and software.
Similarly, Marathon Venture Capital, based in Greece, is dedicated to assisting promising startups and ambitious founders in building world-class technology companies. With a track record that includes successful startups like Bugsense, Taxibeat, Workable, and Resin.io, Marathon Venture Capital emphasizes limitless ambition, uncompromising integrity, radical openness, and community contribution.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The Greek government’s proactive stance has been instrumental in this transformation. Policies and initiatives, including tax incentives, funding programs, and regulatory reforms, have created a favorable environment for startups. The government has also announced the EquiFund II program, a €200 million fund aimed at supporting innovative new companies in health, life sciences, and sustainability sectors.
Infrastructure developments further bolster Greece’s tech ambitions. The country has launched a tender for constructing a supercomputer east of Athens, with a budget of €41.9 million. This supercomputer is expected to support high-performance computing applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. Additionally, Greece is advancing its program to construct and launch a constellation of mini observation satellites, representing a significant step in expanding the country’s capacity in space and stimulating its space industries.
International Interest and Investment
Greece’s tech renaissance has attracted international attention. Major corporations like Pfizer and Microsoft have established operations in the country, recognizing its potential as a tech hub. In 2023, 78% of investment dollars into Greek startups came from outside the country, with a significant portion from U.S.-based venture capital firms.
The country’s strategic location, combined with a highly educated and skilled workforce, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, has made it an attractive destination for tech talent and investment. The supportive community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and accelerators further enhances the ecosystem, offering startups guidance, resources, and networking opportunities.
Conclusion
StrictlyVC’s decision to host its first international event in Athens is a testament to Greece’s rising prominence in the European tech scene. The event promises to provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges within Europe’s innovation and investment landscape. As Greece continues to build out its innovation economy, events like these play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and growth within the tech community.
