Whether you’re an avid F1 enthusiast or a casual observer, chances are you’ve been mesmerized by the speed and precision of these incredible machines. But have you ever wondered about who is behind such engineering brilliance? We spoke with Giorgos Stamatopoulos, a structural analyst at iCOMAT since 2022, to explore the story of one of Athens’ top funded startup’s and its groundbreaking work in aerospace and automotive technology.
The Spark That Ignited Innovation
It all began in 2017 when Evangelos Zympeloudis, then a postgraduate student in Bristol, envisioned a transformative future for composite manufacturing. Collaborating with his supervisor, he patented a technology that manipulates carbon fibers with precision, steering them without creating defects. This invention laid the foundation for iCOMAT, a company confident to redefine the possibilities of composite materials.
Starting modestly with a small UK team and just one employee in Greece, iCOMAT’s workforce has steadily grown. Giorgos himself was the second team member in Greece, and now the local team is rapidly expanding to keep pace with the company’s growth.
Collaborating with Titans
As Giorgos explains, iCOMAT serves a diverse clientele, ranging from aerospace giants to luxury automotive brands. Their expertise has contributed to components for rockets, satellites, and high-performance cars, including the elusive world of Formula 1. While Giorgos remains tight-lipped about specifics, he hints at exclusive visits to the headquarters of a certain top-tier F1 team. For those outside the field, the impact of iCOMAT’s work boils down to three game-changing benefits: enhanced performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
A Startup Backed by Visionary Investors
Innovation attracts attention, and iCOMAT is no exception. With a staggering €20.13 million in funding, the company ranks 7th among Greece’s top-funded startups according to the Venture Financing Report 2024-2025, Startups in Greece 2024–2025. Velocity Partners, one of their earliest investors, has supported them every step of the way, helping them transform their vision into reality.
The big news? iCOMAT will take its expertise to the next level by producing its designs in-house as they’ve opened their first factory in Gloucester. When asked why the UK was chosen over Greece, Giorgos explained that the complexity of their cutting-edge technology demands specialized knowledge that is currently more accessible in the UK.
A Home at Stone Soup
In Athens, iCOMAT enjoys the collaborative environment of a private office at Stone Soup. Beyond the facilities, they value the dedicated support from Olga and Giorgos, who are always ready to tackle challenges and celebrate milestones. Stone Soup’s community events are a highlight for Giorgos, who fondly recalls the monthly Meet and Drink. An event that aims to bring members together to share ideas and successes.
As the company continues to push boundaries in composite technology, their journey from a university lab in Bristol to global recognition is nothing short of inspiring. With innovation at its core and a team of passionate professionals steering the wheel, iCOMAT is the startup shaping the future of aerospace and automotive technology and engineering—one fiber at a time!
https://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Blog-banner-Wordpress-ICOMAT2-pdf.jpg12673200Commoperationshttps://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ssl300x300.pngCommoperations2025-02-25 13:47:262025-04-15 16:11:33From Bristol to Athens: iCOMAT’s Journey in Aerospace and Automotive Technology
As a digital nomad, the idea of being able to work from anywhere can be both exciting and daunting. With the rise of remote work and the increasing popularity of Athens as a travel destination, it’s no wonder that more and more people are considering the city as a potential base for their work-from-anywhere lifestyle. But before you pack your bags and head to Greece, it’s important to have all the information you need to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions about remote working from Athens, so you can feel confident in your decision to live and work in the city..
1. How is digital life in Athens?
The internet connection in Athens is generally reliable and fast. Most cafes, coworking spaces, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to worry about finding a hotspot. If you need a more reliable connection, you can also purchase a mobile data plan or sign up for a broadband plan in your apartment or hotel.
2. What is the cost of living in Athens?
Athens is considered one of the most affordable cities in Europe. The cost of living is low compared to other popular destinations for digital nomads, such as Berlin or Amsterdam. You can expect to pay around €700 to €900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Monthly utilities come in at around €150 to €200. When it comes to food and drink, prices are similarly affordable. A cup of coffee costs around €3 and a meal for one at a restaurant comes in at around €10 to €15.
