John Tsioris, who successfully sold InstaShop to Delivery Hero in a $360 million transaction, and Nate Clarke, known for transforming Tyme from a fledgling startup to a global digital banking player, recently shared insights into their investment philosophies at the StrictlyVC conference in Athens. During a candid on-stage dialogue, the entrepreneurs discussed the motivations behind their decision-making, their strategic approaches when identifying promising opportunities, and their rationale for investing in emerging European tech ecosystems often overlooked by other venture capitalists.
Highlighting their respective journeys, both Tsioris and Clarke emphasized that undervalued regions present unique growth potential, despite frequently lacking attention from traditional investors. They stressed the importance of on-the-ground knowledge, local partnerships, and intuitive risk-assessment in tapping into these burgeoning tech markets.
Throughout the discussion, the entrepreneurs underscored their commitment to supporting innovation ecosystems, noting that these less visible markets often harbor ambitious founders and innovative ideas capable of substantial impact. Their approach reflects a broader trend within venture investment circles, wherein savvy players increasingly shift their focus toward untapped markets beyond mainstream innovation hubs.