PwC Cyprus Foundation concludes Scale Up 2 Programme, empowering women-led startups

The PwC Cyprus Foundation announced the successful completion of the Scale Up 2 Programme, a global PwC initiative designed to accelerate the growth of promising startups. This year, for the first time, the programme placed a strong emphasis on women-led startups, recognizing the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools to scale their ventures.

The Scale Up 2 has been integrated into the Youth Entrepreneurship pillar of the PwC Cyprus Foundation, dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

The four-week programme culminated in an inspiring Demo Day, where five innovative startups—Cokones, Insavior, Freyia Labs, Magic Lantern, and Elysia Solutions—took the stage to present their groundbreaking solutions. These ventures, led by ambitious women entrepreneurs, span industries including culinary experiences, safety technology, AI-driven fermentation, interactive museum solutions, and longevity healthcare.

The event commenced with an introduction for the programme by Konstantina Ioannou Manager of Advisory Services and coordinator of the Scale Up 2, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on the findings of PwC’s Global Startup/Scaleup Network’s research, which explores strategies for women entrepreneurs to enhance their success in securing funding. Esteemed panelists Victoria Kostic-Nola (Viz Ventures), Georgina Kyriakoudes (Founder of Aria & Former Scale Up Programme alumni), Maria Markidou Georgiadou (Cyprus Seeds), and Jenni Chance (PwC Global Startups/Scaleup Network Leader) shared their insights, experiences, and advice.

Following the panel, the five participating startups engaged in a pitching session, judged by Stavrinos Kyriakou (Microsoft), Andreas Hadjistyllis (VISA), Maria Markidou Georgiadou (Cyprus Seeds), and Konstantina Logotheti (PwC Cyprus Foundation). Elysia Solutions was crowned the winner of the Scale Up 2 Programme, receiving well-deserved recognition for their outstanding pitch and venture potential.

Speaking on the success of the event, Phillippos Soseilos CEO of PwC Cyprus and President of the PwC Foundation stated: "At PwC Cyprus, we recognise our societal responsibility and actively support entrepreneurship and innovation. Our goal is to drive positive change and help cultivate future leaders for a better tomorrow. With International Women's Day approaching on March 8th, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of women in entrepreneurship by empowering startups led by women. The Scale Up 2 Programme highlighted the remarkable talent and resolve of female founders, and we are proud to assist them on their path to growth and success.”

The event welcomed over 40 key representatives from the local innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing valuable networking opportunities for the participating founders.

For more information on the Scale Up 2 Programme, visit https://www.pwc.com.cy/en/pwc-cy-foundation/youth-entrepreneurship/scale-up-programme.html .