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Meet Revekka Palaiologou, the trailblazer behind Dion, Dubai’s first digital social club redefining nightlife.
With a background as a Senior Software Engineer and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, she turned a childhood passion for innovation into a platform connecting people at Dubai’s top venues.
As Co-Founder and CEO, Revekka drives Dion’s rapid growth, securing partnerships with 70+ venues and attracting 7,000 members on its waitlist.
Under her leadership, Dion is transforming how we socialise—one connection at a time.
My current role is…
I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Dion. Dion is the first digital social club where members can buy drinks for other members at Dubai’s top venues remotely.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
An innovator. From a young age, I was fascinated by the possibilities of creating something impactful, which led me to science and technology as a way to bring ideas to life. This curiosity fuelled countless experiments at home—some of which ended in failure, damage, and even a small fire! These moments, though chaotic, taught me the value of persistence and creativity in problem-solving.
My favourite subject at school was…
Mathematics. I lived for the thrill and adrenaline rush of solving what seemed like unsolvable problems. It wasn’t just about numbers—it was the high of cracking a complex challenge that taught me logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
My first job was…
Selling handmade jewellery and unique items at an ethnic boutique shop when I was 14. It taught me the value of hard work and the importance of connecting with people.
My career path so far has been…
My first job after graduating in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens was as a Senior Software Engineer and Technical Lead at Bloomberg. There, I developed scalable, impactful solutions and gained invaluable experience working on high-stakes financial infrastructure projects.
I was honoured to be recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and have been deeply committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion in technology. I co-founded the Women in Derivatives and Tech community in London and New York, led diversity recruitment efforts in Europe, and mentored countless women and students aspiring to enter STEM fields. I’ve also delivered keynotes and workshops at global conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration, sharing insights on leadership, diversity, and technology.
Now, as the founder of Dion, I’m working to change the way people connect and redefine the concept of social clubs.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
The UAE, specifically Dubai, provided the ideal launchpad for Dion. Its vibrant hospitality and social scene, coupled with a diverse, forward-thinking audience, allowed us to introduce and refine our concept. For me, it marked a significant shift as my role transitioned from being a software engineer to actively pitching Dion and closing B2B partnerships.
The mentality here is entirely different from what I was used to in London—people prefer phone calls over emails, and building relationships often requires a more personal, social approach. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, making me more outgoing and adaptable—skills that have been invaluable in shaping both Dion and my professional growth.
I was inspired to enter the tech space because…
I was inspired to enter the tech space in high school when I discovered how Steve Jobs introduced the iPod—a device small enough to fit in my pocket, replacing bulky players that held only a dozen songs. It was incredible to see how he reimagined music, making it portable, personal, and limitless. That moment opened my eyes to the power of technology to solve everyday problems and transform entire industries, sparking my passion for creating innovative solutions that change how we live and connect.
My daily routine consists of…
My day starts at 8 a.m. with a focused dive into my emails and addressing urgent issues. Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m., keeping the momentum going until 11 a.m., when I pause for my favourite meal of the day—a healthy, protein-packed breakfast!
Afterwards, I continue with team or partner meetings until 12:30 p.m., when I take a break to hit the gym for 45 minutes, six days a week, rotating between weight training, HIIT, and Pilates. Lunch follows at 2:30 p.m., either at my desk or as a working lunch with a venue partner or investor. My afternoons are dedicated to internal team meetings, product reviews, strategy refinement, or external meetings.
Evenings typically include dinner at 8 p.m., unless I’m attending a working dinner, after which I dive into uninterrupted deep-focus work until midnight. I prefer working seven days a week for 2–3 weeks straight—it keeps me in the zone—before rewarding myself with a four-day trip, preferably to explore somewhere I haven’t been before.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
Working in male-dominated spaces, from engineering school to leadership roles in tech, has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve faced biases that made me question whether I belonged, but those moments pushed me to work harder and prove the value of diversity.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
Launching Dion in Dubai, securing partnerships with 70 exclusive venues, and achieving more than 7,000 users on our waitlist during our soft launch. This marked the beginning of redefining social clubs.
A quote I live by is…
Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits.
What I hope for 2025 is…
To see Dion’s expansion in Miami, New York, and London thrive, bringing our vision of connection to life in these incredible cities. On a personal level, I hope to continue growing by stepping out of my comfort zone and focusing on getting just a little better at something every day—that’s always been my goal.
