Breaking news

Maritime Technology Leader Tototheo Global Champions Cyprus’ First International Startup Accelerator

Strategic Partnership Fuels Innovation

Tototheo Global has joined a startup accelerator initiative in Cyprus led by Plug and Play Tech Center. The program marks the launch of an international accelerator in the country focused on connecting startups with global networks.

Establishing A Global Innovation Hub

The initiative includes the creation of an Innovation Centre and programs supporting startups and early-stage companies. The structure is designed to provide access to international expertise, investment, and markets. Tototheo Global participates as a corporate partner supporting the development of the platform.

Empowering Local Ventures With Global Connectivity

Plug and Play Tech Center operates in more than 60 locations globally, connecting startups with investors, corporations, universities, and public-sector organizations. The network provides access to funding, partnerships, and international expansion opportunities.

Decades Of Expertise And A Global Outlook

Tototheo Global said its participation expands the initiative’s scope through its experience in connectivity and digital infrastructure. The company said its international operations support the development of technology-focused businesses in Cyprus.

Catalyzing Innovation In Cyprus

The accelerator will run from late April to June 2026 and focus on sectors including fintech, regtech, gaming, social platforms, shipping, and energy. Tototheo Global’s infrastructure supports companies operating across international markets.

A Commitment To Long-Term Growth

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tototheo Global, said the initiative supports the development of the local technology ecosystem. Seena Amidi, Managing Partner of Plug and Play Tech Center, said the program provides startups with access to global partners and funding opportunities.

Linking Local Innovation To Global Markets

The initiative connects startups in Cyprus with international investors and corporate partners, expanding access to funding and cross-border collaboration. Participation in global networks supports the development of local companies and facilitates entry into international markets.

payabl. Launches Click To Pay With Visa To Help Merchants Improve Checkout Conversion And Reduce Fraud

payabl. has launched Click to Pay with Visa, a new card payment experience designed to help merchants reduce checkout friction, improve authorisation rates, and deliver a faster, more secure online payment journey.

WhatsApp Image 2026 04 16 at 10.37.46

Click to Pay replaces manual card number entry with a token-based checkout experience. Once a customer’s card is enrolled, they can complete purchases in just a few clicks, without re-entering card details. The result is a faster checkout that mirrors the ease of contactless payments in-store, while maintaining strong security standards.

For merchants, the impact is measurable. According to Visa, Click to Pay can deliver up to a 11% uplift in authorisation rates compared to manual card entry, alongside significant fraud reduction through network tokenisation. Faster checkout also helps reduce cart abandonment, particularly on mobile, where typing card details remains a major source of friction.

“With online checkout, every extra step costs conversion,” said Breno Oliveira, Chief Product Officer at payabl. “Visa Click to Pay removes one of the biggest points of friction at the moment of purchase. It helps merchants approve more legitimate transactions, reduce fraud exposure, and give customers the experience they already expect.” 

Visa Click to Pay is available through payabl. checkout, enabling merchants to activate the service without additional integration complexity. The solution works across devices and supports existing security flows, including 3D Secure where required.

“Consumers have come to expect a highly personalised, intuitive, and seamless payment experience, whether they’re buying a coffee, shopping online, or applying for a loan. Visa Click to Pay aims to meet these expectations by removing the need to manually enter card details, thus enhancing both security and the consumer experience in online card payments. With the support of network tokens, Visa Click to Pay enabled a more secure and smoother transaction process, available in many countries around the world. According to European VisaNet data, Visa Click to Pay may allow a 4.5% uplift in merchant sales, meaning a possible annual increase of €51 bn in SMB eCommerce sales in the UK and EU,” said Michael Ioannides, Country Manager, Visa Cyprus.

The launch forms part of payabl.’s broader focus on checkout optimisation, helping merchants improve conversion, approvals, and payment reliability at scale. Click to Pay with Visa is now live for eligible merchants across Europe. 

Checkout expectations are rising across Europe 

Insights from payabl.’s State of European Checkouts report underline why frictionless checkout experiences are becoming a commercial priority. The research found that consumers cite speed (46%), convenience (44%), and security (41%) as the top reasons for choosing a payment method. More than half of consumers (53%) are open to switching to newer payment methods and nearly half (48%) are open to one-click checkouts, provided the solution is backed by a trusted brand such as Visa.

“Checkout is no longer just the final step of a transaction,” said Oliveira. “It is a critical part of the overall customer experience. Our research shows that 43% of European consumers will not return to a site after a poor checkout experience. For merchants across the UK and Europe, that translates directly into lost customers and lost revenue.”

The launch forms part of payabl.’s broader focus on checkout optimisation, helping merchants improve conversion, approvals, and payment reliability at scale. Click to Pay with Visa is now live for eligible merchants across Europe.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter