FNG Exclusive… FNG has learned that Prodromos Efthymiou, one of the architects of Cyprus based prop trading firm The Trading Pit, has left the company. Prodromos Efthymiou had served as The Trading Pit’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) since the company’s founding, in April 2022.
The Trading Pit was established in 2022, and is domiciled in Liechtenstein but managed mainly from Cyprus. The company is backed by Pinorena Capital, an Estonia based private equity firm led by fintech entrepreneur Illimar Mattus, and run day-to-day by CEO Daniela Egli. Pinorena’s other investments include Tickmill and Darwinex. The Trading Pit is a multi-asset prop trading firm committed to redefining trading and investment standards.
Prodromos Efthymiou posted the following note on social media regarding his departure:
A week ago, I turned the page on an amazing chapter with The Trading Pit.
What began as brainstorming sessions (sometimes even on my flat balcony) swiftly evolved into a dynamic journey of growth—personally as a husband and father and professionally as a #cto and #director of our Cyprus operations.
In the span of two transformative years, we scaled from a duo to a powerhouse of over 75+ dedicated professionals spanning multiple international offices. I was afforded the invaluable opportunity to operate and then collaborate across departments, learning from colleagues who were not just teammates but also became friends.
In the face of change and unforeseen challenges, I embraced the unknown, taking decisive action and thriving amidst uncertainty. My tenure reinforced a passion for building from the ground up—fine tuning processes, enhancing workflows, and enriching the client experience.
I want to thank Illimar Mattus and Christoph Radecker, whose trust in me laid the foundation to start something from scratch and grow it in my sector and as a company. With my amazing colleagues, we’ve set The Trading Pit on a trajectory for enduring success in the prop trading arena.
I would also like to share some lessons as a junior in C-level for other people who might enter the field:
1) Embrace the 𝐟*𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝-𝐮𝐩 moments—they’re like free (sometimes pricey) knowledge. The people making bold choices are the same people who’ll make mistakes, but that’s just part of the game. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and build on them for a better future. Don’t forget that everyone has an opinion, but few make the decisions needed.
2) Hire people not only based on their professional skills but also on their 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. In crisis situations where things go south, or big features are released, people who own the process and feel responsible for the company will take you to the next level. That part is hard to teach.
3) Hire always smarter people than you, especially if you are junior or missing knowledge; 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to share your opinion no matter what, even if you are in a room full of experts. If you don’t share it, it’s like never happened.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭?
I’m all about shaking things up and trying new stuff. I want to collaborate with other go-getters, brainstorm game-changing ideas, and light the spark for awesome new ideas.
If you are also a professional dedicated to your craft and what I just mentioned sounds familiar, I would love to have a chat. Let’s connect!
