Dmitriy Punin:
Shaping the Future Together

PUNIN GROUP’s visionary founder Dmitry Punin shares insights into his investment journey, Cyprus’s unique business potential, and future industry trends in a big interview for Sigma Magazine. Discover how strategic decisions and passion have driven success.

My journey as an investor began with a natural instinct — to spot opportunities, bring them to life and build projects that are both profitable and beneficial to people. Many of these ventures were launched to address real needs, including my own, as I saw gaps in the Cypriot market that had yet to be filled. I take a thorough, analytical approach to every opportunity and from the start, I recognised Cyprus’s immense potential as a business destination. It’s an incredible island with favorable investment conditions, tax incentives and vast opportunities across various industries. That became the foundation for establishing PUNIN GROUP. Today our portfolio spans DEVELOPMENTS, WINE & SPIRITS, HoReCa, HEALTH & BEAUTY and IT, with AUTO and HOSPITALITY soon to follow. My focus has been on building strong relationships with key partners and gaining deep insights into their needs to better navigate the local business landscape. What has always set me apart is the ability to be in the right place at the right time and make strategic decisions swiftly.

Cyprus offers several strategic advantages that make it an attractive destination for investors. Its prime geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa provides seamless access to international markets, making business operations significantly easier. Another key factor is its robust legal system, along with European grants, tax incentives and streamlined business registration processes available to potential investors. But for me, the most important aspect is the transparent and straightforward dialogue between investors and the government. The Cypriot authorities recognise the value of attracting capital for the island’s development and are open to direct communication with investors to foster a business-friendly climate.

Before investing in real estate, we conduct a thorough market analysis to ensure we meet the needs of our target audience and stay in demand in Cyprus. We acquire properties and land for development from the open market and through bank auctions, allowing us to secure the best deals, keeping the cost price of finished projects below market levels when they are put up for lease or sale. Over the past year, we have purchased several commercial properties, many of which are currently undergoing full-scale renovations. Once completed, they will not only generate investment returns but also contribute to shaping key landmarks on the island. Our goal is to turn every opportunity into an outstanding project that benefits both Cyprus and our investment partners. The PUNIN GROUP slogan, “We Make Cyprus Better”, reflects our philosophy of partnership and drives all our projects toward sustainable and forward-thinking development. I firmly believe that a true investor must remain dynamic, flexible and always ready to identify opportunities and take decisive action at the right moment.

Indeed, Cyprus continues to break records in tourism revenue and number of tourists. The government is actively working to extend the tourist season beyond the summer months, creating opportunities to enhance related services and experiences. As part of our expansion, we recently signed an agreement to acquire a hotel in Limassol, with plans to transform it into a five-star boutique hotel that will offer guests a new level of luxury. Entering the HOSPITALITY sector not only diversifies our portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to investing in areas that align with market trends, contribute to the local economy and create new job opportunities for the community.

Now there is a growing interest in Grand Vin and collectible spirits. Wine culture is shaping the market, driving improvements in production and consumer experiences. I have always had a deep appreciation for great wine and this passion inspired me to create something truly special in Cyprus in wine retail and winemaking. It ultimately led to the launch of the largest wine store boutique — Punin Wine. For us, offering exceptional quality products is essential. We aim to provide a unique experience for consumers, where every product reflects its true value and a deep respect for tradition. This philosophy extends to all our investments — we approach each project with a clear vision, well-founded decisions and the right partners. Today, we have grown into Cyprus’s largest distributor and one of the key suppliers in both B2C and B2B sectors. One of the key milestones and personal challenges for me in WINE & SPIRITS has been establishing our own production.To make this vision a reality, PUNIN GROUP recently acquired the well-known Cypriot winery Hadjiantonas, which will soon be rebranded as Domaine (Chateau) Punin. When I talk about launching our own production, I mean a complete transformation: modernization of facilities, investment in cutting-edge equipment and planting our own vineyards. Our five-year goal is to bring a world-class Grand Vin from Cyprus to the market and earn international recognition for it.

Not at all. On the contrary, I actively participate in investment and business forums both in Cyprus and abroad, always on the lookout for promising projects and new opportunities. One thing I can say for sure — I don’t invest in mere ideas or startups. PUNIN GROUP is built on expertise, experience, strong professional networks and a carefully calculated approach to risk, all aimed at ensuring long-term capital growth. I’m always open to exploring new directions, but I expect the same level of commitment from my partners. They should either have a deep understanding of the business they’re scaling or be willing to trust my years of experience and proven results for our mutual growth.

When choosing where to invest, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and find reliable partners with strong expertise and administrative capabilities. High returns are directly tied to market analysis and a clear understanding of supply and demand dynamics. This is especially true for industries like IT, commercial real estate, retail and hospitality. It’s also important to invest in something you are genuinely passionate about — this is what leads to the best results. For example, my primary investment focus is on WINE & SPIRITS, DEVELOPMENTS and iGaming, as I see strong growth potential in these sectors based on my expertise. These industries resonate with me the most.

When choosing investment partners, I focus on several key factors. First and foremost, they must be true professionals with solid experience in their field. Equally important are the resources and connections they bring to the table — these play a crucial role in successfully executing a project when I am invited as an investor. I always seek long-term partnerships because successful investments take time to grow. A strong partnership is built on mutual support and the ability to strengthen each other to achieve success. Thanks to my years of experience, I have developed an extensive professional network across various industries, allowing me to make confident investment decisions and quickly identify the right partners for our ventures.

The most valuable lesson is the importance of carefully choosing both partners and industries. Money, of course, matters, but it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor when considering a collaboration. True success comes from working within a win-win framework, where all parties benefit. I’ve also learned not to chase fleeting trends but to seek out projects with real long-term potential. After all, success isn’t just about what’s popular today — it’s about what will remain valuable in the future and what can be passed down to future generations.

Thank you! This award is a testament to our expertise, skills and the hard work of our entire team. It motivates us to keep pushing forward, driving innovation, striving for excellence and setting even higher goals. Interestingly, after receiving the award, we unlocked new opportunities for collaboration, connected with new investment partners and successfully launched several projects. This recognition has become a driving force for further growth, development and valuable new connections.