In the vibrant and growing economy of Cyprus, female entrepreneurs are making significant strides, driving innovation, and setting new standards in various industries. From technology and tourism to fashion and finance, women are not only breaking traditional barriers but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

Cyprus has been witnessing a significant rise in female entrepreneurship, with women increasingly taking the lead across diverse sectors, contributing to the island nation’s economic growth and innovation landscape. Women now constitute a notable portion of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cyprus, with a substantial increase in the number of businesses founded and led by women over the past decade. What’s even more encouraging is that female-led enterprises are not only emerging in traditional sectors such as hospitality, real estate, and healthcare but are also making substantial strides in cutting-edge fields like technology, gaming, and maritime services.

Cyprus has seen a notable increase in female entrepreneurship over the past decade. This rise can be attributed to several factors, including supportive government policies, increased access to education, and a growing awareness of gender equality. The representation of women in leadership roles, such as CEOs and founders, has seen a steady rise, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and diverse corporate environments. 

Moreover, initiatives promoting women’s entrepreneurship, access to funding, and support networks have played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Organizations and programs aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs have reported increasing participation and success stories, indicating a promising future for women in business across Cyprus.

This focus on female entrepreneurship is not merely about gender parity but also about tapping into the diverse talents and perspectives that women bring to the table, driving innovation and sustainable economic development in Cyprus. As the landscape continues to evolve, the contributions of female entrepreneurs are expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping Cyprus’s business environment and its global competitiveness in the years to come.

Louiza is currently the CTO of The Mighty Kitchen, a Cypriot healthcare and life sciences company, ranked in the Women in Leadership category in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 for the Middle East and Cyprus. Louiza stands out not only for her technological prowess but also for her leadership in fostering a majority female workforce at The Mighty Kitchen. Her focus on revolutionizing the faulty food system aligns with her commitment to sustainability, aiming to pave the way for a greener future in Cyprus's corporate landscape.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou serves as co-CEO of Tototheo Global, a global connectivity leader delivering comprehensive, innovative services across multiple sectors, including land, sea, and air. Her leadership extends far beyond her company, as evidenced by her role as president of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), where she advocated passionately for gender diversity and empowerment within the maritime industry. Despina's dedication to these causes was recently recognized when she was honored with the first-ever IMO Gender Diversity Award, presented by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez ahead of the International Maritime Organization Women in Maritime 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores Despina's influential leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in maritime technology and services worldwide.

Elena Grigorian is the CEO of MY.GAMES, a prominent European game developer and publisher with a massive global player base exceeding 1 billion users. Elena's leadership has been instrumental in steering MY.GAMES to the forefront of the gaming industry, earning her a place among Forbes’ Top 20 Women In Tech In Cyprus. Her strategic vision and innovative initiatives have not only bolstered MY.GAMES' position but have also contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of Cyprus's tech sector on an international scale.

Lyra Amvrosidou serves as the CEO and Director of Property Gallery Developers & Constructors Ltd, a key player in Cyprus's real estate and construction sector. Her leadership at Property Gallery is marked by a commitment to excellence and sustainability in development projects across the island. Lyra's strategic oversight and dedication to quality have positioned her as a leading figure in Cyprus's construction industry, driving growth and innovation within her company and beyond.

Maria Lavithi Howard is the visionary founder behind Heroes Made, a groundbreaking 'Software as a Service' platform designed to revolutionize online learning for children. This innovative solution integrates virtual classrooms within a digital world, where learning becomes an engaging adventure. Heroes Made not only facilitates interactive lessons but also fosters resilience and competence among students, teachers, and parents alike.

Maria's vision for Heroes Made is clear: to enhance societal effectiveness and resilience among future generations. By eliminating the need for lesson preparation, Heroes Made allows educators to focus solely on teaching, thereby optimizing the learning experience for students. This approach underscores Maria's commitment to educational advancement and empowerment, making Heroes Made a cornerstone in transforming how children engage with learning in the digital age.

Elena Georgiou Strouthos, a distinguished alumna of both the University of Cyprus and the University of Manchester with a background in Computer Science, co-founded Cocoon Creations, a pioneering agency renowned for its expertise in software platform design, development, and consultation. Prior to establishing Cocoon Creations, Elena garnered extensive experience in the IT sector of the hospitality industry, honing her skills in technological innovation and project management.

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Elena has actively contributed to Cyprus's tech community. She served as an executive Board Member of Cypriot Enterprise Link and held a pivotal role as team lead for hack {cyprus}, the nation’s inaugural hackathon and a prominent online technologist community. Elena's commitment to promoting gender diversity and women's achievements in tech is underscored by her role as a Women Techmakers Ambassador. She also hosts the insightful "Breaking the 20%" podcast, dedicated to exploring the historical contributions of women in technology, further cementing her influence as a thought leader in the field.

The rise of female entrepreneurship in Cyprus represents a pivotal shift towards inclusivity and economic dynamism, as more and more women are increasingly taking the helm in diverse sectors. With strategic initiatives and support networks in place, female entrepreneurs are not only driving innovation but also fostering a more equitable business environment. Moving forward, continued investment in female-led ventures will be essential to sustain this momentum and harness the full potential of Cyprus's entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring long-term economic prosperity and leadership in the global marketplace.