Danil Shelekhov, Vice President of Product Growth at Semrush, reveals why the company chose Cyprus 10 years ago, shares his vision for the future of digital marketing and outlines Semrush’s ambitions for further growth within the country’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.
Speaking to GOLD magazine on the occasion of the company receiving an Invest Cyprus International Investment Award, Hasapakos, among other things, also talks about what policies Cyprus should pursue to help the country achieve its goal of becoming a regional tech hub and expand its digital presence.
You set up operations in Cyprus in 2015, well before its tech sector had matured. What first attracted you to the island and how has your presence here influenced the company’s growth?
Even before 2015, Cyprus stood out to us for its diversity and that’s exactly what drew us in. Its cultural richness aligns closely with our values at Semrush, making it a natural fit for expansion. Another key factor was Cyprus’ favourable immigration framework, which made it easier to relocate skilled professionals. This supportive environment has helped us build a strong local team and attract top talent from around the world, fuelling both our presence here and our broader global growth.
Having seen the local ecosystem develop from up close, what are the most striking changes you’ve seen in Cyprus’ tech landscape?
The transformation of Cyprus’ tech ecosystem over the past few years has been remarkable. What stands out most is the rapid shift from a relatively small tech presence to a vibrant, globally connected innovation hub. We’ve seen a surge in startups, the arrival of international tech players and a growing focus on digital infrastructure and R&D. What’s also impressive is the increasing collaboration between the private sector, the Government and academia. It’s creating a fertile environment for sustainable growth. Cyprus is no longer just an attractive location. It’s becoming a serious contributor to the global tech conversation and we’re proud to be part of that!
In a crowded and increasingly competitive digital marketing space, how are you using Generative AI to stay ahead and where do you see the biggest opportunity?
At Semrush, we see Generative AI as a transformative force – one that we’ve been investing in since 2019. We’ve always believed in its ability to enhance productivity, streamline manual work and equip marketers with smarter, more effective tools. Today, Generative AI is fundamentally changing how people search. According to our study with Statista, 13 million US adults already use Generative AI as their primary search method – a number expected to reach 90 million by 2027. In this environment, visibility is no longer just about rankings; it’s about how and where people are discovering brands. We see the biggest opportunity in helping businesses show up across the full digital ecosystem: from traditional search to AI-generated answers, social platforms, marketplaces and beyond.
Finally, as the tech sector in Cyprus continues to mature, are you looking to expand your footprint here, through new roles, R&D or innovation hubs?
Absolutely! Cyprus remains a key part of our growth strategy. We’re actively hiring across multiple roles and continuing to expand our local footprint. Beyond team growth, we’re committed to contributing to the broader tech ecosystem through talent development, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. As the sector matures, we see even more opportunities to invest, connect and innovate here.
Congratulations on receiving an Invest Cyprus International Investment Award. What does this recognition mean to you and your team at Semrush?
Thank you! We’re truly honoured to receive this award. It’s especially meaningful that Cyprus has recognised our presence and growth here – we greatly appreciate the support and encouragement from the community – and this milestone comes at an exciting time on Semrush’s growth journey. Establishing a strong base here has been a strategic move and we deeply value Cyprus’ collaborative, forward-thinking approach to the tech industry. We see a bright future ahead and remain committed to growing in close partnership with the community. Being part of such a dynamic ecosystem is both a privilege and an opportunity that we’re excited to embrace.
Semrush
Semrush is a leading SaaS platform for online visibility management, helping businesses worldwide achieve measurable results in SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media and competitive research. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Boston, USA, Semrush has offices in 12 global cities, including Limassol, Cyprus where it has been present since 2015. Cyprus appealed to Semrush for its international diversity, which aligns with the company’s core values, and its favourable immigration framework that supports the relocation of skilled professionals. Beyond business, it actively engages with the community, supports civic initiatives, contributes to charitable causes and helps foster the local IT ecosystem.
This interview first appeared in the July edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
