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Cyprus’ Young Entrepreneurs Set Record as Stelios Awards Funding Doubles

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 10, 2025

Record-Breaking Application Numbers

This year, Cyprus witnessed a landmark moment for its entrepreneurial community as 77 applications were submitted for the Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs, marking the highest participation to date. The unprecedented interest underscores the drive and ambition of the nation’s emerging business leaders.

Enhanced Prize Structure for Higher Impact

The awards have evolved notably, with the prize fund now doubled to €200,000. The funding distribution is clear and motivating: €100,000 for first place, €60,000 for second, and €40,000 for third. These incentives, directly funded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou—founder of the easy brand family and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—promise to empower innovative ideas and catalyze growth in the start-up ecosystem.

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A Platform for Innovation and Growth

Celebrating its third consecutive year in Cyprus, the competition is recognized as a premier stage for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and solid business acumen. Eligibility is reserved for individuals under 34 who have founded a company in Cyprus within the past five years and achieved an annual turnover of at least €40,000. Interviews with selected candidates will commence online, culminating in a highly anticipated awards ceremony on October 7, graced by the presence of the First Lady, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.

Broad-Spectrum Philanthropy and Community Impact

Beyond the entrepreneurial accolades, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation continues to extend its support across several countries, including Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. The Foundation’s initiatives, such as the Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, and the ‘Food from the Heart’ program, are testament to its commitment to social responsibility. Financial aid to vulnerable groups, disaster relief, and university scholarships further highlight its multifaceted mission to drive positive change.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of this record-setting year is poised to influence the entrepreneurial landscape in Cyprus significantly. As the new generation of business leaders gears up to transform innovative concepts into tangible realities, the Stelios Awards stand as a critical catalyst for progress and economic dynamism in the region.

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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.

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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.