Socratis is the founder and CEO of Parnasse S.A., the administrator of OpenCircle, the first equity crowd-funding platform in Greece, which was awarded the Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award in 2014, and is also a consultant at the Hellenic Alternative Stock Exchange (EN.A.). Socratis is also the founder and CEO of MELLON Advisory, a business development advisory firm, that focuses mainly on financial technology, and relative investment-attraction and business development for companies in the food, technology, bio-technology, energy, and tourism sectors.
Previously, Socratis worked in the marketing departments of large Greek multinational groups, such as Coca Cola 3E (bottler of Coca-Cola in 26 countries) and Fourlis Group (master franchisee of IKEA and Intersport, and distributor of Samsung products). In the last five years, Socratis has advised companies in regard to the process of internationalization, and investments worldwide.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Deree – The American College of Greece in Business, and an MBA in International business from HENLEY Management School, where he launched the “HENLEY Emerging Markets and International Business Forum,” along with fellow alumni and academics.
The Deree ’95 graduate is also a founding member and president of the Hellenic Start-up Association, a founding member of Hellenic Business Angels Network, and member of the Board of Synergies, an initiative for the development of innovation in Greece.
Q&A
Q.: What are three enduring lessons you learned during your studies at Deree?
Persistence, teamwork, follow-up
Q.: Describe Deree in three words.
‘Study and more’
Q.: One of your favorite Deree memories?
The day I met my future wife.
Q.: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
Although I had so much studying to do, and I was working full-time, the long nights of studying with the group are unforgettable.
Q.: Which was your favorite spot on campus?
I spent most of my time downtown but when I was on campus, the gym was my favorite place.
Q.: Who was your favorite professor and why?
I had a very good time with the late Mr. Gounas. He used to share all these beautiful stories.
Q.: Have you kept in touch with any of your classmates?
One of my classmates is my wife, another one married us, and we still hang out with a few more. We get to meet up with about 10-12 people from time to time.
Q.: How did Deree help prepare you for your professional life?
It helped me a lot by introducing to me to the meaning of “professionalism”, and providing me with a broad knowledge of business and teamwork.
Q.: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stay focused.
Q.: What (or who) inspires you most?
My vision.
Q.: Your motto in life?
Do not just exist, live.
