Secrets of the Untracked Path Bolt's journey from Estonia to the World | Panathēnea 2026

How do you build a global technology company from one of Europe's smallest countries? At Panathēnea 2026, Markus Villig, Founder & CEO of Bolt, sits down with Menelaos Mazarakis, Founder of Mene Capital, for a candid conversation about Bolt's extraordinary journey from Estonia to becoming one of Europe's leading mobility and delivery platforms. The session was part of the opening program on the Peristylion Stage at Panathēnea 2026. Markus shares the lessons learned while scaling across dozens of countries, competing against global giants, building with limited resources, and turning perceived disadvantages into competitive strengths. The discussion also explores Europe's innovation landscape, the importance of risk-taking, long-term thinking, and what it takes to create the next generation of global tech champions. Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insights on ambition, resilience, and building world-class companies from unexpected places. Panathēnea is an international festival bringing together founders, investors, and innovators to explore the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and culture in Athens. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 11,500 participants from over 60 countries. Panathēnea returns every May — stay tuned.