Biotech isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Cyprus, but Dr Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is changing that. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Marianna: biotech founder, Forbes-listed innovator, and the woman behind three life sciences companies working to change the way cancer is treated.

From losing close family members to cancer, to building therapies that reverse cancer cells, Marianna shares the story behind her mission and the immense resilience it takes to launch biotech startups on an island not yet built for it.

We talk about science with empathy, raising millions from values-aligned investors, and why caring with heart is just as important as creating a cure. This is a powerful conversation on trauma, purpose, and the fight to bring meaningful innovation to life no matter the odds.

Brought to you by Factory39 and Martin Zarian.

Everyone's talking about AI, but how much of it is hype and how much of it is actually changing the way we work?

In this episode, Martin sits down with Ivan Sysoev, Chief AI Officer at Quadcode, to talk about what AI looks like in practice, not theory. They unpack the myths, the real risks, and the potential for business transformation.

From AI-powered productivity to the risks of relying too much on machines to think for us, this episode brings a grounded, strategic lens to the global AI conversation. Plus: what Cyprus is getting right and what we need to catch up on.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the AI noise, this one’s for you.

Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

Gaming is now the biggest entertainment industry in the world, bigger than film and music combined. And Cyprus has quietly become one of its most important hubs.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Roman and Kirill Gurskiy, twin brothers and Managing Directors of GEM Capital, one of the most active gaming venture capital firms in the world. From working together at EY to funding major successes like Atomic Heart and Replaced, they share how they turned a lifelong passion for gaming into a global investment powerhouse.

We talk about the rise of Cyprus as a gaming destination, what makes gaming investments different from traditional VC, and the trends shaping the future of the industry, from free-to-play to AAA titles and in-game economies.

It’s a conversation full of insight, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a gamer, a founder, or an investor, this episode is packed with lessons on turning your passion into your profession.

Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

Cypriots around the world are making waves in business, culture, and innovation, but how connected are they to their roots?

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the inspiring story of Paul Lambis — founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum as well as award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, filmmaker, and creator of Culturescope. From the challenges of cultural preservation abroad to building meaningful connections between the diaspora and the island, Paul shares his personal journey from Johannesburg to Cyprus and the mission behind the Forum.

We also explore the importance of maintaining cultural roots, the challenges of integrating into new societies, and how the Forum is shaping the future of Cyprus as a global hub for business and culture.

Whether you're a business professional, a diaspora member, or simply curious about Cyprus’ untapped potential, this episode offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Tune in and join the conversation on shaping Cyprus’ future through unity and collaboration.

Brought to you by Factory39 and Martin Zarian.

Menopause is a reality for half the population, yet it's a topic that remains largely misunderstood and under-discussed, especially in Cyprus. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Kathy Kattashis, menopause coach and founder of MITRA, to explore the reality of menopause, the stigma surrounding it, and why it’s time to bring this conversation into the mainstream.

From the lack of medical research to the impact on careers and relationships, Kathy shares her personal journey, the work she’s doing to push for awareness and policy change, and how businesses, families, and individuals can better support those going through it.

It’s an eye-opening conversation for everyone that challenges outdated narratives and highlights why we all need to care about menopause.

Brought to you by Factory39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, host Martin sits down with Gala Grigoreva, the CMO at Adsterra, marketeer, mentor, and advocate for women in tech. Gala shares her journey from her early days in PR to becoming a leader in branding and marketing, revealing how she masterfully blends creativity, data, and authentic storytelling to build powerful brands.

Gala explains that while brand represents the personality of a business, marketing is its voice - a synergy that is essential for standing out in today’s crowded digital landscape. She also dives into the nuances of personal branding for introverts, the challenges of balancing professional ambition with personal well-being, and how genuine communication can forge lasting emotional connections with customers.

Tune in to discover Gala’s insights on leveraging authentic narratives, fostering empowerment in tech, and redefining success beyond conventional metrics.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, our host sits down with Artem Burtsev, CMO of bb:, to explore the evolving world of real estate branding in Cyprus. Artem shares his journey through rebranding challenges—from separating development from traditional agency models to launching creative tenders that reshaped market perceptions.

Discover how emotional storytelling, strategic pricing, and a focus on customer experience can transform a commodity into an aspirational brand. With insights drawn from both local and international markets, Artem explains why differentiating through authentic, human-centric branding is key to building a better future in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

How does a love for art and engineering shape the future of fashion? In this episode, Made in Cyprus host Martin Zarian chats with creative entrepreneur Evangelina Fysa, founder of Bungalow 28 - a boutique agency at the intersection of style, branding, and tech.

