John Tsioris and Nate Clarke are two successful entrepreneurs who have made headlines with their recent business deals. Tsioris recently sold his company Instashop to Delivery Hero for a whopping $360 million, while Clarke took his startup Tyme and turned it into a global digital bank. At the StrictlyVC event in Athens, the two entrepreneurs sat down for a candid conversation, where they opened up about their motivations, their future plans, and their investment strategies.
Both Tsioris and Clarke have a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a drive to succeed. Tsioris, who originally hails from Greece, started Instashop in 2014 with just $10,000 in seed funding. The company quickly gained traction and became a leading online grocery delivery service in the Middle East. Tsioris’ determination and hard work paid off when Delivery Hero, a German food delivery company, acquired Instashop for a staggering $360 million in April 2021.
On the other hand, Clarke founded Tyme, a South African digital bank, in 2015. His goal was to provide affordable and accessible banking services to the underbanked population in emerging markets. With Clarke’s leadership, Tyme grew into a global digital bank with a presence in six countries, including South Africa, the Philippines, and Malaysia. In February 2021, Tyme was acquired by the Indian conglomerate, Wipro, for an undisclosed amount.
In their conversation at the StrictlyVC event, Tsioris and Clarke shared their insights on what drives them as entrepreneurs. Tsioris believes that the key to success is to have a clear vision and to be persistent in achieving it. He also stressed the importance of having a strong team and building a company culture that fosters innovation and growth.
Similarly, Clarke highlighted the importance of having a purpose behind your business. He shared that his motivation for starting Tyme was to create a positive impact in people’s lives by providing them with banking services they could afford. He also emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to have a strong support system and to surround themselves with people who share their passion and drive.
When asked about their future plans, both Tsioris and Clarke expressed their excitement for their new ventures. Tsioris revealed that he is currently focusing on angel investing and is looking for opportunities in emerging markets. He believes that these markets have great potential for growth and innovation, and he wants to be a part of their development. Clarke, on the other hand, is working on his next big idea. He is determined to continue creating businesses that have a positive impact on society.
One common theme that emerged from their conversation was their investment strategies. Both Tsioris and Clarke are drawn to ecosystems that are often overlooked by other investors. Tsioris shared that he is particularly interested in investing in companies that are solving problems in emerging markets, such as access to healthcare and education. He believes that these companies have the potential to make a significant impact while also being profitable.
Similarly, Clarke is passionate about investing in companies that are using technology to create social impact. He believes that technology has the power to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots and to create a more equitable society. He is also interested in investing in businesses that are focused on sustainability and environmental impact.
In conclusion, the conversation between John Tsioris and Nate Clarke at the StrictlyVC event in Athens was a candid and inspiring one. These two entrepreneurs have achieved great success in their respective businesses and are now looking to make a positive impact through their investments. Their passion, drive, and determination serve as a motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.
