Investing in overlooked European ecosystems is rapidly becoming one of the smartest moves for founders and venture capitalists seeking high-growth opportunities. Entrepreneurs like John Tsioris, who famously sold Instashop to Delivery Hero for $360 million, and Nate Clarke, who transformed Tyme into a global digital banking powerhouse, are leading this trend. At the StrictlyVC event in Athens, these two industry heavyweights revealed why they are shifting their focus toward emerging startup hubs across Europe, offering valuable insights for investors, founders, and anyone interested in the future of global entrepreneurship.
Why Successful Entrepreneurs Are Betting on Europe's Hidden Startup Hubs
During a candid conversation hosted by StrictlyVC, Tsioris and Clarke detailed their next big moves after their headline-making exits. Both entrepreneurs emphasized that while traditional hotspots like London and Berlin remain important, overlooked ecosystems — such as those in Southern and Eastern Europe — present untapped potential. Lower startup costs, a growing pool of technical talent, and less competition make these regions highly attractive for strategic investment.
John Tsioris shared that after his $360 million success with Instashop, he realized that true innovation often comes from markets that others underestimate. Nate Clarke echoed this sentiment, highlighting how underserved regions often breed startups with unique, scalable solutions that can quickly dominate niche markets. Their insights align with a growing trend among angel investors and VCs looking for high-return opportunities beyond Silicon Valley and Western Europe.
How These Emerging Markets Offer Unmatched Investment Opportunities
Investing early in under-the-radar European startups offers several compelling advantages. Founders can benefit from lower valuations, which means higher equity stakes at earlier stages. Additionally, emerging markets often come with strong government incentives, including grants, tax breaks, and favorable regulations — all of which contribute to higher ROI for early backers.
John Tsioris and Nate Clarke both stressed that these ecosystems are full of hungry, highly skilled entrepreneurs ready to disrupt industries ranging from fintech to healthtech. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with lower operational costs and expanding access to venture capital, creates a powerful formula for success.
Lessons for Aspiring Investors and Startup Founders
For investors and founders considering their next move, Clarke and Tsioris recommend taking a more global, open-minded approach. Instead of following the crowd, they advise looking closely at ecosystems that are just starting to blossom. These markets often offer first-mover advantages that are impossible to replicate in more saturated regions.
Moreover, by investing time and resources into these overlooked startup communities, entrepreneurs can not only enjoy strong financial returns but also contribute to building thriving, sustainable local economies. This dual benefit is increasingly important as the global startup scene becomes more interconnected and socially responsible investing gains momentum.
The Future of Startup Investing: Look Where Others Aren't
As Tsioris and Clarke continue to place strategic bets on Europe’s hidden startup gems, their experiences send a clear message: the next big thing won't necessarily emerge from the usual places. Instead, the most promising opportunities for innovation, growth, and impact might very well be in markets that many still ignore.
Whether you are a seasoned angel investor, a venture capitalist seeking high-CPC niche opportunities, or a founder looking for your next move, Europe's overlooked startup ecosystems deserve your full attention. Investing in these rising regions is not just a trend; it’s a smart, forward-thinking strategy for those who want to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing world of entrepreneurship.
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