Panis Pieri has been a long-standing presence is Cyprus’ startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As the founder of Panis Media, a growth marketing agency dedicated to propelling startups and tech-enabled organisations to new heights, Panis blends over two decades of experience in digital marketing, media and innovation.

His ventures, including the AI-driven Panis.News, the acclaimed Live with Panis podcast and initiatives like #PanisMeetups, have made him a central figure in fostering collaboration and innovation.

A staunch advocate for innovation, Panis highlights the need for a unified Cypriot startup ecosystem, greater global risk-taking and a deeper embrace of AI and digital transformation.

In an interview with the Cyprus Mail, Panis delves into his insights on the challenges and opportunities for Cypriot startups, the transformative power of storytelling and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With your extensive experience in digital marketing and media, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing startups in Cyprus today?

Cyprus lacks robust legislation for university spinoffs. Startup founders and scientists face barriers to commercialising research and launching high-tech startups.

There are two fragmented ecosystems: local founders and expat founders. They rarely collaborate. The ecosystem should work to unify them into a single, stronger network.

Founders in Cyprus often lack a global mindset. They need to take bigger risks and seek advice from mentors who have built global companies.

How has the entrepreneurial landscape in Cyprus evolved over the past decade, particularly in terms of innovation and funding opportunities?

The startup ecosystem in Cyprus has expanded rapidly. You now find more tech companies developing on the island. The Research and Innovation Foundation and more private funds offer new funding paths. You can secure investment more easily than six years ago.

There is a rise in global mentors who share insights and connections. You see more accelerators such as AAlchemy Growth Lab and incubators such as Gravity that help you refine your ideas. An equity crowdfunding platform provides additional financing options. More startups emerge each month, creating a vibrant community.

What inspired you to found Panis Media and how does it contribute to the startup ecosystem in Cyprus?

With a focus on helping early-stage B2B startups grow in Cyprus and scale globally, we aim to assist through data-driven growth strategies, targeted networking and hosting meetups and events. By connecting the local ecosystem with the global tech scene, we create valuable opportunities.

With over 20 years of experience in media, startups and innovation, we are well-positioned to leverage our expertise and network to guide more startup founders towards success. We have already helped startups raise over ¤40 million through strategic introductions and provided media coverage, social media and PR services for more than 1,000 entrepreneurial events.

In addition, I’ve interviewed over 800 founders and innovators, hosting the global startup podcast Live with Panis and launching Panis.News a new global blog featuring AI-driven content specifically for B2B tech companies. Through these efforts, we continue to support startup founders in achieving their ambitions.

Networking plays a crucial role in business success. What advice would you give to Cypriot entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful connections locally and internationally?

To succeed in building a strong network, start by offering value to your current connections and following the “pay it forward” philosophy. This means providing help without expecting immediate returns.

Take the initiative to create a community-driven blog with a purpose that resonates with your target audience. Organising webinars or physical events is another way to offer value, engaging directly with the people you aim to support.

Understand that genuine networking is about forming meaningful relationships, rather than simply attending events to meet people.
 Every industry has a small group of super networkers who know everyone – be one of them. However, it’s important to recognise that building such a network takes years not days or weeks; persistence, consistency and nurturing relationships over time are key.


Digital transformation is reshaping industries worldwide. How well do you think Cypriot startups are adapting to this shift?

I believe Cypriot startups and SMEs are adapting and evolving well. While Cyprus is known for being slow to change, the startup scene is growing. However, to remain competitive, Cypriot startups need to integrate more AI into their operations. Investing in automation can improve efficiency and reduce costs. A recent study shows that 92 per cent of businesses intend to invest in digital transformation within the next year, but 78 per cent cite enhancing staff digital skills as the biggest challenge. By embracing AI and focusing on digital skills training, Cypriot businesses can improve their operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

What role do you think the Cypriot government and other public organisations play in fostering entrepreneurship? Are there areas for improvement?

The Cypriot government and public organisations play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship by providing funding, training and networking opportunities. Initiatives like the Start-up Visa programme and grants from the Research and Innovation Foundation help new ventures. However, entrepreneurs must take responsibility for building successful startups. While the government and public bodies offer necessary support, there are areas for improvement.

Bureaucratic obstacles, limited access to capital and a lack of entrepreneurial education in schools hinder startup growth. Increasing collaboration between academia and industry and placing more emphasis on female entrepreneurship, is essential.

The recommendations from the GEM Report suggest key improvements such as reducing business formation time, enhancing local-level support, offering incentives for shared office spaces and ensuring better infrastructure for lower operational costs. Further policies targeting minority groups, including women, would strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cyprus.

Having worked on events and media, how important is storytelling for startups trying to attract investors and customers?

Storytelling is crucial, especially when you lack funds for advertising. Your stories must be grounded in truth, as fabricating them can harm your credibility. By connecting your storytelling with your community, you offer value to your target audience and build trust. When your narrative resonates with people, they engage and spread the message organically.

What sectors in Cyprus do you believe hold the most potential for new startups and why?

Cyprus offers great opportunities in sectors like fintech, gaming, tourism, education and shipping, with a growing focus on services-oriented products. The country’s strong financial services framework supports fintech innovation, while its tourism sector thrives with potential for travel tech and wellness services. Green energy, sustainability and shipping are also rising fields, with incentives for eco-friendly practices and a strong maritime registry.

Additionally, professional services such as legal, accounting and consulting benefit from a skilled workforce. By introducing innovation to these industries, Cyprus has the potential to transform its almost exclusively service-based economy into a technology-driven one for global competitiveness.


As someone with a multidisciplinary background, how do you think diverse experiences contribute to entrepreneurial success?

When you have diverse experiences, you see problems from different angles. You can combine knowledge from various fields to build unique solutions. This helps you approach unfamiliar challenges with confidence. You can also adapt quickly when markets shift or new opportunities appear.

Teams often benefit from a multidisciplinary leader. You foster collaboration and spark innovative thinking. Potential partners appreciate your broader perspective. Investors notice your ability to bridge gaps.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Cyprus who are just starting their journey in the startup world?

Be bold, dream big and take risks. Fail fast but learn from your mistakes. Test everything. Stay humane and always build a culture that celebrates innovation in your company. Find one mentor to guide you with many years of experience in the industry that you are building something. Always listen to your customers and get feedback from them about your product. You are building something for them and not yourself.