The Group invests in innovative scale-ups with the objective to shape exciting shopping experiences
Public Group strategically invests to create an ecosystem of innovative scale-ups around Public, the leading omnichannel retailer in Greece and Cyprus, with the objective to bring new and exciting, omnichannel shopping experiences to its customers. Based on an innovative model for the market, the Public Group aims to accelerate the development and introduction of innovations in omnichannel retailing, by building a community of talented people, innovative businesses and technology platforms, while at the same fostering Greek entrepreneurship.
The Public Group ecosystem also features a venture capital arm, Public Capital Partners, through which the Group plans to invest €20m in companies that are active in the sectors of Retail Tech & eCommerce, Fintech, Logistics, Digital Payments, EdTech, Entertainment & Analytics. At the center of these investments will be companies that are powered by world class teams, have a proven business model and high customer satisfaction rates and are currently in the growth or expansion stage (scale-ups).
The launch of Public Group is based on the success of Public, a successful love brand and a destination that combines unique experiences with the best propositions in culture, technology and home appliances, as well as comprehensive services that inspire people to enjoy life. From financing and digital payments to onsite repairs, product delivery and installation, the Group’s goal is to provide customers with the best solutions and a superior experience, leveraging on the innovations developed by its ecosystem.
In this context, the recent investment in iRepair, the leader in electronics repairs in Greece, which was added to the Public Group ecosystem, brings to Public stores the most comprehensive repairs experience. Similarly, the Group’s participation in Douleutaras.gr will give Public customers access to the services offered by the largest and fast growing home services platform.
More partnerships are under works, thanks to Public Group’s participation at VentureFriends, the venture fund that invests in Seed και Series A startups, emphasizing on PropTech, FinTech, Marketplaces, TravelTech and SaaS.
Public Group also places emphasis on its ability to develop innovative solutions in-house and is introducing Public Next, a tech hub that develops IT systems and software solutions that focus on Retail & eCommerce to help organizations unleash new capabilities and stay ahead in the market.
“At Public Group, our objective is to constantly bring to the market new propositions that address the rapidly changing needs of our customers. By combining technology, talent and entrepreneurship in an ecosystem of investment initiatives and strategic partnerships, Public Group complements the services offered by Public, with new, tech-enabled solutions or platforms to shape an entirely new shopping experience. Moreover, we are developing our own tech hub to accelerate the development of technology applications and systems, thus radically transforming our employee and customer experience. Public Group is constantly evolving to create more value for its people, customers and society,” said Robby Bourlas, CEO of Public Group.
“Over the past two years, socio-economic developments combined with technological progress have accelerated significant changes in the life and demands raised by consumers, who are increasingly looking for more personalized experiences to address their different needs and lifestyle expressions. We therefore created Public Group to come closer to our customers, exactly where they need us, with the tools and services that can help improve their life. By sourcing the best of what the Greek scale-up scene has to offer, combined with the capabilities of our own tech hub, Public Next, we leverage the best minds and ideas to bring innovation to everyday life. We will continue to stand by our trusted customers and work with them to create the future of retail in Greece and Cyprus,” said Nikos Varvadoukas, VP Brand and Customer of Public Group.