When TradeWinds first visited Metis Cyberspace Technology, the Greek company had a big idea but just a handful of clients to show for it.

Four years on, the scrappy start-up has grown in stature, making big strides in its ambition to bring the "Internet of Things" to shipping.

The company has moved into swankier offices in a prime Athens seaside location — the futuristic Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre.