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Ena Foundation Launches New Era of Collective Progress In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 10, 2025

Introduction

In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering a more equitable and resilient society, the Ena Foundation has officially commenced its operations in Cyprus. This independent, non-profit organization is committed to mobilizing the power of every individual, act, and community to drive collective progress and generate lasting societal impact.

Mission And Vision

Founded by entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou and co-founded by Christiana Panagi, the Ena Foundation is inspired by deep-rooted Cypriot and Greek values of unity, integrity, and selfless generosity. The organization is funded primarily through private resources and is dedicated to enhancing social progress through concrete, sustainable initiatives.

Empowering Athlete Careers

Central to its suite of programs is Beyond The Medal, a pioneering initiative designed to support Olympic and Paralympic-level athletes. Recognizing that an athlete’s journey extends well beyond the playing field, the program is structured to promote dual careers by integrating educational advancement with athletic success. With targeted support through the 2028 Olympic Games, the initiative emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and perseverance, as evidenced by the commitment of the first eight athletes who have joined the program.

Grants For Change

The Grants For Change initiative seeks to empower local communities by providing up to €20,000 in funding to projects that foster empowerment and promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. Currently under evaluation, selected projects will be announced in mid-November, setting the stage for transformative community impact and sustainable project development.

Envision Together: Revitalizing Public Spaces

Further reinforcing its commitment to social cohesion, the Ena Foundation has introduced Envision Together, a program dedicated to enhancing public spaces. By improving parks and communal infrastructure, the organization aims to create vibrant spaces that encourage social interaction and strengthen community bonds. Upcoming projects under this initiative are poised to redefine communal life and quality of living for local residents.

Leadership And A Call To Action

Driven by a philosophy that success is measured by one’s ability to uplift others, the Ena Foundation’s leadership emphasizes transparency, strategic partnerships, and the power of collective action. As coordinator Anastasia Ellina notes, the foundation is evolving to support innovative, sustainable solutions in partnership with society. Likewise, Constantinos Kkaili reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving social progress.

Conclusion

The Ena Foundation firmly believes that change begins with one person, one act, and one community. By uniting citizens, organizations, and stakeholders in a shared journey toward progress, the foundation sets a new standard for social contribution and tangible change in Cyprus.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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