Greece A Start Up Hub?

THE NEW PHASE OF THE ECONOMY

The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, made some very important statements a few days ago.

He reminded us that the country has emerged from the crisis, that social inequalities are decreasing, and that digital innovation is already here. It is no small thing to have a Central Bank that thinks long term and prepares the country for the next ten years.

Because stability is not easily visible in everyday life, but it is the foundation on which everything else is built. It is the basis for investments, for wage growth, and for social cohesion.

Let us move on to the second sign of a changing era.

For the first time in history, youth unemployment in Greece has fallen below the EU average. Yes, you read that correctly. From 62.5% in May 2013, it dropped to 13% in December 2025, while the EU average stood at 14.7%.

Greece, once a laggard, is now overtaking Spain and setting records in hiring young people up to the age of 24. An entire generation that until recently felt excluded from the labor market is now finding its place and a sense of future again.

How did this happen? Through a combination of decisive policies and an improved business environment. Reductions in social security contributions, the implementation of the digital work card that reduced undeclared labor, tax relief for young people up to 25, as well as a broader economic recovery that created new demand for staff.

This is not just a number. It is proof that a country can reverse a negative trajectory with planning, persistence, and cooperation.

THE STARTUP REVOLUTION

At the same time, more than €732 million were invested in Greek startups in 2025, across more than 90 companies. These figures are 35% higher than in 2024 and fifteen times higher than in 2018. This is one of the fastest growing technology ecosystems in Europe.

We are no longer talking about isolated success stories. We are talking about an ecosystem. About companies that are born, grow, and remain in Greece. Not only to become “unicorns”, but to create real wealth, jobs, and technological added value.

And we are not talking about random companies, but about companies that keep their headquarters and talent in Greece, offer thousands of jobs, and are recognized globally.

The so called “knowledge economy” is no longer theory. It is practice. For the first time, it contributes more than 1% of GDP, with the goal of reaching 5% over the next decade. We have the opportunity to become a European innovation hub.

And this did not happen by chance. From 2019 onward, policies were implemented to support this wave: tax incentives for angel investors, favorable taxation of stock options, a national strategy for artificial intelligence, and investments in supercomputers and research centers.

What do all these have to do with the markets? Everything . All of this shows not just progress, but a change of model. Greece is shifting from a country of consumption and tourism to a country of knowledge, technology, and outward looking growth. And this, sooner or later, will bring changes to the economy as a whole.

Greece, therefore, is returning. Not just with numbers, but with depth and substance. And personally, I see it.