3. What is the climate like in Athens?
Athens has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. During summertime, temperatures can reach up to 40°C. Therefore, taking regular breaks from the sun and staying hydrated it’s very important. The winter months are milder, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, and occasional rain showers.
4. What is the local language spoken in Athens?
The official language in Greece is Greek, but many Athenians speak English, especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. If you’re looking to brush up on your language skills, there are plenty of language schools and courses available in the city.
5. How easy is it for digital nomads to get around Athens?
Athens has a well-developed public transportation system. A combination of buses, trolleys, and metro trains make it easy to get around the city. If you prefer to travel on two wheels, there are also several bike-sharing options available, including Athens by Bike and Kineo.
6. What is the food scene like in Athens?
The food scene in Athens is diverse and delicious, with a mix of traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine. From street food stalls selling souvlaki to high-end restaurants serving up contemporary Greek cuisine, there’s something for everyone. And of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without trying the famous Greek yogurt, which is widely available in the city.
7. What are some must-see places in Athens?
Athens is a city rich in history and culture, with plenty of iconic landmarks and sites to visit. Here are some of the must-see places for digital nomads in Athens:
The Acropolis: This ancient citadel is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a symbol of Athens.
The National Archaeological Museum: This museum is home to some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greek civilization, including the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism.
Monastiraki Flea Market: This is a popular shopping destination for digital nomads, with an array of vintage clothing, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
Plaka: This is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens. It is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic houses, and traditional tavernas.
8. What are some of the best spots for digital nomads to go in Athens after work hours?
As a digital nomad, you might be wondering where to spend your evenings after a day of remote work in Athens. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting nightlife spots in the city to explore. Here are some alternative options to consider:
Gazi: Gazi is a vibrant district known for its nightlife and cultural scene. It has a wide range of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes, including live music venues, gay bars, and alternative bars.
Exarchia: This neighborhood is popular with the younger crowd and offers an alternative nightlife scene. It is known for its political activism and street art. It is also home to a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues.
Psirri: Psirri is a hip and trendy district that has a thriving nightlife scene. The area has many bars, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to enjoy a night out with friends.
Kerameikos: Kerameikos is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is quickly becoming one of Athens’ trendiest areas. It has a growing number of bars and cafes, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for something different.
Kolonaki: Kolonaki is an upscale neighbourhood that has a more sophisticated nightlife scene. It’s home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and rooftop lounges, offering stunning views of the city.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you can take a dip in one of the city’s many outdoor pools or enjoy a sunset from one of its many rooftop bars.
9. What kind of work environment can digital nomads expect in Athens?
Athens offers a variety of work environments for remote workers, including coworking spaces, cafes, and public parks. Most coworking spaces are equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic chairs, and other amenities to make your workday as comfortable and productive as possible. If you prefer working from a café, you’ll find that many cafes in Athens have a relaxed atmosphere and good coffee, making them ideal for long work sessions. Additionally, public parks in Athens are great for taking a break and getting some fresh air.
10. What kind of coworking spaces are there in Athens and where are they located?
Athens has become a truly attractive destination for ex-pats, while at the same time, locals are seeking new working environments and longing to socialize in the after-COVID-19 era. That is why many different types of coworking spaces have sprung up as well! You may find everything in the Greek capital and there are online search engines specifically for this, like coworkies.com. You may find coworking franchises, international hub brands, and independent Greek businesses like Stone Soup! These workspaces are scattered all over Athens, from Marousi in the North to Exarcheia, and all the way to Peiraeus next to the port.
