Unicorn Companies in Greece in 2024
Greece's startup scene has come a long way since the 2008 financial crisis. Rising from tough economic times, the country has shown incredible resilience and innovation. The early 2010s were a turning point, with the creation of key institutions like the Sovereign Fund-of-Funds (TANEO), now part of the Hellenic Development Bank.
By July 2024, Greece proudly has two unicorns, highlighting its vibrant startup ecosystem. Key trends shaping this growth include a focus on RetailTech, AI, and AgriTech—areas attracting global investment. International investors have been particularly active, with 78% of 2023’s investments coming from abroad. The Greek government has also supported startups through initiatives like the EquiFund and the Elevate Greece registry, providing essential funding and incentives.
Now, let's take a closer look at the unicorn companies in Greece and discover see what makes them stand out.
Rundown
S.no |
Name |
Valuation |
Unicorn Milestone Date |
City |
Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Viva Wallet |
$2.05B |
2022-12-17 |
Athens |
Financial Services |
2 |
PeopleCert |
$1.27B |
2021-06-23 |
Athens |
Enterprise Tech |
List of unicorn companies in Greece
Viva Wallet
- Valuation: $2.05B
- Industry: Financial Services
- Investors: Breyer Capital, Hedosophia
- Unicorn Milestone Date: 12/17/2022
About
Viva Wallet is a pioneering European neobank headquartered in Athens, Greece. Founded in 2000 by Haris Karonis and Makis Antypas, Viva Wallet has evolved from a software house into a comprehensive fintech company. It offers an end-to-end payments platform and banking services across 24 European countries. Viva Wallet became Greece's first unicorn in 2022 after JPMorgan Chase acquired a significant stake, valuing the company at $1.6 billion. This milestone places Viva Wallet among the notable unicorn companies in Greece, showcasing the country's growing potential in the global fintech industry.
Target Audience
Viva Wallet primarily targets:
- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
- Enterprises across various sectors including retail, hospitality, and e-commerce.
- Merchants requiring localized payment solutions within Europe.
Business Model
Viva Wallet operates on a B2B model, providing businesses with a suite of payment and banking services. Its business model hinges on:
- Payment Processing: Offering secure and efficient payment solutions for both online and offline transactions.
- Banking Services: Providing business accounts with local IBANs, debit cards, and merchant cash advances.
- Omnichannel Solutions: Enabling seamless integration of online and offline sales channels.
- Technology: Utilising a cloud-based infrastructure on Microsoft Azure to ensure scalability and reliability.
Key Offerings
- Payment Solutions:
- Tap-on-Phone: Turns any Android device into a card terminal.
- Smart Checkout: One-line-of-code integration for e-commerce payments.
- POS/mPOS: Mobile and point-of-sale solutions for in-store payments.
- Digital Wallets: Supports over 30 payment methods including major international and local schemes.
- Banking Services:
- Business Accounts: Local IBANs and Mastercard business debit cards.
- Merchant Cash Advance: Financing options for businesses.
- Advanced Features:
- Real-time settlement
- Dynamic currency conversion
- Fraud and risk management
- ERP integration and e-invoicing
Key Management
- Haris Karonis: Co-founder and CEO
- Makis Antypas: Co-founder and CIO, currently serving as CEO of Vivabank
PeopleCert
- Valuation: $1.27B
- Industry: Enterprise Tech
- Investors: FTV Capital
- Unicorn Milestone Date: 6/23/2021
About
PeopleCert is a global leader in the assessment and certification of professional skills, headquartered in Athens, Greece. It became the first Greek unicorn after acquiring AXELOS for €450 million in 2021, reaching a valuation of over €1 billion. PeopleCert provides certifications in various domains, including project management, IT service management, digital transformation, business transformation, cybersecurity, software development, and more. The company partners with multinational organizations and government bodies to promote lifelong learning and best practices.
Target Audience
- Corporations: Large enterprises and multinational corporations seeking to certify their employees in best practices and professional skills.
- Government Bodies: Government agencies looking to standardize and improve the skills of their workforce.
- Educational Institutions: Universities and training centers that offer professional certification programs.
- Individual Professionals: Individuals aiming to enhance their skills and career prospects through recognized certifications.
Business Model
PeopleCert operates on a B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) model, focusing on the following key components:
- Certification Services: PeopleCert offers a wide range of certification exams in various professional fields. These certifications are recognized globally and help individuals and organizations improve their skills and performance.
- Partnerships: The company partners with training organizations, educational institutions, and corporations to deliver its certification programs.
- Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions, such as AXELOS and the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), have expanded PeopleCert's portfolio and market reach.
- Digital Transformation: PeopleCert leverages technology to provide online exams and digital certifications, making it easier for candidates worldwide to access their services.
- Revenue Streams: The primary revenue streams include exam fees, training materials, and membership programs.
Key Offerings
- PRINCE2: Project management certification.
- ITIL: IT service management certification.
- Six Sigma: Certification in process improvement.
- Cybersecurity and Resilience: Certifications in cybersecurity practices.
- Business Transformation: Certifications in business transformation methodologies.
- Software Development and Testing: Certifications for software development and quality assurance.
- Computer Skills and Languages: Certifications in basic computer skills and various languages.
Key Management
- Byron Nicolaides: Founder and CEO
