George Tziralis

George Tziralis is a prominent figure in the Greek startup ecosystem and a Partner at Marathon Venture Capital. He has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and venture capital in Greece since the late 2000s.12

Background and Career

George's journey in the startup world began in 2007 when he was attempting to transform his Ph.D. research into a startup. Recognizing the lack of a supportive entrepreneurial community in Greece, he took the initiative to organize small events for like-minded individuals. These gatherings grew from a dozen attendees to hundreds, effectively giving birth to an entrepreneurial community in the country.1

Contributions to the Greek Startup Ecosystem

Community Building:: Tziralis is credited with starting the first entrepreneurial community in Greece, which laid the foundation for the country's burgeoning startup scene.12

Venture Capital:: Recognizing the dual challenges of capital scarcity and lack of relevant advice for Greek startups, Tziralis ventured into fund management. He has been instrumental in proving that significant technology companies could be built in Greece, raising the bar from $10 million to $100 million valuations through his successive funds.1

Role at Marathon Venture Capital

As a Partner at Marathon Venture Capital, George Tziralis continues to support and invest in promising startups. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million, with a sweet spot around $1.5 million.3 Marathon Venture Capital aims to leverage operational experience across software engineering, financing, product management, and company building to assist founders on a continuous basis.2

Philosophy and Approach

Tziralis is known for his belief in the potential of Greek entrepreneurs and his commitment to supporting them. He values:

• Being early and starting small
• Working with highly motivated individuals
• Perseverance in the face of skepticism

His approach to venture capital is characterized by a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial journey, finding fulfillment in helping founders advance their life's work despite the challenges and rejections inherent in the startup world.1