PwC Cyprus launches the "Scale-up" programme

"Scale-up" aims to support start-ups accelerate growth

PwC Cyprus has recently announced the launch of its “Scale-up” programme, which aims to accelerate  growth of start-ups in Cyprus. The first cycle of ‘Scale Up’ was officially launched on Thursday, 9 September 2021, with the 4 start-ups that were selected to take part, receiving a presentation of the programme’s different modules.

"Scale-up" is a new programme specifically designed to offer start-ups the services and tools they need to accelerate growth. These include, among others, participation in events and specialised workshops, access to PwC’s international network of professionals as well as its external network that includes decision-makers, potential clients and associates.

The ten-week programme will provide participants with consulting services in a wide array of topics such as sales, market positioning and fundraising.

The four start-ups that were selected to participate in the programme come from a broad range of sectors:

• GLOBAL AQUA NORMA: Has invented a disruptive technology that desalinates and purifies water in a sustainable way with the lowest electricity consumption and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) following circular economy principle.
• FORNELIA: Designs, produces and sells high efficiency solar ovens.
• ARIA: Uses blockchain technology to empower people to be in control of their health by giving them complete privacy, security and easy management and sharing of their medical records. All through direct integrations with healthcare providers.
• BLEND: A Team Management app that helps managers in restaurants, bars, and hotels organise and communicate with their team. Its smart algorithm can generate weekly schedules in seconds, and its task management feature can automatically assign checklists to the right person at the right time.

Upon completion of the programme, the companies will have the opportunity to participate in other PwC network programmes, which focus on helping start-ups become investor-ready and raise institutional finance as well as help them connect with established businesses that will help them grow to the next level.

Vasilios Vrachimis, Partner at PwC Cyprus who is in charge of “Scale-up”, noted that “PwC supports entrepreneurship and innovation through a number of initiatives including strategic collaborations with business and academic organisations. Our new programme aims to help bridge the gap between the start-up ecosystem and the corporate world, accelerate change and innovation and get start-ups ready for future challenges”.