Revekka Palaiologou: "Dion turns a simple act into something meaningful"

Revekka Palaiologou, co-founder and CEO at Dion

In a world saturated with fast swipes and digital fatigue, Dion enters like a breath of fresh intention—less about clicks, more about connection. We speak with Revekka Palaiologou, co-founder and CEO at Dion, whose background in systems engineering and personal transition from observer to initiator helped shape a product rooted in human rhythm rather than algorithmic loops.

Dion's approach to community-building is less about performance, more about presence—and the app reflects that from the inside out.

What does a typical day look like for you as a founder and community builder?

A typical day for me is a mix of building and connecting. I usually start early with meetings—product, team check-ins, follow-ups—then move into venue visits or meetings with partners and creators in the afternoon. Evenings are deep work and clearing up the backlog, alternating with outings at Dion venues or events—we’re building something social, so I try to live it too.

Dubai is full of events — how do you personally choose the ones worth attending?

When it comes to events, I’ve learned to prioritize the ones where the energy feels aligned: places where I can meet genuine, curious people or support venues and creatives we believe in. As my time is very limited these days, I try to focus on depth over noise.

What inspired you not just to build an app, but to build a sense of belonging?

The idea behind Dion is about bringing intentionality back into how we connect. In fast-paced cities, where people constantly come and go, it’s easy to feel disconnected. We wanted to create something that encourages thoughtful gestures—treating a friend, breaking the ice with someone new, reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in a while. Dion turns a simple act into something meaningful, giving people a reason to reach out, show up, and create real bonds in the real world.

How has creating this platform changed your own social life and circle?

It’s pushed me far outside my comfort zone—in the best way. I’m an engineer by background, and naturally introverted. My default mode is deep focus, working behind a screen. But building Dion meant showing up in real life, connecting with people, and embracing the energy of the city. I am a big believer that growth happens outside of what feels easy. I’m genuinely grateful for that shift—my own circle has grown in unexpected ways—from investors and venue owners to strangers-turned-friends who’ve joined Dion and brought it to life with us. It’s been deeply rewarding to not just build a product, but a culture.