Christos Floros

Tag: technology

  • Compete Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

    Compete Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

    Before 9 AM today, I’d already had two meetings.

    The pace is intense, but that’s what makes being involved in new ventures so exciting.

    Every conversation opens a door—new ideas, new challenges, and a constant test of how quickly I can absorb, adapt, and apply.

    Since announcing Project Monnet, the messages haven’t stopped. People from across industries reaching out, offering insights, asking the right questions, challenging my thinking. I still have a list of people I need to reach out to.

    First call was key developments and messaging strategy for Deelan, a project Panos Meidanis is leading to redefine training platforms, that I’m incredibly excited to be involved in.

    Two completely different worlds—one about the future of digital public spaces, the other about the future of learning—but the same lesson applies: the steepest learning curves are where the real energy is.

    In the second call, Brian and I talked today about how social media doesn’t just connect people—it shapes them. How easily influenced 17-24 year-olds are running around supporting new oligarchs. How platforms don’t just reflect culture, they create it. What decentralised hosting really would mean for a platform like Monnet, how decisions now will impact the way it scales, how it’s governed, and who truly owns the conversation.

    This is the beauty of being in the middle of something new.

    You start by trying to solve a problem, and along the way, you realise the real challenge is learning to be hyper-focused—knowing what matters, what doesn’t, and to bring in people who are stronger where you are not.

    There’s a temptation in any venture to try to do everything. To be everywhere.

    But that’s not how things get built.

    The best founders don’t micromanage every detail—they surround themselves with the right people, the ones who can take a vision and execute it better than they ever could alone.

    On another, really meaningful note. Sven Clement recently asked me: Imagine you succeed. What happens if, in five years, Meta wants to buy you out?

    It’s a good question.

    One I don’t have a perfect answer to yet.

    But what I do know is that real alternatives can still be built. That despite Peter Thiel’s fixation on monopolies, competition isn’t dead. That Apple wasn’t first, IBM didn’t stay dominant, and history is full of moments where something new disrupted what looked untouchable.

    And history is shifting again.

    The U.S. is locking in its digital dominance. A $500 billion AI investment will attempt to cement its control over the next era of technology. Trump is openly pushing to make Canada a state, reinforcing the fact that this is no longer just about trade or defense alliances—it’s about control.

    About consolidating influence, about deciding who owns the future.

    So where does that leave Europe?

    Still debating whether we need to compete.

    Still relying on platforms that don’t reflect our interests.

    Still waiting.

    But we don’t have time to wait.

    The future of democracy is linked to digital sovereignty.

    Right now, I’m in the middle of that learning curve—balancing multiple projects, solving different problems, staying focused while embracing what I don’t yet know. It’s challenging. It’s chaotic. It’s exactly where I want to be.

    On to the next call. For Hootsuite, the regular work day begins, we’re building the future of social media performance. The entire #Oneteam is working on solving the biggest marketing and ROI question since the invention of social media. Perhaps even media itself.

    2025, accelerating fast.

  • Project Monnet, Platforms for Europe

    “Social” media has become the heart of contemporary life.

    It’s where ideas spread, debates unfold, and communities grow.

    These platforms shape how we communicate, how we consume information, and how economies thrive. But they are owned and controlled far from Europe, driven by interests that often clash with our values.

    This is no longer sustainable.

    For years, Europe has been a bystander in the digital revolution, relying on platforms that profit from our engagement while undermining our privacy, trust, and independence. There’s also immense opportunity still: the creator economy is now worth over $220 billion—and growing to over $500 by 2027—but Europe has yet to claim its space.

    That needs to change.

    This is why I am leading Project hashtag#Monnet, an initiative to building a true European competitor.

    A platform designed from the ground up to reflect European values—privacy, fairness, NEUTRALITY—and to empower creators, not exploit them. A platform where users are respected, data is protected, and creators can thrive sustainably. Currently only 0.1% of creators can live through their work.

    This isn’t just about creating another social media platform.

    It’s about giving Europe a voice in the digital age.

    About ensuring we are not forever dependent and can also help shape innovation through healthy competition.

    The challenge is immense.

    Platforms like TikTok and Instagram dominate because they’ve invested billions—not just in technology, but in capturing markets and locking in users. Bytedance spent 5 dollars to acquire each of your kids as a user.

    And as America doubles down on its digital dominance with unprecedented investments in AI, Europe risks falling even further behind.

    But I believe this is the moment.

    With the right vision, leadership, and investment, Europe can build its own digital ecosystem.

    One that isn’t defined by manipulation, disinformation, or exploitation. One that prioritizes trust, transparency, and opportunity.

    The work has already begun. I am collaborating with a team of experts in social media, technology, and digital strategy to turn Project Monnet into a reality. I’m connecting digital, social, business and political leaders throughout Europe (EU+) to get this done.

    We know what we are up against, but we also know that Europe cannot afford to wait any longer.

    This is our chance to shape the future.

    If we don’t, someone else will.

    Politics won’t solve this moment, the market must.

    Project Monnet is about more than building a platform.

    It’s about building Europe’s digital independence.

    And the time to act is now.

    —-

    If you are interested in BUILDING this get in touch. OR: Tag a friend who might be interested. Risk Capital connections very welcome. This is going to be capital intensive. If you’re interested in discussing this at a think tank level, this is NOT for you.

  • Cybersecurity, a Secure and Resilient Europe

    Cybersecurity, a Secure and Resilient Europe

    In the upcoming EU elections, one of my primary concerns is the security and resilience of Europe in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

    The concept of defense has evolved significantly in the 21st century. Traditional defense mechanisms, while still crucial, are no longer sufficient in isolation. Cyber threats targeting our critical infrastructure, financial systems, and even democratic processes are a challenge we have to keep on tackling. The European Union has got to make cybersecurity a key component of its defense strategy.

    From energy grids to communication networks, Europe’s infrastructure is increasingly reliant on digital technologies. A single cyberattack can disrupt entire cities, cause economic turmoil, and endanger lives. Recent incidents have shown how vulnerable our infrastructure can be, making it imperative to enhance our cyber defenses. Cybercrime, identity theft, and online fraud are growing concerns that affect millions of Europeans.

    A unified approach is essential. By fostering cooperation among member states, and sharing intelligence and best practices, we can create a resilient defense network capable of thwarting cyber threats.

    Cybersecurity is not just about defense of course; it’s also a driver of innovation. By investing in cybersecurity, Europe can lead in developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions that have global applications.

    As your candidate, I am committed to championing policies that strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and position Europe as a leader in the digital world.