In 2024, Greek-founded startups continued to experience impressive growth, with total funding surpassing $1.3 billion globally, marking an increase of $200 million from 2023. Despite a global liquidity slowdown, this upward trend signals renewed investor confidence after two years of contraction. The sector’s significant achievement includes the acquisition of the Greek technology company BETA CAE by Cadence for $1.2 billion, one of Europe’s largest tech M&A transactions of the year.

Global Funding And Investment Trends

The global funding for Greek startups has been on a steady rise, with 2024’s $1.3 billion exceeding previous years’ totals, such as $962 million in 2019 and $1.2 billion in 2020. Marathon Venture Capital highlighted that major global investors continue to back Greek startups, with Sequoia investing in Reflection AI, Andreessen Horowitz in Kaedim and Pantheon AI, and Alibaba in Connectly, among others. This suggests that despite global market challenges, confidence in the Greek startup ecosystem remains strong.

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Funding rounds are relatively stable, with an average of 150 rounds per year. However, the trend of larger funding rounds is evident, as seen in the increase in average seed round size from $1.8 million in 2019 to $3.5 million in 2024, narrowing the gap between Greek and US startup funding rounds.

Notably, growth-stage rounds have seen a rise, with 24 growth rounds in 2024 compared to just 14 in 2019. However, Series A rounds have seen a decline, a reflection of the global trend of reduced early-stage financing following the boom years of 2021 and 2022.

Acquisitions And Exits

Twelve Greek-founded startups were acquired in 2024, including BETA CAE, InAccel by Intel, and Multi by OpenAI. This is a slight dip from the 16 acquisitions in 2023, following the global slowdown in tech mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, exit announcements from startups operating in Greece decreased significantly, with just 3 exits compared to 11 in 2023. However, the BETA CAE deal marked the largest-ever acquisition of a Greek tech company, underscoring the sector’s continued maturation.

Greek Startups On The Rise

Venture capital funding for startups operating in Greece saw a notable 32% increase in 2024, reaching $400 million. A significant portion of this funding—about a third—was directed to AI companies, highlighting AI as a top sector for investment. Other key sectors included healthcare, fintech, and climate technology.

While the number of funding rounds in Greece remained stable at around 60, startups based in Greece tend to secure smaller funding rounds compared to those operating abroad. Startups in tech hubs like London and New York raised larger seed and growth rounds due to higher personnel costs, with average amounts of $5.1 million and $53.3 million, respectively, compared to $2.1 million and $27.8 million for startups in Greece.

The gap in funding size and the fewer exit announcements suggest that startups operating abroad are further along in their development compared to those still active in Greece. Nevertheless, the success of acquisitions like BETA CAE indicates a promising future for Greek startups both locally and globally.

In conclusion, the continued growth and international interest in Greek startups reflect a maturing ecosystem, with over $1 billion in new capital raised annually and a growing number of exits. Ten years ago, this level of success seemed unimaginable, but the sector is now firmly on the global map.

HSBC has revised its target prices for Greek banks, with an emphasis on increasing dividends as the main factor attracting investors, even as profitability momentum slows.

For Alpha Bank, the target price is set at €3.05, up from €3, with a “buy” recommendation and a potential upside of 75.3%. Eurobank’s target remains unchanged at €3.50, also with a “buy” rating and a 44% upside potential. National Bank’s target has increased to €9.90, up from €9, with a “hold” recommendation and a 16.2% upside margin, while Piraeus Bank’s target is raised to €7.25 from €6, with a “buy” rating and a 63.7% upside potential.

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HSBC notes that the sector’s main appeal lies in the anticipated rise in dividends, with a forecasted 27% increase in dividends per share by 2026, leading to dividend yields of 7-10%. The outlook is supported by strong nine-month 2024 results, improving capital strength, better credit ratings, and the limited impact of faster DTC amortization, which positions all banks to achieve a payout ratio of 50% by 2026.

