Ilias Balzis

Ilias is a research associate and PhD candidate at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. In parallel, he advises mid-sized companies in Germany on small-cap M&A and succession as an independent consultant. He previously worked at established M&A boutiques. His doctoral research focuses on risk-equivalent SME valuation to reduce frictions in ownership transfers. He holds an LL.M. in Mergers & Acquisitions (Frankfurt School) and a B.A. in Business Administration (HWR Berlin).

A German–Greek dual citizen raised in an entrepreneurial family in Baden-Württemberg and based in Berlin, he brings a natural cross-border perspective and works across the DACH region and Greece. He believes Europe’s competitiveness rests on a strong Mittelstand, open markets, and trust among stakeholders. Through United Europe, he aims to deepen his leadership, connect research with practice, and help build bridges between business, academia, and society.