In my professional life, I’m fortunate enough to wear two hats. By day, I run operations and growth for a SaaS (Software as a Service) company I co-founded almost five years ago. By night, I teach courses on Networks and Managing Digital Organizations to undergraduate and postgraduate students at AUEB.

Inevitably, one question I hear repeatedly from my students is: “Should I start a tech startup in Greece?”

It’s a great question, and one that deserves more than a simple yes or no. Below, I’ll share my thoughts on why you should consider building and scaling a tech startup from Greece—and why you shouldn’t.

But before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. It requires a unique mix of skills, resilience, and a willingness to let your business consume a significant part of your life. If you’re still reading, though, let’s assume you’ve got the entrepreneurial itch. Here’s my take.

REASONS TO START

1. Location Independence : A tech platform doesn’t require a physical presence. You can build, run, and scale it from anywhere—whether you’re sipping coffee in Athens or watching the sunset in Santorini. Unlike traditional businesses, SaaS operations are lean, support is manageable, and your product can run 24/7 without you lifting a finger (well, almost).
2. Global Market Access: The market for tech solutions is vast and borderless. You’re not confined to Greece or even Europe; your potential customers are scattered across the globe. This is a massive opportunity if you can tap into it.
3. Access to Talent: Greece is home to incredible talent—engineers, designers, and problem-solvers who are as skilled as their counterparts in Silicon Valley but come at a fraction of the cost. Plus, Greeks have a knack for creative problem-solving, honed by years of navigating a, shall we say, less-than-organized state system. (If you’ve ever tried to get a government document in Greece, you know what I mean.)
4. Funding is No Longer a Myth:  Greece has made significant strides in recent years when it comes to funding. New venture capital firms have emerged, and there’s more capital available than ever before. While it’s not yet Silicon Valley, the ecosystem is growing, and opportunities are there for those who know how to seize them.
5. You’re Not Alone: The Greek startup ecosystem is thriving. From tech companies to accelerators and coworking spaces, you’re surrounded by professionals who’ve been through the trenches and can offer advice, mentorship, and support. It’s like having a startup family—without the awkward holiday dinners.

REASONS NOT TO START

1. Network Effects Are Real: The success of a tech platform isn’t just about performance; it’s about perception. Think of it like this: a brilliant artist from Bhutan might never get the same recognition as a mediocre artist from New York. That’s the power—and the paradox—of networks. Often, what the world perceives as “the best” isn’t actually the best; it’s just the most visible. And visibility, unfortunately, isn’t always tied to talent or effort. It’s tied to where you are, who you know, and how well you can play the game. Similarly, being based in Greece means you’ll have to work harder to get noticed on the global stage.
2. Budget Disparities: Your competitors in the U.S. or Europe might have access to deeper pockets and bigger budgets. This can make it harder to compete, especially when it comes to marketing, hiring, or scaling quickly.
3. The Local Mindset Trap: Growing up in Greece (or any specific region) can unconsciously shape your perspective. Customers in the U.S., for example, think and behave differently than those in Greece. If you’re not careful, you might build a product that resonates locally but falls flat globally.
4. The Speed of Tech Evolution: Tech and AI are advancing at breakneck speed. What’s cutting-edge today might be obsolete tomorrow. If you’re not constantly innovating, you risk becoming redundant faster than you can say “disruption.”

SO, SHOULD YOU DO IT?

As you can see, there’s no easy answer. Starting and scaling a tech startup from Greece comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but it’s also not one you should overthink. Weigh the pros and cons, do your homework, and—if you’re still convinced—take the leap.

The only thing I can promise you is this: it’s going to be one hell of a ride. And who knows? You might just build the next big thing from the shores of the Mediterranean. After all, if Odysseus could navigate the sirens, you can navigate the startup world.