The difficulty of doing business in Greece has long been established and the ongoing financial crisis has only made it worse. A combination of endemic corruption, excessive taxation, complex laws and uncertainty has turned the country into a no-man’s land for entrepreneurs – established or aspiring ones. Whatsmore, as much as Greece is in need for new investments, at the same time, any potential investor is seen as ‘persona non gratta’ by the system. There are few–though–who persist on the effort of turning the table and changing the face of entrepreneurship in Greece. Motivated by their love for the country, belief in the role of business to the strengthening of the social fabric and confidence in the potential of the Greek entrepreneurial talent, as well as the vibrant start-up scene that has risen in Athens, many daring investors have set their eyes on Greece. One of the key factors that allowed this to happen is The Hellenic Initiative (THI), the global movement led by some of the most successful businessmen of the Greek Diaspora to investing in the future of Greece through direct philanthropy and economic revitalisation.

This year the organisation holds its 2nd Annual THI Venture Fair in Athens on 28 June. Begun in 2015, the Venture Fair is one of the major efforts by THI to bring investment to Greece in this critical economic period of tougher regulations, higher taxes, and general political and economic uncertainty.

“There will be a strong Australian delegation attending The Hellenic Initiative’s 2nd Venture Fair in Athens”, says Victoria Kyriakopoulos, program manager for THI Australia.

“Three THI Australia directors have been participating in the selection process and will be part of the panel providing feedback to the companies pitching their ideas to investors on the day. THI Australia is proud to be part of this unique event, which is an important part of THI’s global efforts to encourage great ideas and a new generation of entrepreneurs by providing a forum to attract investment in new business ventures in Greece.”

Vetted companies are prepared by THI consultants for an ‘American-style’ pitch event that brings together investors from across Greece and the Diaspora, offering the opportunity to the struggling entrepreneurs in Greece to gain access to much needed capital, that will allow them to flourish and have a chance to compete in the global marketplace. THI will again connect Greek entrepreneurs and investors together in a classic American-style Venture Fair, with the goal of providing series A and B funding to Greek companies. Last year, despite capital controls being implemented on Greek banks just two days following our Venture Fair, €1.2 million in investments was secured.

*THI’s Second Annual Venture Fair will go from 12.00 noon until 5.30 pm on 28 June at the Athens Hilton.