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Octopus Energy Spins Out Kraken Technologies With Public Market Ambitions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 6, 2026

Strategic Spin-Off Sets Stage for Industry Disruption

British renewable energy innovator Octopus Energy is poised to divest its AI technology unit, Kraken Technologies, paving the way for a potential public listing. This move underscores the company’s commitment to not only transforming energy markets, but also to unlocking substantial value in its digital transformation initiatives.

Robust Capital Infusion and Strategic Partnerships

According to a recent statement from Origin Energy, a major stakeholder in Octopus Energy, the startup successfully raised US$1 billion during its inaugural standalone funding round, resulting in a valuation of US$8.65 billion. The investment round, which included a significant contribution from Origin Energy (US$140 million) and involvement from high-profile investors such as D1 Capital Partners, has accelerated Kraken Technologies’ journey toward achieving a customer account target of 100 million.

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Capitalizing on Energy Software Innovation

Kraken Technologies has evolved into what CEO Amir Orad describes as “the modern operating system for utilities,” having supplied its specialized energy software to major companies, including EDF and E.ON. With contracted annual recurring revenues doubling over the past 18 months, Kraken’s performance highlights the significant market appetite for advanced digital solutions in the energy sector.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Transformation

Origin Energy’s CEO Frank Calabria emphasized that the recent transactions not only fortify Octopus Energy and Kraken’s financial foundation but strategically position them for their next phase of growth. Post spin-out, Octopus Energy will maintain a 13.7% stake in Kraken, while Origin Energy preserves its 22.7% interest. As Kraken further refines its commitment to become a pure-play software company, the pathway to attracting long-term, software-focused investors appears increasingly promising.

Investor Confidence and Industry Momentum

In earlier remarks on CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe,” Kraken CEO Amir Orad articulated his optimism over the firm’s robust investor base, particularly among those focused on energy and utilities. The anticipated separation, expected by mid-2026, is seen as a critical lever that could propel the company into a broader digital transformation narrative within the energy industry.

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Mortgage And Business Loan Rate Dynamics Among Cyprus Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 17, 2026

Stable Mortgage Loan Rates Post-Mergers

Recent consolidations in the Cyprus banking sector have led to a striking uniformity in mortgage loan interest rates. For example, data from November 2025 reveal that Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Ancoria Bank are all offering an average rate of 2.98%. Alpha Bank even offers a marginally lower rate of 2.81% for home purchases, whereas smaller market players continue to provide loans at higher costs.

Differentiated Business Loan Offerings

In contrast, business loan interest rates demonstrate greater variability. For loans up to €1 million, Alpha Bank offers the most competitive rate at 3.31%, followed by the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.78% (NBG Cyprus). Eurobank Ltd, Kyprian Bank of Development, and Bank of Cyprus post higher averages at 4.00%, 4.46%, and 4.47% respectively, while Societe Generale Bank Cyprus and Banque SBA register even steeper rates at 6.05% and 6.54%.

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For loans exceeding €1 million, the trend remains similar: Alpha Bank leads with 3.64%, trailed by National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.99% and Bank of Cyprus at 4.18%. Eurobank Ltd and Kyprian Bank of Development follow with rates of 4.54% and 4.30%, whereas Societe Generale Bank Cyprus stands out with an average rate of 6.23%.

Competitive Deposit Rates Reflect High Liquidity

Deposits in Cyprus are offered at some of the lowest interest rates in the Eurozone, a situation that reflects the exceptionally high liquidity across the local banking systems. With a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) recorded at 319% in November 2025, well above the Eurozone median of 191%, major institutions such as Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Alpha Bank feature household deposit averages of 0.67%, 1.11%, and 1.36% respectively.

Meanwhile, smaller banks including Ancoria Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), and Kyprian Bank of Development report higher deposit rates of 1.47%, 1.49%, and 1.25% respectively. For business term deposits (up to one year), Ancoria Bank offers the highest average rate at 1.51%, closely followed by Alpha Bank at 1.43%. Other institutions maintain averages between 1.12% and 1.42%, underscoring a competitive yet stratified market landscape.