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Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue: A New Era Of Bilateral Relations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 18, 2024

In a significant diplomatic development, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has lauded the newly established Strategic Dialogue with the United States. This agreement, forged during the visit of Cyprus’ Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, to Washington, signifies a substantial enhancement of political, economic, and social ties between the two nations.

The Strategic Dialogue aims to fortify cooperation in crucial areas such as energy, technology, and security, presenting Cyprus as a reliable partner in the volatile Middle East. This collaboration is expected to stimulate investment and strengthen trade relations, benefiting the Cypriot economy. Additionally, the agreement marks progress toward including Cyprus in the US Visa Waiver Programme, simplifying travel for Cypriot citizens.

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President Christodoulides emphasized the multifaceted advantages of the agreement, underscoring its role in bolstering Cyprus’ international stature as a stable and cooperative entity. He articulated that this partnership would not only benefit both nations but also contribute to regional stability and peace.

During the announcement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the robust relationship between the US and Cyprus, citing the maritime corridor for humanitarian aid to Gaza as a testament to their strengthened ties. Blinken expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations, underscoring Cyprus’ strategic importance and its role in upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

Foreign Minister Kombos echoed these sentiments, portraying Cyprus as a credible and predictable partner for the US in a complex region. He stressed the importance of structured, intensive dialogue to address shared challenges and enhance cooperation.

The formal signing of a bilateral agreement on travel data use, witnessed by senior officials from both nations, marks a pivotal step toward integrating Cyprus into the US Visa Waiver Programme. This agreement signifies not only a deepening of diplomatic and economic relations but also a shared commitment to security and mutual prosperity.

The Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue is poised to commence in September, promising a future of closer cooperation and shared strategic interests. This development reflects the growing importance of Cyprus on the global stage and its strategic alignment with US interests in the region.

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Revaia Closes €250M Growth Fund To Fuel European And Israeli Startups

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 3, 2025

Revaia, Europe’s largest all-women-led venture capital firm, has successfully closed its second growth fund at €250 million, over a year after securing the first €150 million tranche. Founded in 2019 by Elina Berrebi and Alice Albizzati, the Paris-based VC firm focuses on scaling European and Israeli startups in their Series B stages and beyond.

The firm, which has already backed prominent companies like Algolia, now valued at $2.3 billion, and cloud call center Aircall, follows a sector-agnostic approach but gravitates toward B2B companies that prioritize sustainability. Revaia ensures its investments meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, from energy usage to workplace relations and governance practices.

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The new €250M fund, designed to back 12 companies, will allocate investments between €10 million and €30 million, with a third of the capital reserved for follow-on investments and M&A opportunities. Six investments have already been made, signaling the fund’s active deployment.

Overcoming A Tough Market

Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Revaia’s track record convinced investors to commit to the new fund. Albizzati points out that their portfolio companies have grown on average 4x since their initial investments. “Fundraising is in slow motion,” she admits, but she adds that platforms like Revaia, with proven performance, continue to stand out in a market dominated by a few big players.

The last year saw large global VC firms like Balderton and Index raising funds in the billions. Nevertheless, Revaia’s backing from key investors such as the French public bank Bpifrance, as well as new LPs like JP Morgan, the European Investment Fund (EIF), and BNP Paribas Cardif, illustrates strong institutional confidence. Revaia’s international LP base has also grown, now comprising 30% of the fund, with notable European and US backers.

Political Shifts And European Growth

Despite global challenges, Albizzati believes that recent political shifts, particularly the US’s ‘America First’ rhetoric under former President Donald Trump, have reinforced the need for more European capital. “Our thesis has always been that Europe needs more late-stage and growth funds to support companies, especially as they scale,” she says. “The current political context validates this need even more.”

With its growing presence and commitment to backing sustainable growth, Revaia is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s venture capital landscape, navigating an increasingly polarized market with a clear focus on building local champions.