Program Lifts Greek Tech Firms to Next Level – Applications Accepted through July 15
The Hellenic Initiative (THI), THI Canada, and Ergo Capital are co-sponsoring Accelerate Greece, a week-long program in Toronto beginning on September 30. This program supports Greek tech startups in developing their technologies, refining their vision, and expanding their teams. Applications are open until July 15, 2024, at www.accelerategreece.com/
Accelerate Greece aims to drive innovation in Greece by supporting entrepreneurs through immersive workshops, training, mentorship, networking, and investor introductions. The program aims to help startups scale and expand internationally. Selected companies will manifest Accelerate Greece’s mantra – ‘Build it in Greece. Sell it to the world’. There is no fee to apply or participate, and companies will have their airfare and hotel rooms reimbursed (cost capped per company) by the program.
Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. THI Canada was founded in the summer of 2016. Since its founding, THI has invested more than $22.3 million in Greece, supporting promising startups, the most effective philanthropic organizations and cultural endeavors.
Ergo Capital was also founded in 2012 and invests in private companies in tech and other high-growth sectors, inspired by its mission to ‘Build Tomorrow’.
Accelerate Greece is a program of Ergo Capital whose founder, Peter Polydor, says they are looking for startups “that have already created something” and are ready to go to the next level and into the global market.
“What is most important to us is their job growth potential in Greece. We ask, ‘what is your hiring plan for the next three years and how much of that is in Greece?’”
The people involved are part of other aspects of Ergo Capital and the endeavor began when Polydor saw that Accelerate Greece could be easily attached to what they were already doing. “We had a venture arm, we incubated companies, targeting those most likely to create economic impact in Greece. A supporter of THI from the start, he was delighted to invite THI join their efforts.
The volunteers, which include non-Greeks, become interested because, “as a non-profit accelerator, Accelerate Greece gives entrepreneurs a chance to ‘give back’, to entrepreneurs and to Greece,” Polydor said.
As a bonus, participants will also have access to the Elevate Festival, Canada’s most influential tech and innovation event that features investment exposure and coaching, among other benefits.
George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated, “Accelerate Greece helps Greek startups increase their exposure in more advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems. The joint endeavor is another great example of THI’s ‘Oli Mazi’ – ‘All Together’ for Greece philosophy.
John Sotos, Co-President of The Hellenic Initiative Canada, stated, “This initiative aims to expand the reach of Greek startups, fostering innovation and supporting job creation in Greece. By empowering local entrepreneurs, we are contributing to a stronger, more vibrant Greek economy.”
