We are excited to announce that Dimitris Tsingos, the founder and CEO of Starttech Ventures, will be attending the Freshmen Reception 2024 and the Reunion of the classes of 1984, 1993, and 1994 at his alma mater, the University of Crete. This event promises to be a memorable reunion of past graduates and a fantastic opportunity for the university’s newest students to be inspired by the stories of alumni who have made a mark in their respective fields.
- Date: Friday, 27 September 2024
- Time: 10:00 – 16:00
- Location: “Nikos Petridis” Auditorium, University of Crete
- Watch Live: https://uoc-gr.zoom.us/j/84277787651
Dimitris Tsingos, a renowned entrepreneur and pioneer of Greece’s startup ecosystem, will not only attend the event but will also be delivering an insightful talk on the topic: “The Birth of the Greek Start-up Entrepreneurship Community at CSD Wing C”
This subject is deeply personal to Dimitris, as he is no stranger to the University of Crete’s entrepreneurial landscape. In September 2000, while still an undergraduate student, Dimitris co-founded Virtual Trip (VTrip) alongside four of his fellow students. Virtual Trip has the distinction of being Greece’s first student-founded startup and was launched from the Science and Technology Park of Crete. The idea was born out of a shared desire to create something impactful and to bridge the gap between academia and the practical business world—something that was not very common in Greece at the time.
Dimitris has often described this endeavor as a ‘life-changing experience,’ marking the beginning of a journey that would ultimately contribute to the shaping of Greece’s modern startup ecosystem. During one of Virtual Trip’s anniversaries, Dimitris shared how challenging, yet rewarding, that period was. Despite being a young startup born in the early 2000s—a time when the concept of startups was still quite new to Greece—Virtual Trip thrived. It grew, evolved, and ultimately became a seed for a portfolio of high-tech companies that would go on to achieve global success, even during Greece’s toughest economic times.
A Journey of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Perseverance
Virtual Trip laid the groundwork for a number of successful ventures, including:
- AbZorba Games – An innovative mobile gaming company.
- TalentLMS – A leading cloud-based learning management system.
- Yodeck – A platform revolutionizing digital signage globally.
These companies stand as proof of what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration, and a relentless drive come together. Each venture has made a significant impact not only in Greece but also on international markets, showcasing the power of Greek entrepreneurship in the global tech ecosystem.
Dimitris’ journey has not been without its challenges. Like many Greek entrepreneurs, he navigated the uncertainties and economic downturns that affected the country, particularly during the financial crisis. However, his enduring belief that “it’s all about the people” has been central to his leadership philosophy. He has consistently emphasized that the key to any startup’s success lies not just in the technology, but in the people behind it—their passion, their creativity, and their ability to work together toward a common goal.
Through Starttech Ventures, Dimitris has nurtured and supported many budding startups, helping to establish Greece as a rising hub for innovation. Starttech Ventures operates as a venture builder, providing not only financial backing but also the infrastructure, resources, and expertise needed to help new ventures succeed. His firm continues to guide promising tech startups, including newer ventures like DreamClass all of which are showing great potential to follow in the footsteps of earlier successes.
Returning to His Roots
Dimitris’ return to the University of Crete for this event is particularly meaningful because it symbolizes a full-circle moment in his career. As he steps onto the same campus where his entrepreneurial journey began, he will undoubtedly offer valuable insights into how the Greek startup community has evolved over the last two decades and what lies ahead.
In his speech, “The Birth of the Greek Start-up Entrepreneurship Community at CSD Wing C” Dimitris will reflect on the early days of Virtual Trip and how a small group of passionate students ignited a movement that would grow into something much larger. He will also share key lessons from his experience, particularly on how to build and sustain startups in challenging environments, drawing from his own successes and setbacks.
The talk is expected to inspire both freshmen and alumni alike, serving as a powerful reminder that the seeds of innovation can be planted anywhere—even in the hands of undergraduate students in a small university in Crete. And once planted, these seeds can grow into ventures that impact not only Greece but the world.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation
Today, Starttech Ventures remains focused on fostering innovation, not just in Greece but globally. Dimitris’ mission has always been to get people excited about technology—whether they are producing it, using it, or investing in it. His belief in the power of people to drive progress remains at the core of everything he does.
As we look to the future, we can only imagine what new ventures and innovations will emerge from the University of Crete and other institutions like it. Dimitris Tsingos’ journey stands as a testament to what is possible when passion, perseverance, and a dedication to making a difference come together.
We hope to see you at the Freshmen Reception 2024 & Reunion on 27 September 2024, where Dimitris will share his vision, his journey, and his thoughts on how we can continue to build a brighter future for Greek startups.