Evangelina reveals her unconventional path from coding websites as a teenager to attending exclusive runway shows, and finally launching her own brand and consultancy. Discover why heritage fashion houses still thrive without heavy marketing, how Web3 principles like transparency and community can revolutionise brand-consumer relationships, and why technology should serve humanity - not the other way around.

If you’ve ever wondered how to blend creativity, purpose, and cutting-edge tech, Evangelina’s story will inspire you to do it on your own terms - one stitch (or one line of code) at a time.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we chat with keynote speaker and leadership coach Michael Virardi. Michael recounts how a chance conference trip to North Carolina sparked his passion for public speaking, ultimately leading him away from a thriving family business.

We explore the power of authenticity in personal branding, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why staying true to your values is the ultimate competitive advantage. Michael also shares insights on harnessing AI as a personal assistant, embracing empathy as a game-changer in business, and remembering the human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Tune in to discover how carving your own path - no matter where you start - can unlock unlimited possibilities.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the fast-evolving world of branding and marketing with Nadezhda Ivanova, Chief Communication Officer at Unlimit and co-leader of Tech Island. Nadia shares the story behind Unlimit’s bold rebranding journey, transitioning from CardPay to a global fintech powerhouse with a neon green identity and a mission to stay "ready for tomorrow."

We explore the critical role of creativity and differentiation in today’s saturated markets, the challenges of scaling a global brand across diverse regions, and how to balance constant evolution with a core brand philosophy. Nadia also reveals her approach to navigating fear during a rebrand, managing complex operations, and why authentic storytelling is at the heart of successful brands.

Tune in for a masterclass in branding and marketing for the fintech world, packed with insights on leadership, creativity, and adapting to rapid change.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Andreas Spyrou, a third-generation leader at ASG Group and a key figure behind the Limassol and Larnaca Marathons, shares his journey navigating the complexities of a family business while driving innovation in Cyprus' evolving landscape.

We explore how Andreas and his team transformed challenges into opportunities during the pandemic, diversifying their business into new ventures, while continuing to grow Cyprus’ largest sporting event. Andreas also opens up about balancing tradition with modernisation, the dynamics of family business, and the opportunities and challenges posed by Cyprus’ rapid development.

Tune in to hear Andreas’ thoughts on the future of Cyprus, the importance of embracing change, and how strategic decisions can turn crises into growth.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we explore the powerful concept behind Fckup Nights Limassol with Maria and Alla, the dynamic duo bringing this global movement to Cyprus. Fckup Nights offers a safe space for business leaders to openly share their failures, creating an environment that encourages vulnerability, trust, and growth.

Maria and Alla share their personal journeys with failure and why embracing imperfections is essential in both personal and professional life. We discuss how early expectations and cultural backgrounds shape our perception of success—and the relief in breaking free from perfectionism. Tune in to hear how F*ckup Nights Limassol is connecting the community and changing the conversation around failure.

Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Efi Philippou, a fractional CFO and financial strategist, to uncover the power of aligning purpose with financial strategy. Efi shares her journey from auditing, to helping businesses avoid financial pitfalls, emphasising the importance of sustainable growth and operational alignment. Learn how fractional CFOs can help businesses navigate challenges, optimise cash flow, and translate numbers into impactful stories. Whether you’re a startup founder, a hospitality leader, or simply curious about purpose-driven financial leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for building resilient businesses. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we’re joined by Violeta Skittidi, co-founder of Formulaw, a pioneering startup that’s streamlining legal processes for SMEs through innovative AI-powered contract management. Violeta shares how Formulaw evolved from a university project in London into a full-fledged legal tech startup with a mission to make legal services more accessible and affordable for small businesses. We dive into the current challenges facing Cyprus' legal system, such as the slow court processes and limited digital innovation. Violeta explains how Formulaw is tackling these issues by developing AI technology that generates, reviews, and automates contracts securely—without relying on generic templates. She also shares insights on the startup’s vision to democratise the legal field, enabling faster, safer business agreements that don’t sacrifice quality or compliance. Tune in to learn how Formulaw is setting out to transform the Cypriot legal landscape and support the growth of SMEs with smarter, more efficient contract solutions. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we sit down with Yiannis Eftychiou, co-founder of 33East, Cyprus' first VC fund backed by the European Union. We explore the challenges and opportunities that come with building a venture capital ecosystem on the island, how 33East is bringing nearly €40 million into the local tech scene, and what it takes to foster homegrown innovation. Yiannis shares his insights on why Cyprus is uniquely positioned for high-tech growth, the role of government and private sector alignment, and the strategic vision driving 33East. We also discuss the global perception of Cyprus as a tech hub and the importance of reversing the brain drain through local investment. Tune in to hear how 33East is set to transform the landscape for Cypriot startups and place the island on the global tech map. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of the "Made in Cyprus" podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of moving money in today’s hyper-connected world with Viktoria Soltesz, CEO of PSP Angels Group and founder of the Soltesz Institute.