In conclusion, Athens offers a wealth of opportunities for digital nomads looking to work remotely. With a thriving tech and startup scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a friendly and welcoming community, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to balance work and leisure. If you’re looking for a coworking space in Athens, we invite you to check out Stone Soup. Our coworking space is designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. We offer a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a team, we have everything you need to work, connect, and grow.
https://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/10-FAQs-about-.jpg6271200Commoperationshttps://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ssl300x300.pngCommoperations2023-04-20 14:33:152024-08-09 14:12:10#10 FAQs About Remote Working From Athens: A Practical Guide for Digital Nomads
Sergio is a freelancer specialising in informatics who first visited Athens six years ago while travelling. He came back to the city as a digital nomad and spend some of his time co-working with us.
Life in Athens
Having a Spanish origin, he feels very much at home in Athens and enjoys the Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle of the locals. He has already toured a few of the islands as well as mainland Greece. What excites him the most is how easy it is to get away from the city into the countryside and ‘zone out’ as he put is.
‘I love nature. It makes me feel recharged and gives me fresh energy which I can then put into my freelance work. As a remote worker I am fortunate to get the chance to do that!.’
Workingininformatics
After completing his studies in Media, Sergio moved to Germany in order to to pursue a career in informatics. He is currently working as a web developer for a German finance company. During the pandemic he had to work from home most of the time, but accommodating himself into co-working spaces changed his mindset for the better.
‘I feel so much more concentrated when in an office due to the fact that I get to work without distractions. I especially like Stone Soup as a space because of the warm and welcoming feeling this place has. The atmosphere is quite the opposite from the stiff corporate environment I was used to be around and I really embrace that.’
Videogames&more
Sergio’s hobby is prototyping video game ideas and developing graphics for them. He finds it way more exciting than anything else and he hopes to be able to make a living out of it in the future.
‘Having a project of your own is really fun and rewarding at the same time. For me it has been great working in an office space because I manage to split my time effectively in between my job and my hobby as well!’
https://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_1637-min-scaled-e1666179945548.jpeg10272248Community Managerhttps://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ssl300x300.pngCommunity Manager2022-10-21 12:25:112024-04-17 12:39:23Meet Sergio, a freelance dev who fell in love with Athens!
The collaborative community formed in coworking spaces is characterized by fluidity, flexibility, mutual understanding, and trust among members of the space. The role of hosts or community managers of coworking spaces is crucial for the aesthetics and ambiance that each space represents and diffuses to its members and customers. Community management is a process of blurring the boundaries between activities that require communication, interaction, and reciprocity.
A coworking community is a story of stories
If we seek for a definition on the concept of community, then a collaborative goal is definitely the central point. Each member’s and host’s experience is built around this common goal that can take various forms!
The concept of community in franchises and independent spaces differs a lot. Each concept is based on the forms of relationships among coworkers and between managers and coworkers. The parameters that reveal these relationships are values, such as trust and the ambiance created, such as coziness. Sharing your needs is a one-way street. Hence it is an experience that all members of a coworking space will collect at some point. The truth is that most coworking spaces are hybrid forms. As a result, there are many variations of community and collaboration narratives.
Finally, the narrative of the community constructed in each coworking space is not introverted and isolated from the larger public space. The spaces are urban meeting points in the city and they have an impact on their surroundings. Depending on the relationship they seek with the public sphere, they are accelerators of growth for startup entrepreneurship, intervention and activism for public policies, and social action and contact with the neighborhood around them.
A coworking community is like a novel, a story composed by each member’s storytellings. That is why a host should love listening to people and learning their stories.
Social impact begins from understanding someone’s needs after listening patiently and carefully. Taking advantage of impromptu happenings and serendipity moments is a great start! Unexpected experiences are what make a coworking community look like a group of friends, colleagues, or strangers at the same time. Whatever you pick, it’s your choice, as long as it helps you flourish!
https://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/featureimage-scaled.jpg10132560Community Managerhttps://www.stonesoup.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ssl300x300.pngCommunity Manager2022-09-28 11:00:342024-10-25 12:30:51What makes a coworking community thrive is you
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