The Greek Current

Viva Wallet, JPMorgan, Meta, and Greece's startup scene

Episode Summary

Alex Patelis, the chief economic adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece, joins our host Thanos Davelis to talk about the Greek startup ecosystem, the latest investments in Greece by JPMorgan and Meta Platforms, and the message these investments send about the country's startups and the Greek economy.

Episode Notes

JPMorgan recently announced the acquisition of a 49% stake in the Athens-based startup Viva Wallet, and its investment will reportedly top $1.15 billion. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon also visited Greece and said that JPMorgan is looking to further expand its presence in the country. In the meantime, reports indicate that Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms, is also planning significant investments in Greece, further entrenching Greece on the tech map. Alex Patelis, the chief economic adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece, joins our host Thanos Davelis to talk about the Greek startup ecosystem, the latest investments in Greece by JPMorgan and Meta Platforms, and the message these investments send about Greece’s startups and the Greek economy. 

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

JPMorgan to invest further in Greece

Facebook entrenching Greece on tech map

Greek Cypriots in last ditch effort to ‘save Varosha’

Greece steps up measures to fight hooliganism after killing of soccer fan

Greece promises new rules for soccer fan clubs after murder