Despite profitability declines due to lower interest rates, higher payouts will likely drive further stock appreciation, with HSBC indicating that lower book valuations and high dividend yields leave room for gains. The profitability of Greek systemic banks is expected to decline by 9% in 2025, but this follows a strong base. However, HSBC has revised its 2024/25/26 profit forecasts upwards by 16/14/20% on average, reflecting factors like robust credit expansion in Greece, asset management momentum, and a reduction in the cost of risk.

HSBC has downgraded National Bank to a “hold” from a “buy” due to limited downward adjustment potential in its funding costs, which may result in weaker net interest income (NII) prospects over the next two years. Conversely, Piraeus Bank stands out with a 10% dividend yield for 2026, one of the highest in CEEMEA. Eurobank is favored for its successful capital allocation and attractive valuation, while Alpha Bank is seen as the most accessible exposure to Greek banks, with a positive earnings outlook and a compressed valuation.

While Greek banks are appealing, HSBC also highlights alternatives with better combinations of earnings growth and dividend yield, including PKO, Moneta, and Isbank, particularly due to factors such as reduced mortgage loan provisions and favorable shifts in interest rates.

Larnaca is set to undergo a significant transformation with over €130 million worth of development projects scheduled for completion in the next two years. These initiatives follow the collapse of a €1.2 billion port and marina project in 2024, marking a shift in the city’s future planning.

At the heart of the transformation is a new public university faculty dedicated to marine sciences, technology, and sustainable development, valued at €20 million. This project, funded by the government and the EU, is poised to reshape the area near the old Larnaca airport, pending cabinet approval in 2025.

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The city’s marina will also be revamped, with a €30 million renovation plan that includes dredging works set to begin in 2025. The municipality will soon launch an architectural competition for a new yacht club building and landscaping, with construction slated to start next year. Meanwhile, the Centre of Marine and Maritime Research Innovation (CMMI) will manage the facility temporarily until an investor is identified.

Several other projects are set to boost the city’s infrastructure and quality of life. Among them are the Tsiakkilero refugee settlement recreation park (€2.3m), Pattichion Park (€6.7m), and an elderly care home (€6m), all expected to be completed this year, alongside flood channel improvements in Livadia (€3.8m).

Looking ahead, four major projects totaling €34.6 million will break ground this year and be finished by 2026. Notably, a €23 million sustainable urban mobility plan will introduce park-and-ride facilities and cycling lanes, alongside the renovation of Livadia’s core area (€3.6m) and the historic Agios Ioannis quarter (€8m).

The commercial center’s €13.3 million transformation is progressing well, with work on historic squares and pedestrian zones expected to be completed by late 2026. Additionally, the €17 million third phase of the Larnaca-Dhekelia road project is on track to be finished next year.

However, three significant projects worth €18.5 million are facing delays, including the old hospital conversion (€10.5m), the Archaeological Park (€4m), and the Salt Lakes Environmental Information Centre (€4m), the latter of which is slated to begin in 2027.

Volkswagen’s recent cost-cutting agreement, hailed as crucial for its survival amidst increasing competition and declining demand, leans heavily on the company’s longstanding tradition of collaboration between management and workers. However, this approach has sparked concerns among investors about the company’s ability to meet its ambitious targets, including reducing capacity and cutting 35,000 jobs.

The deal, which was reached just before Christmas, aims to tackle the company’s challenges, with workers and unions now engaging in discussions at factories across Germany to clarify the details. According to company sources, each plant will be given its cost-reduction target, with mixed teams of managers and labor representatives working together to devise strategies that enhance productivity. These targets will be reviewed quarterly, and if any interim milestones are missed, new negotiations may be necessary.

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This method aligns with Volkswagen’s history of compromise and cooperation, but it also raises questions about its effectiveness in driving the required changes. The model avoids a top-down restructuring approach that might have been more decisive but could have led to unrest or strikes.

