Partners Who Understand Defence
We don't just advise. We operate alongside you with decades of experience at the intersection of defence, technology, and innovation.
Born at the Intersection of Defence & Innovation
THYREON was founded to address a critical gap in European defence: the need for strategic partners who truly understand both the defence ecosystem and the world of commercial innovation.
Our founders saw that European SMEs and tech companies struggled to navigate defence markets, not because their solutions weren't valuable, but because they lacked the relationships, knowledge, and strategic guidance to succeed.
Today, THYREON serves as the bridge between these worlds, helping organisations enter defence markets, build winning coalitions, and deploy innovative capabilities where they matter most.
Decades of Defence Experience
Konstantinos Michanetzis
Founder, THYREON | Head of Strategic Partnerships
Former Hellenic Navy Officer, Naval Architect, MSc MIT
Former Hellenic Navy Officer with an engineering background in Naval Architecture and an MSc in Maritime Operations from MIT. Specializes in dual-use technology transfer and the creation of defence-oriented ventures, bridging operational military needs with scalable innovation and entrepreneurship.
Antonios Platias
Managing Director, THYREON
Major General (ret.), Hellenic Army
Retired Major General of the Hellenic Army and former Director of National Defence Policy. Expert in EU and NATO defence programs, hybrid threats, and strategic policy design, providing high-level strategic leadership and institutional insight.
Thanasis Michanetzis
Head of Commercial Strategy, THYREON
Senior Commercial Executive | International Pharma & Business Performance
Over two decades leading commercial operations and business performance across CEE in multinational pharma. Background in Computer Science and Business Management (NKUA). Now leads THYREON's commercial strategy, connecting defence stakeholders with AI-powered solutions and European programme opportunities.
Kyriakos Alexiou
Chief Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Systems Officer
Captain (ret.), Hellenic Navy | AI & Advanced Systems Expert
Retired Captain of the Hellenic Navy and former Chief Engineer of Submarines. Holds advanced degrees in Shipping Technologies and Artificial Intelligence. Leads the design, evaluation, and integration of AI-driven defence and dual-use systems, translating advanced research into operational capability.
Dimitrios Raftogiannis
Director of Strategic Relations
Captain (ret.), Hellenic Navy | MSc Harvard Kennedy School
Retired Captain of the Hellenic Navy with an MSc in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Leads high-level relationships with defence institutions, maritime stakeholders, and industry partners, strengthening strategic alignment, trust, and long-term cooperation across the defence ecosystem.
Dimitris Koupatsiaris
Director of European Defence Fund (EDF) Programs
Captain (ret.), Hellenic Navy | Horizon Europe & EDF Project Manager
Retired Captain of the Hellenic Navy and certified Project Manager for Horizon Europe and EDF programs. Holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School (USA), with expertise in C4I systems, cybersecurity, and military communications.
Ioannis Tzanos
Director of Human Resources & Defence Talent
Captain (ret.), Hellenic Navy | MSc IT Management, CIPD Level 5
Retired Captain of the Hellenic Navy and senior HR leader, with an MSc in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School (USA) and CIPD Level 5 certification. Designs human capital strategies, talent placement, and defence-focused upskilling programs connecting experience with innovation.
Part of a Broader Innovation Network
THYREON operates as the Defence & Security Business Unit of Seeders IKE, a Greek innovation company focused on entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and startup acceleration.
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StartSmart SEE
Formerly MIT Enterprise Forum Greece, StartSmart SEE is one of Southern Europe's most successful technology accelerators, with 250+ startups accelerated and €400M+ raised.
Visit StartSmart SEE
Delivering NATO's Defence Innovation Programme in Greece
Our team was contracted by NCSR Demokritos to deliver key components of NATO DIANA's first cohort in Greece. This included defence and business training, and an unprecedented field demonstration with Hellenic Special Forces at Megalo Pefko base, where accelerator teams experienced real-world military operations first-hand.
What Drives Us
Partnership Over Transaction
We succeed when you succeed. Our models align our interests with yours.
Operational Expertise
We bring decades of hands-on experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
European Focus
We understand the unique dynamics of European defence procurement and industrial policy.
Results Over Reports
We measure success by outcomes achieved, not deliverables submitted.
Ready to Navigate European Defence?
Entering the market, building a consortium, or scaling your defence capabilities? Let's talk.
Or download our Capability Brief to learn more about how we work.