IESE recently hosted the second Women in Search Forum, bringing together the women leaders, CEOs and investors shaping the future of search funds. Organized in collaboration with the Women's Search Network and with the support of Innesto Partners and NOVIDAM, the event offered a platform to share experiences and promote female leadership in search funds based on the acquisition and management of companies. IESE plays a leading role in advancing the search fund model in Europe, driving growth through education, research and community support. Watch this video to find out more.​​​​​ 

Join us at IESE Barcelona on May 12, 2026, to celebrate the IESE 40under40 Awards, recognizing 40 alumni founders under the age of 40 who are redefining entrepreneurship and innovation worldwide. This year’s edition includes four special distinctions: Outstanding Female Entrepreneur, Most Innovative Entrepreneur, Most Social Impact, and Best Growth Track. Seats are limited. Register here to attend the awards ceremony. Let’s celebrate purpose-driven leaders and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Stan Yu (MBA ’24) co-founded Nocera to transform aquaculture infrastructure—and led it to a NASDAQ listing in 2022. Now at Cardumen Capital (founded by fellow IESE 40under40 and MBA’11 Igor de la Sota), he’s building a bridge between European deep-tech startups and Asia’s strategic capital. He credits IESE for opening doors and reinforcing first-principles thinking, amongst other things. Learn more about Stan and his journey in this interview. Know someone leading bold change? Nominate them for the next IESE 40under40 by December 31.

More than 80 professors gathered at IESE’s Barcelona campus for the AI Faculty Area Hackathon, exploring how AI can enhance teaching. Teams prototyped new tools for case preparation, applied learning, and other faculty uses—collaborating with hands-on experts. After two days, they pitched their solutions and a jury recognized standout projects. The initiative was led by Entrepreneurship professors Sandra Sieber and Javier Zamora, with Alejandro Lago (Operations, Information and Technology). Watch Dean Franz Heukamp share his reflections in this video.

Wondering how AI can transform business and management? On December 17, IESE’s “AI in Action” webinar, led by Professor Javier Zamora, offers executives and professionals a deep dive into real-world AI use cases across sectors. Part of IESE’s Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Management Initiative, the session explores how AI is reshaping decision-making, operations, and leadership. Gain practical insights into how organizations are using AI today—and how to lead responsibly in this fast-evolving space. Seats are limited. Register here to secure your place.

As 2025 draws to a close, we celebrate the IESE MBA Startup and Entrepreneurship Club’s impactful year. With over 350 members, the club hosted its first Founders’ Day, dynamic networking events, and a speaker series featuring top entrepreneurs. Pitch competitions offered aspiring founders valuable feedback, while visits to startups and incubators provided hands-on insights into the ecosystem. Under the leadership of second-year MBAs Federico Alatorre and Simon Spector, the S&E Club had a brilliant run.
Looking ahead: Founders’ Day returns on March 17, 2026—stay tuned via the Club’s LinkedIn page.

When firms develop or acquire new technologies, out-licensing can offer a high-impact alternative to in-house development. In a recent IESE Insight article, Professor Thomas Klueter and co-authors explore how companies can retain IP ownership, generate revenue, and maintain strategic influence through licensing. The article outlines five key factors to guide the decision: the technology’s strategic value, financial constraints, R&D retention, long-term potential, and internal alignment. Especially in resource-constrained settings, out-licensing helps firms turn underused assets into competitive advantage. Read the full article on IESE Insight to learn more.

While hype often dominates startup narratives, it has received limited academic attention. A new article by Professor Yuliya Snihur and co-authors, examines how entrepreneurial ventures navigate the hype cycle. From early-stage hyping, where bold promises attract attention despite little evidence, to the rise of collective excitement, and potential disillusionment or revival, the cycle shapes how innovations are perceived and adopted. The issue explores how entrepreneurs can strategically manage these stages—and what conditions influence transitions between them. Learn more in this special issue.