▼ Summary
– John Tsioris sold his company InstaShop to Delivery Hero for $360 million.
– Nate Clarke successfully scaled Tyme from a startup to a global digital bank.
– Both entrepreneurs shared insights during a candid talk at the StrictlyVC event in Athens.
– They discussed their motivations and strategies for selecting their next business ventures.
– They emphasized investing in overlooked ecosystems as a key part of their approach.
Europe’s startup scene continues to produce remarkable success stories, yet many promising investment opportunities remain under the radar. The recent $360 million acquisition of InstaShop by Delivery Hero and Tyme’s rapid expansion from startup to international digital bank demonstrate the region’s untapped potential. During an exclusive discussion at the StrictlyVC gathering in Athens, founders John Tsioris and Nate Clarke shared insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and investment philosophies.
What sets these visionaries apart is their focus on emerging markets and overlooked sectors where they see disproportionate growth potential. Rather than chasing trends in saturated industries, they deliberately target areas where competition remains limited but demand is rising. Their approach combines deep local market knowledge with a global perspective, allowing them to identify gaps before others take notice.
Tsioris, whose InstaShop became one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing grocery delivery platforms before its acquisition, emphasized the importance of solving real problems for underserved communities. He looks for businesses addressing daily pain points in regions where traditional services fall short. Meanwhile, Clarke’s work with Tyme highlights how digital banking solutions can transform financial access in developing economies, proving that innovation isn’t confined to Silicon Valley.
Both entrepreneurs stressed that timing and patience play critical roles in their investment decisions. They avoid rushing into flashy opportunities, instead backing ventures with sustainable models capable of long-term impact. Their success stems from recognizing potential where others see risk, whether in lesser-known geographic markets or industries ripe for disruption.
For investors looking beyond conventional hotspots, their experiences offer valuable lessons. The next wave of European unicorns may emerge from unexpected places—if you know where to look.
(Source: TechCrunch)
