At the recent StrictlyVC event held in Athens, two prominent entrepreneurs—John Tsioris, the founder of InstaShop, and Nate Clarke, co-founder of global digital bank Tyme—participated in an open and insightful discussion about their entrepreneurial journeys, future aspirations, and the importance of strategic investment in underappreciated markets.
John Tsioris, who led InstaShop from inception to a $360 million acquisition by Delivery Hero in 2020, reflected on the challenges and triumphs of scaling a consumer-facing company in the Middle East. He emphasized that strong market understanding and speed of execution were essential in achieving product-market fit, ultimately leading to the startup’s large-scale regional success and acquisition by a major global player.
Nate Clarke, meanwhile, shared his experience taking Tyme from a concept to a fully-operational international digital bank. Under Clarke’s leadership, the company grew its footprint significantly, particularly throughout emerging markets. Clarke outlined how Tyme’s mission to improve financial inclusion has driven its expansion strategy, pointing to countries like South Africa and the Philippines where Tyme has introduced innovative, mobile-first banking solutions.
Both Tsioris and Clarke also spoke about their post-exit interests and investment philosophies. Despite their respective successes, both entrepreneurs are dedicating their time and resources to backing new ideas and startups, particularly in regions and industries often overlooked by mainstream venture capital. Tsioris explained that emerging markets still present tremendous growth opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to take the plunge, while Clarke noted that impact-driven ventures can offer solid financial returns alongside social benefits.
Their candid conversation offered rare insights into the mindset and decision-making processes of two high-impact tech entrepreneurs. As the global startup ecosystem expands, their shared focus on investing in untapped ecosystems signals a growing trend among experienced founders looking to not only achieve business success but also contribute meaningfully to broader economic development.
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