Cypriots: Capable Yet Hesitant in Entrepreneurship

by News Editor

April 29, 2025

A recent study from the University of Cyprus’s Entrepreneurship Center sheds light on Cypriots’ views towards starting businesses. While 39.8% see favorable opportunities, 60.5% believe in their capabilities, yet 53.3% are deterred by the fear of failure.

The Power and Presence of Small Enterprises

Cyprus plays host to approximately 125,000 businesses, significantly contributing to a workforce of about 500,000. The dynamics of these enterprises highlight their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape.

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Progress in the Entrepreneurial Sphere

This eighth participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reveals a positive trend with an increase in new business ownership, now at 4.7%. Additionally, there’s notable optimism among younger individuals aged 18-34, who lead with a 14.4% engagement in startups.

Gender and Age Dynamics

Despite improvements, gender disparity remains, with 14.5% of men versus 4.9% of women initiating entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore, Cyprus ranks sixth in Europe for established business ownership, attesting to its mature business ecosystem.

Reflective of global ambitions, the study suggests financial education and policy adjustments for fostering entrepreneurship. Actions like mentoring programs and governmental incentives could drive Cyprus’s business potential forward.

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Apple Shares Surge On Robust Quarterly Results Amid Strategic Transition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 4, 2026

Quarterly Performance Highlights

Apple shares rose more than 3% on Friday following the release of quarterly results that exceeded expectations and updated revenue guidance. The company forecast fiscal third-quarter revenue growth of 14% to 17% year-on-year, above market expectations of around 9.5%. Demand for the iPhone 17 lineup remained a key driver, alongside sales of Mac models, including the lower-cost MacBook Neo.

Revenue Guidance And Product Performance

During the earnings call, Apple reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $111.18 billion, up 17% year-on-year and above expectations, despite a slight shortfall in iPhone revenue. Growth was supported by multiple segments, including Mac and services. Higher-margin services, such as subscriptions, Apple Pay, iCloud, and AppleCare, continued to contribute to overall revenue diversification. Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer, described the iPhone 17 lineup as “the most popular in our history,” reflecting continued consumer demand across product categories.

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Margin Management Amid Global Supply Challenges

Cook also addressed supply conditions, noting ongoing pressure from rising memory costs linked to global supply constraints. He said the company is evaluating different approaches to manage these costs while maintaining margins. Analysts at Morgan Stanley raised their earnings per share forecast for the fiscal year from $8.63 to $8.89, citing Apple’s margin management. Cook is expected to step down in September after a 15-year tenure.

Service Revenue And Long-Term Growth

Services revenue increased by approximately 16% year-on-year to $30.98 billion. Apple’s installed base, which exceeds 2.5 billion active devices, continues to support growth in subscription-based services. Gross margin reached 49.3% in the quarter, with guidance pointing to a range of 47.5% to 48.5% for the next period.

Looking Ahead

Despite concerns related to memory pricing and supply challenges, Apple’s strategic initiatives and robust demand for its diverse range of products have positioned it favorably for sustained growth. As the market continues to watch the leadership transition and further product innovations, Apple remains a pivotal player within the technology sector, demonstrating a consistent ability to navigate complex market dynamics.

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