Despite living in a digital-first world, transferring money across borders is far from straightforward.

Viktoria unravels the misconceptions surrounding the financial landscape, explores why we’ve seen a sudden boom in payment providers in Cyprus, and shares insights from her book Moving Money - How Banks Think.

With over 20 years of experience navigating the complexities of finance and compliance, Viktoria explains why fintech and traditional banking aren’t as different as they might seem and sheds light on how businesses can better leverage technology to stay ahead of the curve.

Tune in to learn more about Cyprus’s potential as a financial hub, the evolving role of fintech in the global economy, and what businesses can do to better understand the invisible networks moving their money.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode, Martin Zarian sits down with Stylianos Lambrou, co-founder of The Heart Group, The Doers Company, and Reflect Festival.

Stylianos shares his inspiring journey of returning to Cyprus during a time of crisis and his unwavering belief in the island’s potential.

They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of community, and his vision for positioning Cyprus as a global tech hub. From transforming historic buildings to creating Europe’s leading tech festival, Stylianos is paving the way for the next generation of Cypriot innovators.

Brought to you by Factory 39, tune in to discover how Stylianos is transforming Cyprus into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, one visionary project at a time.

In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Martin is joined by Diana Verkhoturova, founder of Anymaster, a platform transforming the service industry in Cyprus by creating trust and efficiency between service providers and clients.

Together, they explore the challenges of navigating the traditional service market on the island, where unreliable tradesmen and extended delivery times are common frustrations.

Diana shares the origin story of Anymaster, sparked by her own struggles with finding reliable professionals during an office renovation.

Martin and Diana dive into the unique business model of Anymaster, which partners with local giants like Superhome Center to revolutionise delivery and installation times, making same-day or next-day service the new standard in Cyprus.

The conversation also touches on the cultural nuances Diana encountered while building a business in Cyprus, the challenge of onboarding trusted service providers, and the difficulty of breaking through as a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field.

They discuss Diana’s shift from the cryptocurrency world to solving tangible, everyday problems, and the expansion plans for Anymaster, including entry into the Greek market.

Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, scaling a service-driven business, and Diana's inspiring journey as a tech-savvy leader pushing the boundaries of Cyprus’s service economy.

Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we explore the fast-moving world of flexible living with Demetris Papadopoulos, the CEO and co-founder of Moving Doors. From traditional renting to the dynamic landscape of flexible accommodation, Demetris sheds light on how Moving Doors is revolutionising the real estate market in Cyprus and beyond. Demetris shares his journey from humble beginnings in real estate to founding Moving Doors, a company that bridges the gap between landlords and tenants through fully serviced, flexible-term rentals. We discuss the benefits and challenges of this model, the importance of technology, and the strategic decision to expand into markets like Dubai. Tune in to learn about the rebranding journey from Staycaee to Moving Doors, the unique business insights that set them apart, and their ambitious plans for future growth. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for property owners, real estate enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of flexible living. Brought to you by Factory 39.

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we dive into the dynamic world of events and iGaming with Eman Pulis, the mastermind behind Sigma. Who would have ever thought that one of the most influential iGaming summits would emerge from the Mediterranean? Malta first and now more recently Cyprus. This is the story of how Eman Pulis, starting from organising university parties, built a global powerhouse in the iGaming industry—the biggest event company in the space. Eman shares his journey from humble beginnings in event management to founding Sigma, a summit that now attracts tens of thousands of participants from around the world. We explore the unique challenges and triumphs of running large-scale events, the importance of regulation and technology in iGaming, and the innovative ways Sigma connects stakeholders across the whole industry. He also discusses his efforts in giving back through the Sigma Foundation, his ventures into global markets, and the recent expansion and rebranding of Sigma. Tune in to hear Eman's inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and his vision for the future of iGaming and beyond. Brought to you by Factory 39.