Made In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny island
Made in Cyprus is an English-language podcast about building a business and brand on the island of Cyprus. Host Martin Zarian speaks with entrepreneurs and businesspeople to explore their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. The show highlights people putting Cyprus on the global map and embodies the local spirit of "mitsi alla rotsi" — small but mighty. It is brought to you by Factory 39.
Επεισόδια
Made in Cyprus | S3 E9 | Bringing Silicon Valley culture home with Michael Tyirimos.
Made in Cyprus | S3 E9 | Bringing Silicon Valley culture home with Michael Tyirimos.In the early 2010s, a handful of people started organising hackathons and putting Facebook posts out to see who would show up. Nobody made a cent. They did it for Cyprus.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Michael Tyirimos, Founder & Managing Director of Capacitor Partners and member of the Cypr
Made in Cyprus | S3 E8 | The Leap of Faith with Eddy Nassar.
Made in Cyprus | S3 E8 | Trading 24 years of hospitality for Cyprus with Eddy Nassar. After 24 years climbing to the top of Cyprus's hospitality world, Eddy Nassar walked away to build something of his own.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Eddy Nassar, founder of MICA (Mediterranean Influencer Creator Association) and the voice behind The Cyprus Insider, to unpack the leap of
Made in Cyprus | S3 E7 | Building Global Events from a Tiny Island with Lilly Pavlou
Everyone talks about networking. Lilly Pavlou thinks half the industry might not survive without the word.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events, to unpack what it actually takes to run global events from a small island - beyond the conference stages and the sponsor decks.From last-minute cancellations and entire delegations failing to s
Made in Cyprus | S3 E6 | Building the Cyprus Startup Ecosystem with Andreas Panayi
Cyprus wants to be an innovation hub. But are we building the foundation first?In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Andreas Panayi, Co-Founder & CEO of Kinisis Ventures, to unpack the real state of the Cyprus startup ecosystem - beyond the LinkedIn theatre and the headlines.From fragmentation and isolated players to the gap between investors, founders and universities, Andreas b
Made in Cyprus | S3 E5 | Reinventing Souvlaki: O Tatas with George & Christos Chimonides
Souvlaki in Cyprus isn’t just food. It’s identity.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with the Chimonides brothers, founders of O Tatas, to unpack how they’re taking one of Cyprus’ most emotional foods and turning it into a scalable, modern business.From building Salt & Fire to launching multiple concepts across different segments, they share what it really takes to operate in one o
Startups, Exits and the Experience Economy with Michael Economou
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Michael Economou, Founder of Exyde and co-founder of Foody, one of Cyprus’ most successful startup stories. From building At Your Service to scaling Foody and navigating a major exit, Michael shares what it really means to be a founder beyond the headlines.We talk about his journey from Foody to Exyde - a marketplace for authentic experiences, an
Inside Cyprus’ Delivery Food Game with Yiannis Hadjiconstantouras
Cyprus isn’t just eating more delivery, it’s outsourcing cooking.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Yiannis Hadjiconstantouras, a marketer-turned-serial food entrepreneur behind Marinato, Flipstreet, and Makai, to unpack what it really takes to win in the food business. An industry where margins are tight, competition is brutal, and “good food” is only the entry ticket.We talk abo
Despo Pavlou on Coming Out, Culture & Why Cyprus is Behind
It’s not on tv, it’s not on the radio, and it’s rarely on podcasts, but in reality, it’s everywhere.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Despo Pavlou for a conversation Cyprus still treats like a taboo: LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and what it actually feels like to grow up believing you’re alone. Despo shares her journey from the Cyprus Diaspora in South Africa, to suppressing her id
From Bolt to Piney: Nicolas Chrysostomou on Scaling Operations in Europe
Short-term rentals host new guests every day, but very few people understand the chaos behind getting each property ready, on time, every time.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we speak with Nicolas Chrysostomou, founder of Piney, a company scaling across Europe by turning short-term rental operations into a tech-driven logistics engine. Nicolas shares the lessons from launching Bolt in Cyprus, s
Inside Cyprus’ Startup Scene with Panis Pieri
Cyprus’ startup ecosystem didn’t appear overnight, it was built slowly, event by event, founder by founder, and story by story. Few people have witnessed that journey as closely as Panis Pieri, one of the most familiar faces in the island’s innovation scene.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we talk about how the ecosystem began, the impact of expat founders, the challenges early-stage startups fa
Mike Charalambous on Threedium, Hyper-Personalisation and Scaling Globally.