Investors have been left underwhelmed by the deal, with Volkswagen shares trading below the levels seen in October, before a sharp decline in quarterly profits. Analysts like Patrick Hummel from UBS believe the market needs to see concrete plans for long-term profitability, with a focus on how the cost-cutting measures will impact the company’s bottom line in the next two years.

Capacity Reductions And Plant Closures Remain Uncertain

As the deal progresses, questions persist about how Volkswagen will reduce its workforce and production capacity. Unions have been informed that the company is considering closing three to four plants, though Volkswagen has declined to confirm specific closures. The final agreement does include the closure of two factories: one in Dresden by 2025, and another in Osnabrueck by 2027. However, both sites may be repurposed for alternative uses, with potential new investors involved.

The company’s Zwickau plant, which produces electric vehicles, will lose one production line but will receive investment in a new recycling facility, which is set to begin operations in 2027. These new investments, however, are contingent on meeting cost-cutting goals, as Volkswagen’s finance chief Arno Antlitz made clear in recent comments to investors.

The company has also identified capacity reductions at its Wolfsburg headquarters, where two production lines will be cut. While Volkswagen has stated that the deal will result in savings of €15 billion over the “medium term,” investors remain uncertain about how this approach compares to the more direct route of plant closures.

Job Cuts Remain A Major Challenge

Another pressing concern is how Volkswagen will achieve its target of shedding 35,000 jobs. While the company previously promised to cut 30,000 jobs in 2016, its workforce size has remained largely stable due to new hires in other areas. The current plan to meet the target relies on not replacing retiring employees and offering voluntary early or partial retirement options. A clause in the deal guarantees jobs until 2030, a concession won by unions after Volkswagen canceled a previous job guarantee agreement in September.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the cost-cutting plan, some analysts believe that Volkswagen’s CEO, Oliver Blume, has done well in navigating the complexities of dealing with unions and local politicians, who have significant influence over the company’s decisions. Moritz Kronenberger, portfolio manager at Union Investment, notes that although the deal may appear underwhelming, it represents deeper cuts than many had anticipated.

Blume’s leadership is under scrutiny. As Kronenberger points out, “Blume remains the right CEO, but the company’s cost structure must look very different in two years. Volkswagen needs to prove it’s ready for the future and can continue to produce attractive products.” For now, Blume’s ambitious promises have left him both vulnerable and accountable as Volkswagen seeks to secure its future in a rapidly changing industry.

Qatar is preparing to roll out a trio of new laws aimed at transforming its legal landscape to better appeal to foreign investors, according to the country’s commerce and economy minister. These changes come as part of a broader overhaul across various sectors.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani revealed that the nation is set to introduce new regulations governing bankruptcy, public-private partnerships (PPP), and commercial registration. He added that these reforms are part of a larger review encompassing 27 laws and regulations across 17 government ministries, targeting over 500 industries.

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Sheikh Faisal highlighted that the new bankruptcy and PPP laws are expected to be finalized by the end of March, marking a significant step in Qatar’s efforts to modernize its economic environment.

Qatar, a global powerhouse in liquefied natural gas exports, has ambitious goals for the future. As part of its national development strategy, the country aims to attract $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2030. However, it faces a considerable challenge, as its FDI inflows have lagged far behind those of neighboring countries, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s FDI inflows reached $26 billion, boosted by new calculations in its FDI reporting, while the UAE, renowned for its business-friendly environment, attracted just over $30 billion in foreign investment. In stark contrast, Qatar experienced a negative FDI inflow of $474 million in 2023, following a decline from $76.1 million the previous year. This suggests that Qatar saw more disinvestment than new capital entering the country.

Despite offering similar incentives to investors—such as attractive tax rates, free zones, and long-term residency options—Qatar has struggled to keep pace with its regional competitors in terms of regulatory reforms and business-friendliness. The new laws are part of Qatar’s broader strategy to activate its private sector and reduce its reliance on state-funded growth.

Sheikh Faisal, who joined the government in November, previously served as the chief investment officer for Asia and Africa at the Qatar Investment Authority, the nation’s $510 billion sovereign wealth fund. His background is expected to play a key role in driving forward the country’s ambitious investment goals.

