It’s your friend’s birthday and you’re not sure what they want or even need. You’ve scoured stores online and haven’t found something you think they’d like, nothing that really speaks to you. You choose the simple route and buy them a gift card from a clothes store, but it’s not from a store they prefer. What you’re left with is a “thank you” and, “it’s the thought that matters”. 

This is where Prezzius, a Cyprus-based startup comes in to change the game entirely and helps both retailers and consumers make meaningful gifts with flexibility and versatility, from anywhere, at any time. Founded by Lambros Nicolaou and Kypros Hadjistyllis, Prezzius digitizes a part of the retail sector and the gifting experience with a powerful tool - digital gift cards.

The inception of Prezzius was driven by Lambros Nicolaou's personal insight into the limitations of the existing gifting market. Rather than embarking on a quest for the ideal gift, Lambros sought to address a broader issue: the need for more selection, flexibility, and convenience in gifting. 

This vision, shared by his co-founder Kypros Hadjistyllis, led to the creation of a platform that offers digital gift cards from an array of more than 40 brands. These gift cards can be sent via SMS or email and can be personalized through meaningful digital designs and images on the go from your phone.

Prezzius distinguishes itself through its Flex Card, which offers recipients the unprecedented flexibility to choose from which brand they redeem their gift, encompassing over 40 brands. This feature enhances the user experience and caters to the diverse preferences of today's consumers, making it significantly easier to allow the person receiving the gift card to find something they truly want. 

The ability to send these digital gift cards instantly—or schedule them for a special occasion—highlights Prezzius's commitment to convenience and adaptability.

While Prezzius initially set out to transform the consumer gifting landscape in Cyprus, its ambition didn't stop there. Recognizing the untapped potential in the corporate sector, Lambros and Kyriakos are developing a second platform focused specifically on corporate gifting. 

This strategic expansion aims to introduce a novel concept in Cyprus, where digital gifting solutions for businesses are still in their infancy. By offering a tailored platform for corporate gifts, Prezzius is poised to fill a significant gap, providing companies with a modern, efficient, and customizable gifting solution.

The journey of Prezzius has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Integrating with stores’ systems and selecting the right development partners were early obstacles that tested the founders' resolve. However, their determination and strategic decisions to collaborate with skilled developers abroad have paved the way for the platform's success. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, while initially seen as an opportune moment for launch, ultimately served to prime the market for digital solutions like Prezzius, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of the team behind it.

As Prezzius continues to grow, its focus on adding new brands and expanding into different categories remains unwavering. The forthcoming corporate gifting platform represents a significant step forward, promising to revolutionize how businesses in Cyprus think about and manage their corporate gifting. 

This commitment to innovation, coupled with an openness to funding opportunities, positions Prezzius for continued success and expansion, both within Cyprus and potentially beyond. Reaching this stage in their journey, however, came down to one significant factor.

The synergy between Lambros Nicolaou and Kypros Hadjistyllis cannot be overstated. Their journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and mutual support. As they navigate the complexities of the retail industry, their partnership stands as a foundation for Prezzius's achievements and future aspirations.

Listen to Prezzius’ entire journey from Lambros Nicolaou in Future Talks’ full episode, here.