Tilo Bonow, the Founder and CEO of PIABO Communications, took to the Global Entrepreneur Stage on the first day of INSPIRE 2025— Cyprus’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity — to share his entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future.
“Technology has been the biggest disruptor in recent years — like nothing else,” he said, highlighting how platforms such as Uber transformed entire industries through innovative storytelling and customer focus. “Who else, if not entrepreneurs, can make change in our world?” Bonow added, pointing to breakthroughs like autonomous driving, AI in cancer prevention, new mobility solutions, and revolutionary communication platforms.
For him, the key lies in customer-centricity and clarity of vision. “You have to be smart, flexible, and put yourself in the shoes of customers. Entrepreneurs with super laser focus, who don’t get distracted by vanity, are the ones building the best products. And they are also master storytellers,” Bonow said. He argued that Europe, in particular, struggles with storytelling compared to figures like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, or Jeff Bezos, adding, “We need people who inspire others to enter entrepreneurship — people who are curious, personally responsible, and who lead with a mission and vision.”
Bonow underlined the importance of authenticity in entrepreneurial narratives, “It’s not just about successes. When you share your failures and challenges, you’re telling the story of a true hero’s journey.” Reflecting on his own agency’s rapid scaling, he admitted, “The biggest challenge was having too many clients and not enough people. You have to invest earlier to create the right structure.”
As CEO of PIABO Communications, Bonow leads an agency that partners with global giants including Google, Stripe, GitHub, Shopify, OpenAI, and Sequoia Capital. Specialising in Public Relations, Digital Strategy, Content Marketing, and Influencer Relations, PIABO has become a trusted partner for tech leaders and innovators worldwide. Beyond this, Bonow is also an active investor, having backed more than 50 VC funds through his family office.
Closing his talk, he offered advice to young entrepreneurs in Cyprus: “It’s never about how big your country is. Sweden gave us Spotify. With AI and technology, you can build unicorn companies from anywhere — even a small island. What matters is the entrepreneurial spirit: passion, product focus, storytelling, and the resilience to build something great."
The discussion was moderated by Stavriana A. Kofteros, Founder, Partner, W11 Ventures.
INSPIRE 2025 Partners & Sponsors
Strategic Partner: Cyta Business
Platinum Sponsor: Bank of Cyprus
Gold Sponsors: ECOMMBX, Zorbas Group, Cyfield
Silver Sponsors: PwC Cyprus, Petrolina, Bioland
Academic Sponsor: University of Nicosia
Stage Sponsors: National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), KPMG Cyprus, Odyssey, CyRIC/Gravity Ventures Incubator, Invest Cyprus
Panel Sponsors: HRDA, OPAP
Podcast Presenter: Payabl.
Sponsors: Hermes Airports, IMR, Libertex
Technology Partner: Kotsovolos
Community Partner: TechIsland, Junior Achievement Cyprus
Innovation Partner: Research & Innovation Foundation (IDEK)
Mobility Partner: Pilakoutas Group
Sustainable Transport Partner: Cyprus Public Transport
Sustainability Partner: Electricity Authority of Cyprus
Coffee Partner: Coffee Berry
Partner: Charalambides Christis
Supporters: ASBIS, CSR Cyprus, Capacitor Partners, HJS Insurance Agents, Mastercard, Robura, Superad, Kapodistrias, Photos Photiades Breweries & Epilogi, Voici La Mode Group of Companies, GrantXpert, Gap Vassilopoulos, Techbiz, Grow Sustainability Consulting, ASBIS, Murex, Drastyc, Bolt
With the support of: Cyprus Computer Society, CITEA, CPMA, Youth Board of Cyprus, OEB, Skills Cyprus, National Betting Authority
Media Sponsors: Alpha Cyprus, CBN, IN Business, Reporter, SuperFM
Organizer: IMH
Under the auspices of: Municipality of Nicosia
- INSPIRE 2025 – Where passion meets action, and action changes the world.
