Made In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny island

Martin Zarian @Factory 39
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Made in Cyprus," the first English podcast that takes you behind the scenes of building a business and brand on this small but mighty island. Join us as we explore the big business stories from a tiny island, diving deep into the journeys of the people putting Cyprus on the global map. From the challenges to the triumphs, "Made in Cyprus" shines a light on the individuals putting Cyprus on the global map, embodying the spirit of "mitsi alla rotsi" — small but mighty! Brought to you by Factory 39, hosted by Martin Zarian.

  1. FEB 3

    Despo Pavlou on Coming Out, Culture & Why Cyprus is Behind

    It’s not on tv, it’s not on the radio, and it’s rarely on podcasts, but in reality, it’s everywhere. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Despo Pavlou for a conversation Cyprus still treats like a taboo: LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and what it actually feels like to grow up believing you’re alone. Despo shares her journey from the Cyprus Diaspora in South Africa, to suppressing her identity for decades, to coming out, rebuilding, and turning trauma into a story that helps others feel seen. We talk family, faith, and why religion and politics should never decide who gets to love who. We also get into her book "My Kind of Normal", why representation matters, and what has to change in Cyprus - from policy, to culture, to the everyday way people speak about "normal". Brought to you by Factory39 and Martin Zarian.

    44 min

  2. JAN 6

    From Bolt to Piney: Nicolas Chrysostomou on Scaling Operations in Europe

    Short-term rentals host new guests every day, but very few people understand the chaos behind getting each property ready, on time, every time. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we speak with Nicolas Chrysostomou, founder of Piney, a company scaling across Europe by turning short-term rental operations into a tech-driven logistics engine. Nicolas shares the lessons from launching Bolt in Cyprus, surviving COVID when revenue hit zero overnight, and why building from Cyprus is powerful… but can’t be your only test. We get into why Piney isn’t just “a cleaning company,” how the team built the technology first, and what changes when you operate across Athens, Lisbon, Madrid, and Paris, where infrastructure and logistics rewrite the rules. Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

    54 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    Inside Cyprus’ Startup Scene with Panis Pieri

    Cyprus’ startup ecosystem didn’t appear overnight, it was built slowly, event by event, founder by founder, and story by story. Few people have witnessed that journey as closely as Panis Pieri, one of the most familiar faces in the island’s innovation scene.In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we talk about how the ecosystem began, the impact of expat founders, the challenges early-stage startups face, and the need for stronger collaboration between cities. Panis also breaks down why mindset matters, how founders can think global from day one, and what the island must fix, from infrastructure to commercialising university research, to become a true launchpad for innovation.Whether you’re a founder, investor, or simply curious about Cyprus’ potential, this conversation offers a clear view of what the next decade could hold for the island’s startup scene.Brought to you by Factory39 and Martin Zarian.

    45 min

  4. 11/04/2025

    Mike Charalambous on Threedium, Hyper-Personalisation and Scaling Globally.

    In this new episode of Made In Cyprus, our guest flips the script on what a Cyprus-based company can do globally. Mike Charalambous, co-founder and CEO of Threedium, to explore how a company born in Limassol is now powering 3D commerce for brands like LVMH, BMW, and L’Oréal. Mike shares the story behind Threedium’s breakthrough technology, how it’s redefining online shopping through interactive 3D and hyper-personalised experiences, and why attention (not clicks) is the new currency for brands. We dive into the challenges of building from Cyprus, the realities of scaling globally, and how to navigate the ever-changing hype cycles of AI, blockchain and the metaverse while staying true to your vision. It’s a conversation about innovation, resilience and how to build something world-class from a small island with big ideas. Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

    51 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Mellow’s Alex Norovyatkin on Remote Work & The Happiness Trap

    Work is changing faster than ever, with new generations, expectations and technology reshaping how and where we work. But what does the future of work really look like, and how can companies avoid falling into the “happiness trap” of flexibility without structure? In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Alex Norovyatkin, Head of PR and Brand at Mellow, to explore how organisations can thrive in a world where remote work, freelancers and gig economies are becoming the norm. Alex shares how Mellow is helping businesses hire, contract and pay flexible workforces in over 100 countries, all while navigating the challenges of culture, communication and brand trust. We dive into the cultural shifts brought by Gen Z, the balance between office and remote work, and how AI is shaping the jobs of tomorrow. Alex also reflects on why brand has become non-negotiable for growth and how Mellow is carving out a unique space in the crowded future-of-work landscape. Whether you’re a business leader, an HR professional, or simply curious about what comes next for the way we work, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer fresh insights. Brought to you by Factory39 and Martin Zarian.

    52 min

  6. 09/02/2025

    From Wargaming to AI: Sergey Osipov on Innovation from Cyprus

    In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Sergey Osipov - entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of global ventures including Wargaming and Placy AI. Sergey shares his journey from Belarus to Cyprus, and how living on the island pushes entrepreneurs to think globally from day one.We dive into the intersection of branding, technology, and artificial intelligence, exploring how AI is reshaping industries, why creativity is more important than ever, and what it means to build products for both people and robots. Sergey also reflects on Cyprus as a hub for innovation, the balance between work and lifestyle, and why passion and adaptability are the keys to thriving in an era of constant change.It’s a wide-ranging conversation about business, creativity, and the future of technology straight from one of Cyprus’ most dynamic entrepreneurial voices.Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

    48 min

  7. 08/05/2025

    Building Marketing Communities with Stavriana Nathanail

    In this episode of Made in Cyprus, Martin sits down with Stavriana Nathanail, marketing strategist, CMO, and host of Clicks & Cocktails, to talk about the evolution of Cyprus’ marketing scene. They dive into the power of localisation, why community matters more than competition, and how brands on the island can embrace collaboration to grow. Stavriana also shares her journey from startup dreamer to marketing leader, and why passion, hustle, and people-first thinking are at the heart of every great campaign.

    1h 4m

  8. 07/01/2025

    From Trauma to Trust: Stephanos & Helene on Authentic Relationships

    Relationships, emotional health, and authenticity — these are topics that impact us all but often stay buried beneath surface-level conversations. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Stephanos Ioannou, psychologist and founder of the Limassol Psychological Well-being Center, and Helene Alexi Ioannides, systemic therapist and authenticity coach, to explore the power of inner work and the dynamics of building a relationship that truly grows with you. From generational trauma and toxic patterns to returning to Cyprus and raising a family with intention, Stephanos and Helene open up about their personal journey, their professional insights and the daily practice of staying emotionally connected and honest. Whether you’re in a relationship, navigating your own personal development, or curious about the mental health movement in Cyprus, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look into what it really takes to love and live authentically. Brought to you by Factory 39 and Martin Zarian.

    54 min
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About

Made in Cyprus," the first English podcast that takes you behind the scenes of building a business and brand on this small but mighty island. Join us as we explore the big business stories from a tiny island, diving deep into the journeys of the people putting Cyprus on the global map. From the challenges to the triumphs, "Made in Cyprus" shines a light on the individuals putting Cyprus on the global map, embodying the spirit of "mitsi alla rotsi" — small but mighty! Brought to you by Factory 39, hosted by Martin Zarian.

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