In this new episode of Made In Cyprus, our guest flips the script on what a Cyprus-based company can do globally.Mike Charalambous, co-founder and CEO of Threedium, to explore how a company born in Limassol is now powering 3D commerce for brands like LVMH, BMW, and L’Oréal.Mike shares the story behind Threedium’s breakthrough technology, how it’s redefining online shopping through interactive 3D a
Mellow’s Alex Norovyatkin on Remote Work & The Happiness Trap
Work is changing faster than ever, with new generations, expectations and technology reshaping how and where we work. But what does the future of work really look like, and how can companies avoid falling into the “happiness trap” of flexibility without structure?In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Alex Norovyatkin, Head of PR and Brand at Mellow, to explore how organisations can t
From Wargaming to AI: Sergey Osipov on Innovation from Cyprus
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Sergey Osipov - entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of global ventures including Wargaming and Placy AI. Sergey shares his journey from Belarus to Cyprus, and how living on the island pushes entrepreneurs to think globally from day one.We dive into the intersection of branding, technology, and artificial intelligence, exploring how AI is resha
Building Marketing Communities with Stavriana Nathanail
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Martin sits down with Stavriana Nathanail, marketing strategist, CMO, and host of Clicks & Cocktails, to talk about the evolution of Cyprus’ marketing scene. They dive into the power of localisation, why community matters more than competition, and how brands on the island can embrace collaboration to grow. Stavriana also shares her journey from startup dream
From Trauma to Trust: Stephanos & Helene on Authentic Relationships
Relationships, emotional health, and authenticity — these are topics that impact us all but often stay buried beneath surface-level conversations. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Stephanos Ioannou, psychologist and founder of the Limassol Psychological Well-being Center, and Helene Alexi Ioannides, systemic therapist and authenticity coach, to explore the power of inner work an
Fighting Cancer with Purpose: Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades on Biotech
Biotech isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Cyprus, but Dr Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is changing that. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Marianna: biotech founder, Forbes-listed innovator, and the woman behind three life sciences companies working to change the way cancer is treated.From losing close family members to cancer, to building therapies tha
Quadcode's Ivan Sysoev on What AI Means for Business & Cyprus
Everyone's talking about AI, but how much of it is hype and how much of it is actually changing the way we work?In this episode, Martin sits down with Ivan Sysoev, Chief AI Officer at Quadcode, to talk about what AI looks like in practice, not theory. They unpack the myths, the real risks, and the potential for business transformation.From AI-powered productivity to the risks of relying too mu
GEM Capital: Roman & Kirill Gurskiy on Gaming, VC & Cyprus’ Global
Gaming is now the biggest entertainment industry in the world, bigger than film and music combined. And Cyprus has quietly become one of its most important hubs.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Roman and Kirill Gurskiy, twin brothers and Managing Directors of GEM Capital, one of the most active gaming venture capital firms in the world. From working together at EY to funding maj
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum: Paul Lambis on Uniting Cypriots Worldwide
Cypriots around the world are making waves in business, culture, and innovation, but how connected are they to their roots?In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the inspiring story of Paul Lambis — founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum as well as award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, filmmaker, and creator of Culturescope. From the challenges of cultural preservation abroad to b
Changing the Narrative on Menopause with Kathy Kattashis
Menopause is a reality for half the population, yet it's a topic that remains largely misunderstood and under-discussed, especially in Cyprus. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Kathy Kattashis, menopause coach and founder of MITRA, to explore the reality of menopause, the stigma surrounding it, and why it’s time to bring this conversation into the mainstream.From the lack of
Authentic Voices: Gala Grigoreva on Branding & Empowering Women in Tech
In this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, host Martin sits down with Gala Grigoreva, the CMO at Adsterra, marketeer, mentor, and advocate for women in tech. Gala shares her journey from her early days in PR to becoming a leader in branding and marketing, revealing how she masterfully blends creativity, data, and authentic storytelling to build powerful brands.Gal
Building a Better Future: Exploring Real Estate Branding with Artem Burtsev
In this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, our host sits down with Artem Burtsev, CMO of bb:, to explore the evolving world of real estate branding in Cyprus. Artem shares his journey through rebranding challenges—from separating development from traditional agency models to launching creative tenders that reshaped market perceptions.Discover how emotional storyte
From Code to Couture: Inside Evangelina Fysa’s Bungalow 28
How does a love for art and engineering shape the future of fashion? In this episode, Made in Cyprus host Martin Zarian chats with creative entrepreneur Evangelina Fysa, founder of Bungalow 28 - a boutique agency at the intersection of style, branding, and tech.
