Raising Funds For Your Business In Greece

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Greece offers an increasingly favorable environment for entrepreneurs and startups seeking to raise funds. With a recovering economy and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, the country is attracting more and more local and international investors. This article will guide you through the key steps to successfully raise funds in Greece, providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to convince investors and propel your business toward success.

Greek Funding Sources: A Range of Opportunities to Seize

Greece has an expanding funding ecosystem, offering entrepreneurs a variety of options to raise capital. Here are the main sources to consider:

1. Venture Capital: The Greek venture capital market has experienced significant growth in recent years. Funds like Marathon Venture Capital, VentureFriends, and Unifund are actively investing in promising Greek startups, particularly in technology and innovation sectors.

2. Business Angels: Angel investor networks like Angel Investor Network Greece and Enterprise Greece play a crucial role in funding early-stage startups. These investors not only provide capital but also bring their expertise and networks.

3. Public Funding: The Greek government has implemented several business support programs. For example, EquiFund, an initiative supported by the European Union, provides funding to Greek startups and SMEs at various development stages.

4. Crowdfunding: Platforms like SpaceCrowd, recently launched by the Bulgarian Stock Exchange in partnership with the Central Depository, allow businesses to raise up to 2 million BGN (approximately €1,022,600) from individual investors. Although based in Bulgaria, this platform is accessible to Greek companies and offers an interesting alternative to traditional funding methods.

5. Banks and Financial Institutions: Greek banks, such as the National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, offer business loans. Additionally, the European Investment Bank (EIB) recently increased its support to Greece, with total funding of €2.2 billion in 2024, a significant portion of which is intended to support business growth.

• Explore funding programs specific to your industry sector
• Combine different funding sources to optimize your fundraising
• Don’t hesitate to seek help from local experts to navigate the Greek funding ecosystem

Prepare Your Funding Package: The Key to Winning Over Greek Investors

A solid funding package is essential to convince Greek investors. Here’s how to prepare it effectively:

1. Detailed Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that highlights your business model, growth strategy, and financial projections. Be sure to include a thorough analysis of the Greek market and your positioning relative to local and international competition.

2. Compelling Pitch Deck: Create an attractive visual presentation that summarizes the key points of your business. Emphasize your unique value proposition and how your company meets the specific needs of the Greek or European market.

3. Strong Management Team: Present the key members of your team in detail, highlighting their expertise and relevant experience for the Greek market. Investors place great importance on the quality of the management team.

4. Traction and Key Metrics: Highlight your achievements to date, whether in sales figures, user growth, or strategic partnerships. If you already have customers or users in Greece, be sure to emphasize this.

5. Fund Utilization Plan: Detail precisely how you plan to use the raised funds to accelerate your growth in the Greek market and beyond.

• Tailor your package to the specifics of the Greek market and the expectations of local investors
• Have your package reviewed by local experts to ensure it meets Greek standards
• Be prepared to present your package in Greek if necessary, even though English is widely accepted in business circles

The Art of Presenting to Greek Investors: Captivate Your Audience

Presenting your project to Greek investors is a crucial step in your quest for funding. Here’s how to maximize your chances of success:

1. Master Your Pitch: Prepare a concise and impactful pitch, adapted to Greek business culture. Greek investors appreciate clarity, passion, and a deep understanding of the local market. Practice delivering your pitch in both Greek and English to be prepared for any situation.

2. Demonstrate Your Added Value: Emphasize what makes your business unique and how it can contribute to the Greek economy. Investors will be particularly interested in projects that have the potential to create jobs or attract foreign investment to Greece.

3. Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions specific to the Greek market and prepare detailed answers. Investors might be interested in your strategy for navigating the local regulatory environment or your plan to overcome challenges specific to the Greek market.

4. Use Local Data: Support your presentation with data and statistics relevant to the Greek market. For example, if you operate in the renewable energy sector, mention Greece’s recent investments in this area, such as the EIB’s €390 million loan to DEPA Commercial for new photovoltaic parks.

5. Strategic Networking: Take advantage of networking events and conferences to meet potential investors before your official presentation. Events like Athens Startup Week or the Delphi Economic Forum are excellent opportunities to make contacts.

• Adapt your presentation to the Greek communication style, which values personal relationships and trust
• Be prepared to discuss your long-term vision for the company and its potential impact on the Greek economy
• Show your commitment to the Greek market, for example by mentioning your plans to establish a local presence or collaborate with Greek companies

Negotiating with Finesse: The Art of the Greek Deal

Negotiating funding terms is a delicate stage that requires tact and strategy, particularly in the Greek context. Here’s how to approach this crucial phase:

1. Understand Greek Negotiation Culture: Greeks value personal relationships and trust in business. Take the time to build rapport with your counterparts before getting into financial details. Negotiations can often extend beyond office hours, over dinner or coffee.

2. Be Flexible but Firm: Greek investors expect some room for negotiation. Be prepared to make concessions on certain points, but remain firm on your main objectives. Have a clear strategy on what you’re willing to give up and what is non-negotiable.

3. Value Your Company Accurately: Use valuation methods adapted to the Greek market. For example, if you operate in the technology sector, you can refer to recent successful fundraisings in the Greek startup ecosystem, such as those facilitated by the SpaceCrowd platform, to justify your valuation.

4. Anticipate Specific Clauses: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions commonly used in Greek funding agreements. For example, investors might request anti-dilution clauses or specific pre-emption rights.

5. Be Transparent About Risks and Opportunities: Greek investors appreciate honesty. Openly discuss potential challenges related to the Greek market, such as recent regulatory changes, or specific opportunities, like government support programs for certain sectors.

• Be prepared to negotiate in Greek if possible, even though English is commonly used in business circles
• Be patient: negotiations in Greece can take longer than in other European countries
• Don’t hesitate to enlist a local advisor to guide you through the subtleties of Greek negotiations

Cultivating Post-Investment Relationships: The Key to Long-Term Success

Once funding is secured, it’s crucial to maintain and develop good relationships with your Greek investors. This phase is essential to ensure the long-term success of your business in Greece.

1. Regular and Transparent Communication: Establish a clear and regular reporting system. Greek investors appreciate being kept informed of progress, challenges, and opportunities. Consider monthly or quarterly updates, adapted to their preferences.

2. Involve Your Investors Strategically: Greek investors can often bring more than just capital. Leverage their local expertise, networks, and market knowledge. For example, if you’ve received an investment from a fund like Marathon Venture Capital, tap into their experience in scaling Greek startups.

3. Adapt to Cultural Expectations: Greek culture values personal relationships. Organize in-person meetings when possible, and don’t hesitate to combine business and socializing, a common practice in the Greek business world.

4. Be Proactive in Problem-Solving: If you encounter difficulties, don’t wait to inform your investors. Proactivity and honesty are highly valued. Always present potential solutions when raising problems.

5. Celebrate Successes Together: Share your achievements with your investors, whether it’s reaching important milestones, securing major new clients, or gaining recognition in the Greek media. This strengthens their confidence in their investment and can open the door to future funding.

• Organize regular board meetings or advisory committees to actively involve your investors
• Stay alert to synergy opportunities with other companies in your investors’ portfolios
• Be open to advice and mentoring from your investors, particularly on aspects specific to the Greek market

By following these steps and adapting your approach to the unique context of the Greek market, you will maximize your chances of successfully raising funds and building a prosperous business in Greece. Remember that every interaction with investors is an opportunity to strengthen your credibility and build lasting relationships that will support your company’s long-term growth.