Three robotics teams from Cyprus achieved remarkable success at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Benelux Tournament, held on January 19 at the American School in The Hague, Netherlands.

Representing the Epiteugma Robotics Lab, the teams stood out among international competitors, earning the following awards:

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• 13906 Epiteugma RevvedUp: Finalist Alliance Award (2nd place) and the Motivate Award.
• 28378 Epiteugma MouflonBots: Connect Award.
• 28380 Epiteugma Gladiators: Design Award.

The non-profit Achievement Foundation for Talented & Gifted Youth commended the teams for their dedication and innovation, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of Cyprus’ burgeoning robotics talent.

Cypriot Ambassador to the Netherlands, Spyros Attas, attended the event and personally congratulated the students on their outstanding achievements, further highlighting the significance of their success on an international stage.

The University of Cyprus has solidified its place on the global stage, earning recognition in nine out of 11 academic fields assessed in the prestigious World University Rankings.

This milestone follows the university’s inclusion in the 401–500 range of the World University Rankings and reinforces its upward trajectory in international rankings, including its 389th spot in the QS World University Rankings and its placement in the 701–800 range in the Shanghai Rankings (ARWU), according to a university press release.

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In the 2025 rankings, the university demonstrated strong performance across a variety of disciplines. It ranked 251–300 in Education Studies, 301–400 in Psychology and Arts and Humanities, 401–500 in Social Sciences and Engineering, 501–600 in Physical Sciences and Computer Science, and 601–800 in Business and Economics.

This recognition highlights the University of Cyprus’ commitment to academic excellence and its growing influence in the international academic community.

The agreements slated for signing on February 17th represent a pivotal step for Cyprus, marking some of the most significant energy partnerships in the nation’s history. Minister of Energy, Trade, and Commerce George Papanastasiou, alongside Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi and Chevron’s Vice President for International Exploration and Production, Frank Cassulo, underscored this during their tour of Old Nicosia.

Papanastasiou emphasized the importance of these agreements, particularly for the development of Cyprus’ natural gas fields. “These agreements focus on the exploitation of the Kronos field, and we’re also finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Aphrodite field,” he explained. The MoU, he added, lays the groundwork for a host-country agreement, setting the stage for future collaboration.

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Badawi echoed the significance of the upcoming signing, describing it as a milestone that could “unlock Cyprus’ potential for the benefit of all.” He highlighted Egypt’s infrastructure as a key factor in realizing the shared vision, noting that cooperation between the two nations is a strategic fit given their complementary strengths—Cyprus’ natural wealth and Egypt’s well-established energy infrastructure.

The Egyptian Minister also pointed to the strong relationship between the two countries’ leaders, President Christodoulides and President Sisi. This rapport, he said, has laid the foundation for accelerating energy cooperation. “The invitation for President Christodoulides to join us in Egypt for the signing is an honor. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing these critical agreements,” Badawi remarked.

Papanastasiou underlined that the collaboration goes beyond business. “Human connections strengthen our partnerships,” he noted, adding that the agreements signal the start of broader bilateral and regional efforts to enhance energy connectivity.

Both ministers stressed that the Kronos and Aphrodite projects are just the beginning. Badawi called the timing “fantastic,” citing alignment not only in resources but also in ambition. “When the stars align, you seize the moment,” he said, describing the partnership as a model for how nations can work together to unlock regional energy potential.

Looking ahead, the agreements are poised to pave the way for more discoveries and deeper collaboration, solidifying Cyprus and Egypt as key players in the Mediterranean energy landscape.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that the UAE will continue to experience robust economic growth, estimating a steady 4% growth in 2025 despite a dip in oil production.

Non-Oil Sector Driving Growth

The IMF highlights that the UAE’s non-hydrocarbon sectors, notably tourism, construction, public spending, and financial services, are propelling this growth. These industries are expected to remain key contributors to the country’s economic momentum in the near future.