Evangelina reveals her unconventional path from coding websites as a teenager to attending exclusive runway shows, and finally launching
Carving Your Calling: Michael Virardi's Journey to the Global Stage
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we chat with keynote speaker and leadership coach Michael Virardi. Michael recounts how a chance conference trip to North Carolina sparked his passion for public speaking, ultimately leading him away from a thriving family business.
We explore the power of authenticity in personal branding, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why staying true to yo
Unlimit Your Brand: Nadia Ivanova on Fintech Creativity
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the fast-evolving world of branding and marketing with Nadezhda Ivanova, Chief Communication Officer at Unlimit and co-leader of Tech Island. Nadia shares the story behind Unlimit’s bold rebranding journey, transitioning from CardPay to a global fintech powerhouse with a neon green identity and a mission to stay "ready for tomorrow."
We explore the
Family Business, Innovation, and Cyprus' Future with Andreas Spyrou
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Andreas Spyrou, a third-generation leader at ASG Group and a key figure behind the Limassol and Larnaca Marathons, shares his journey navigating the complexities of a family business while driving innovation in Cyprus' evolving landscape.
We explore how Andreas and his team transformed challenges into opportunities during the pandemic, diversifying their business
Embracing Failure: F*ckup Nights in Cyprus with Maria & Alla
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we explore the powerful concept behind Fckup Nights Limassol with Maria and Alla, the dynamic duo bringing this global movement to Cyprus. Fckup Nights offers a safe space for business leaders to openly share their failures, creating an environment that encourages vulnerability, trust, and growth.
Maria and Alla share their personal journeys with failure and why
The Fractional CFO’s Role: Efi Philippou on Purpose-Driven Growth
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Efi Philippou, a fractional CFO and financial strategist, to uncover the power of aligning purpose with financial strategy. Efi shares her journey from auditing, to helping businesses avoid financial pitfalls, emphasising the importance of sustainable growth and operational alignment. Learn how fractional CFOs can help businesses navigate challen
Breaking Legal Barriers: Using Formulaw’s AI-Powered Contracts
In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we’re joined by Violeta Skittidi, co-founder of Formulaw, a pioneering startup that’s streamlining legal processes for SMEs through innovative AI-powered contract management. Violeta shares how Formulaw evolved from a university project in London into a full-fledged legal tech startup with a mission to make legal services more accessible and affordable for small
€40 Million for Cypriot Startups: 33East’s Plan to Fund Cyprus
In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we sit down with Yiannis Eftychiou, co-founder of 33East, Cyprus' first VC fund backed by the European Union. We explore the challenges and opportunities that come with building a venture capital ecosystem on the island, how 33East is bringing nearly €40 million into the local tech scene, and what it takes to foster homegrown innovation.
Yiannis shares his ins
Breaking the Bank: How Viktoria Soltesz Simplifies Money Transfers
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, expl
Stylianos Lambrou: Shaping Cyprus’s Future Through Entrepreneurship
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 t
Fixing Trust in Cyprus’s Service Industry with Anymaster's Diana Verkhoturova
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 frustration
Transforming Cypriot Real Estate: Flexible Living with Moving Doors
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
From Malta to Cyprus: The Story of SiGMA World with Eman Pulis.
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
Pioneering Biotech in Cyprus: The Embio Diagnostics Journey.
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 tec
Bolsterup, the digital ecosystem uniting the construction industry.
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 dis
Social Tech Lab, Building peace through entrepreneurship
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 co
Crowdbase, Transforming Cyprus Through Investment Crowdfunding
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 start
Colive, The Olive oil uniting Cyprus
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 c
Ask Wire, Cypriot real Estate without the BS
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 indus
Mighty Kitchen, the no meat Gyro from Cyprus
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 culinar
