FROM ZERO Session #2: Exit Stories // Before, during and post exit.

From Zero Session #2 — Exit Stories // Before, during and post exit.

What it takes to grow, sell, and start again

From Zero is a startup event series and community dedicated to those building from nothing.
Bringing together founders, technologists, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs, each event spotlights a different angle of the startup journey — raw, real, and unfiltered.

After kicking off with Resilience in Startups, Session #2 dives into what it takes to grow and exit a company — and how founders navigate the chapter that follows.

We’ll hear from three experienced Cypriot founders who’ve sold their startups to larger players, each bringing their own unique stories and perspective on the journey to exit — from timing and strategy to navigating difficulties before, during and post exit. Together, we’ll unpack the decisions, emotions, and lessons behind their stories.

Our Speakers

Demetrios Zoppos — Co-Founder & Partner, 33East VC
Demetrios is an experienced entrepreneur and investor. He’s a founding Partner at 33East — the first venture capital fund of its kind in Cyprus — on a mission to turn the island into a hive of innovation and entrepreneurship. 33East backs ambitious founders with capital, support, and global connections. A serial founder himself, Demetrios has built and sold several ventures including GF-X, onefinestay, and Klevio, and has backed more than 25 startups as an angel investor.

Stephanos Stephanov — Co-Founder & COO, 2050 Materials
Stephanos is on a mission to make sustainability simple in the built environment. As co-founder of 2050 Materials, he’s building the data platform that empowers designers and construction companies to make data-driven, sustainable design decisions at scale. Over the past five years, 2050 Materials has redefined how structured data and material intelligence can drive climate action in the construction sector. 2050 Materials was acquired by Once For All Group in November 2025.

Nicholas Andreou — Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Locum’s Nest
Nicholas is a doctor-turned-entrepreneur who co-founded Locum’s Nest, a fast-growing health-tech platform transforming how NHS hospitals connect with clinicians — improving staffing, reducing spend, and empowering doctors to work flexibly. Drawing on his medical background, Nicholas brings a rare mix of empathy and execution to healthcare innovation, leading Locum’s Nest to become one of the UK’s most trusted digital solutions within the NHS. Locum’s Nest was acquired by Aya Healthcare in June 2025.

The fireside chat will be moderated by Michael Hadjijoseph – Co-founder of Stagedoor, acquired by Trafalgar Entertainment in November 2022.

Agenda

When: Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025

18:30 - 19:00 - Gathering, drinks
19:00 - 20:30 - Fireside chat with Q&A
20:30 - 21:30 - Mingling & networking (drinks and bites)

Our sponsors & supporters

• Pale Blue is a software engineering firm specializing in custom software solutions for clients worldwide. We focus on delivering tailored software to meet unique business needs while also operating as a startup studio, turning our own innovative ideas into reality.
• QBeat Academy empowers professionals and teams with cutting-edge tech education. Our academy offers expert-led courses designed to enhance skills, drive innovation, and accelerate careers in an ever-evolving digital world.
• Google Developer Group Cyprus is an independent group of developers across Cyprus. We aim to run tech talks, workshops, study groups, networking events, and hackathons, as well as partner with major initiatives in Cyprus to promote and support the technical community of Cyprus. We also power our very own podcast, check it out at Hack Cyprus Podcast.
• Pink Loopa is a creative media production company dedicated to crafting cinematic, high-impact content for events of every scale. We work closely with each client to deliver standout and custom visual aesthetics that elevate every moment. Our mission is simple: to raise the visual standards in Cyprus and deliver media that feels modern, memorable, and unmistakably premium.