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Bank of Cyprus Invests €2 Million In 33East Investment Fund

The Bank of Cyprus has taken a significant step in supporting innovation and technology by becoming a founding financier in the 33East Investment Fund with a €2 million investment. This initiative is part of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund, promoted by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Fund aims to bridge the financial gap in the Cypriot market, primarily investing in start-ups and innovative companies.

Strategic Move for Innovation

The creation of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s economic landscape. The Ministry of Finance initiated this project to foster growth in sectors that traditionally face funding challenges. The Fund, with a projected size of €37.5 million, will benefit from a substantial state contribution of €27 million, financed mainly through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, while the remaining funds will come from private investments.

Collaboration with the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) plays a crucial role in overseeing the Fund’s operation, ensuring that investments are strategically directed towards high-potential ventures. Through a competitive selection process, 33East was chosen by the EIB to manage the Fund, highlighting the confidence placed in their expertise and vision.

Bank of Cyprus’s Commitment

The participation of the Bank of Cyprus in this fund exemplifies its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the diversification of Cyprus’s economic model. Eliza Livadiotou, Executive Director of Finance at the Bank of Cyprus, expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and economic diversification.

Supporting Innovation and Start-ups

The investment by the Bank of Cyprus is expected to catalyse growth in the start-up ecosystem, providing much-needed capital to innovative enterprises. Demetrios Zoppos, co-founder of 33East, welcomed the bank’s involvement, recognising it as a significant boost for technology and innovation in Cyprus.

Government and Industry Support

George Pantelis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasised the importance of the Fund and the role of the Bank of Cyprus in achieving a modern, knowledge-based economy. The collaboration between the public sector and financial institutions like the Bank of Cyprus is crucial for realising the vision of a dynamic and resilient economic environment in Cyprus.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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