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Following a recent staff visit to the UAE, the IMF issued a statement discussing the country’s economic outlook, financial developments, and policy priorities. The UAE’s non-oil sector showed impressive performance, as evidenced by a notable rise in the S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which hit a nine-month high of 55.4 in December, up from 54.2 in November.

Oil Sector And Inflation Outlook

Despite challenges in oil production, the IMF predicts a 2% growth in the oil sector, influenced by OPEC+ production cuts and the UAE’s cautious approach to increasing its OPEC+ production quota.

Inflation in the UAE is expected to remain manageable at around 2% in 2025, even with rising costs in housing and utilities. The IMF anticipates that capital inflows will continue to be strong, fueled by the country’s pro-business reforms, which should keep demand for real estate high and support price growth across various property segments.

Fiscal And Current Account Surpluses

The IMF projects a slight easing of the UAE’s fiscal surplus, predicting it will decrease to 4% of GDP in 2025, down from an estimated 5% last year. The current account surplus, however, is forecast to remain strong at about 7.5% of GDP. With international reserves still solid, the UAE is well-positioned to cover more than eight and a half months’ worth of imports.

Revenue Outlook

Despite the ongoing volatility in global oil prices, the IMF expects a decline in hydrocarbon revenue, alongside steady growth in non-oil revenues. The country’s implementation of a corporate income tax is expected to provide a consistent revenue stream in the coming years.

In its report, the IMF commended the UAE’s reform initiatives, noting that they play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable medium-term growth while also facilitating the country’s energy transition. The IMF emphasized the importance of a well-planned and sequenced approach to ensure the success of these reforms.

After a recent outage that temporarily took ChatGPT offline, OpenAI has successfully restored service. The disruption, which affected thousands of users globally, was marked by over 10,000 complaints reported by users in the United Kingdom, according to Downdetector, a website monitoring service. The outage began around 11:00 GMT on Thursday, with users receiving a “bad gateway error” when trying to access the AI tool.

OpenAI quickly acknowledged the issue on its status page, confirming that a fix was implemented by 15:09 GMT and that they were monitoring the results. Although the exact cause of the outage was not disclosed, the company stated on social media, explaining that high error rates earlier in the day were linked to problems with one of their providers. OpenAI assured users that the issue had been addressed and normal service would resume shortly.

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A Surge In Popularity Amidst Service Interruptions

Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announcing that by December 2024, the platform would be used by over 300 million people worldwide. Despite the occasional outages, the service remains incredibly popular, with many users opting for the free version, while others subscribe to various paid tiers, which can cost up to $200 per month.

This surge in demand comes in the wake of significant investments into AI infrastructure, including a $500 billion commitment from tech giants such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The investment, part of the Stargate project, aims to solidify American leadership in the global AI race.

A History Of Service Interruptions

While the recent outage may have been one of the more noticeable incidents, it is not the first time that ChatGPT has faced service interruptions. In the previous month, users encountered “internal server errors” when attempting to interact with the platform, coinciding with a power issue at one of Microsoft’s data centers. Another major outage in June impacted multiple AI tools, adding to a growing list of disruptions.

Additionally, just days before this latest incident, OpenAI’s new video generation tool, Sora, went offline alongside ChatGPT for several hours. This series of disruptions has raised concerns about the reliability of the service, even as the platform continues to gain traction globally.

The Stargate Project And AI’s Future

The ChatGPT outage occurred just one day after the announcement of the ambitious $500 billion Stargate project. OpenAI, along with its partners — Oracle and SoftBank — unveiled the initiative, which is designed to enhance American leadership in artificial intelligence. The project is expected to drive significant economic growth globally, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. OpenAI has emphasized that the infrastructure will play a pivotal role in transforming the AI landscape, positioning the United States as a leader in global AI innovation.

Despite the recent service interruptions, ChatGPT’s growth and the grand vision surrounding the Stargate project reflect the ever-expanding influence and potential of generative AI technologies in shaping the future.