Business

The Difference Between Business and Street Smarts With Australia’s Youngest Millionaires Fotios Tsiouklas and Alan Gokoglu

Published

5 years ago

September 11, 2020

Many entrepreneurs identify themselves in a monopolistic way, which is either formal or informal business characteristics. Rarely will you find a hybrid type. Fotios Tsiouklas and Alan Gokoglu have, however, altered the narrative. Not only are they popular in the more corporate tech industry, but they as well have an identity in the multiple club businesses they have set up.

With the current growth in the e-platforms, the market base has expanded. Social media platforms have made the world look like a small village. For instance, you can easily communicate with another individual in less than a second whose location is more than 10,000 miles from your area. New technology has made communication very easy and eventually solved a lot of demographic hindrances that existed before.

Let’s have a close look at a clubbing environment. Well, you may have noticed that most clubs have a similar description of people who are rough along all edges. However, Fotios and Alan have made a slight twist to the concept. With the establishment and acquirement of Mango Fridays, Levels Melbourne, Club Sacred, and UNI BASH, Australia’s youngest self made millionaires, innovated a platform that has brought the American college party culture to Melbourne by combining all the universities and allowing students to mingle, network, and meet other university students.

By throwing house parties, they have united influencers through Melbourne and used the nightclubs to network with Australian celebrities who end up working with their agency and clients. Fotios and Alan applied their entrepreneurship business skills to identify revenue-generating platforms in the clubbing industry while balancing it with fun, drinks, and music.

On the other hand, the app development business has placed them at the top of the corporate ladder. The establishment of Kickspan, which was initially created as a basic growth service for social media, led over 12,000 paying clients to sign up for their software in under 24 months – leading to a $5m valuation from this alone with a stable 7-figure subscription business. Nevertheless, having the privilege and exposure to the real world made them realize the market gap. To accumulate clients, they have used strategic data provisioning as a primary source of traffic that leads to a dedicated landing page with a strategic sales funnel. Fotios and Alan also invest their money wisely into Real Estate with their AF Group.

Fotios and Alan have struck a balance between fun and business. Their tech business focuses on the development of apps to address the missing niche in the market. For instance, they have developed an app for young ones aged between 3-6, which will help them learn through fun and, at the same time, open these kids to the world of innovation. They also created a Greek learning app named Metropolis.

Fotios and Alan have signed collaborations with celebrity artists to boost their advertising and marketing strategies by having celebrities as their brand ambassadors. For instance, to push BodyBlendz product collection, a partnership between Blac Chyna, Body Blendz, and the Chemist Warehouse was the best option, simply because the celebrity acted as a practical example that the product works correctly and her image portrays the result.

Business is not only about making profit but addressing long term problems and focusing on the growth strategy. Make yourself known by differentiating yourself and uniquely attack the market to gain a positive influence.

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

4 days ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.