Playing the Long Game in a Short-Term Ecosystem | Panathēnea 2026

How do you build lasting companies in a world obsessed with short-term results? At Panathēnea 2026, Niklas Radner, CEO of Nelly, joins Akis Bratsos, Partner at Lakestar, for a conversation on long-term thinking, sustainable growth, and building businesses that endure. In an ecosystem often driven by rapid fundraising, quarterly metrics, and constant pressure to scale, the most successful companies are frequently those that remain focused on long-term value creation. Drawing on their experience as both operator and investor, Radner and Bratsos discuss how founders can balance ambition with discipline, make better strategic decisions, and build resilient companies through changing market conditions. Together, they explore leadership, product strategy, company culture, and the importance of patience in entrepreneurship. The conversation also examines how AI and technological change are accelerating innovation while making long-term vision more important than ever. Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or technology enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into building companies that stand the test of time. Panathēnea is an international festival bringing together founders, investors, scientists, artists, 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.