IESE Business School has been selected as the 'organization that best supports entrepreneurship in Madrid' by Madrid's Family Business Association (ADEFAM). This award recognizes the continued commitment and positive impact of IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, which aims to create a positive influence on society through thought leadership and support for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. Professor Mª Julia Prats received the award on behalf of IESE at the Auditorio Beatriz in Madrid, presented by Pablo Carrasco, CEO of Credit Suisse Spain. Read the full story in our blog.

On 9 and 10 April 2024, IESE joined 48 of Europe's most promising deep-tech scaleups in Brussels and Leuven for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Scaling Club 'Ignition Forum', marking the launch of EIC Scaling Club's inaugural cohort. IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center's team facilitated three scaling roadmap workshops to the selected scaleups. As the academic partner of the Club, it was a privilege to engage in the Ignition Forum, delving into new opportunities alongside the scaleups poised to drive a digital and trustworthy future. Want to know more? Read the full story in our blog.

Inés Serra (IESE MBA '22) is the CEO and Founder of BIOSORRA, a company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that transforms waste into high-value carbon removal products. Inés is passionate about addressing climate justice in the Global South and has a strong belief in creating a more sustainable future for all. In this IESE Alumni Series interview, Inés shares how it feels to be part of the IESE alumni community and the power of IESE: "BIOSORRA's first pilot was funded by IESE peers. That shows the power of the school."

Josemaria Siota, Executive Director of IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, attended Spain's National Innovation and Design Awards 2023. He was selected by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, to serve as a jury member for these prestigious awards recognizing individuals and entities that have integrated innovation into their professional strategies, driving business growth.
Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain presided over the Awards ceremony, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 11 April 2024. The event was also attended by Diana Morant, Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Read the press release on the Spanish government's website.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center hosted the latest cohort of participants from Madrid's City Council's program 'Talent Bridges'. During their visit to our Madrid campus, participants learned about IESE's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. The initiative is aimed at talented young individuals selected for their outstanding achievements in the fields of academia, research, science, or technology, as well as in the world of entrepreneurship. The program serves as a reference for Latin American entrepreneurs seeking to internationalize their companies and choose the city of Madrid to do so.

On 11 April 2024, IESE's Startup and Entrepreneurship Club, led by MBA students, organised their last event of the year before they graduate in a few weeks’ time. ‘Turte Tank’, the Club’s very own answer to business reality show ‘Shark Tank’, offered (aspiring) entrepreneurs the opportunity to raise money, get feedback on their ideas, find co-founders, or simply practice their business pitches. Judges Alejandro Ribó (Netmentora), Irene Crocker (On the Glow), Josep Casas (Naturitas), and Beth Faus (Seaya Venture Capital) evaluated the pitches. The winner of the contest was Sergi Rivera with his project Whale Platform, congratulations to the winner and to all the participants!

What keeps you awake at night? It’s the question asked of every CEO. But for entrepreneurs, there’s an even more relevant question. To really get into the entrepreneurial mindset, it’s better to ask: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Unlocking innovation requires more than just ideas: it demands a mindset shift. This article by IESE on Forbes, outlines the eight qualities entrepreneurs need in order to build successful companies and achieve next-level innovation.

The decision of when to scale a startup's team is crucial, balancing the need to prove demand against the opportunity to develop unique capabilities. A study on Finnish ventures reveals that entrepreneurs, particularly those with diverse portfolios, tend to hire early due to the potential to redeploy employees. These entrepreneurs also prioritize hiring individuals with transferable skills, capitalizing on the flexibility offered by redeployment options. This research article co-authored by Assistant Professor Liinus Hietaniemi highlights how external factors, such as labor market rigidity, influence these talent acquisition strategies, and underscores the importance of considering external conditions in shaping startup growth trajectories.