Entrepreneurship
and Innovation
Center
Issue #23
9 January 2025
 
 

 
 


Happy New Year from IESE’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center!
As we begin 2025, explore the 5 key business trends shaping the year ahead, with insights from IESE professors. Discover Professor Jan Simon’s analysis of Search Funds in Mexico in Newsweek en Español, and explore Professor Sandra Sieber's guide to generative AI adoption for your company. Plus, don’t miss the chance to scale your venture through the WeGrow initiative or connect with global leaders at the Venture Client Roundtable in Barcelona next month. Let’s make 2025 a year of impactful growth and innovation! 

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center team.  
Stories.

 
 
 
Scaleups.
 
Applications open for IESE’s scale-up mentoring initiative WeGrow

Are you an IESE or University of Navarra alumnus with company revenue exceeding €500K or similar capital raised? If so, WeGrow is your opportunity to scale your business with tailored mentoring, exclusive workshops, and high-impact networking. Designed for companies between the seed phase and Series A, WeGrow connects founders with top executives who generously share their expertise. Join a community of growth-focused entrepreneurs and take your venture to the next level! Deadline extended to January 24. Apply here!

corporate innovation.
Venture Client Roundtable event in Barcelona

Join industry leaders on February 19, 2025, at SEAT Code in Barcelona for the 9th Venture Client Roundtable. This event connects corporate venture client teams. The agenda includes a Kickstart Workshop by IESE on February 18 for newcomers, an Open Space session on February 19 for all participants featuring keynote speaker Josemaria Siota, Executive Director of IESE’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, and Expert Sessions on February 20 for advanced units. Spaces are limited, and registration is first-come, first-served. Find out more here.

 
search funds.
 
Professor Jan Simon on search funds in Mexico

In a recent Newsweek en Español article, Professor Jan Simon highlights the growing appeal of search funds in Mexico, allowing entrepreneurs to acquire established businesses, reducing risk while leveraging existing operations. According to Simon, Mexico’s dynamic economy and diverse business landscape create ideal conditions for this approach, benefiting both entrepreneurs and investors. He also emphasizes the importance of strong networks and careful business selection for success in this innovative model. As search funds gain momentum, they promise to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mexico.

technology transfer.
Get to know Rafael Tamames: From teen entrepreneur to AI innovator

We sat down with Rafael Tamames (PDG’18), a dynamic entrepreneur and IESE alumnus, to discuss his journey from launching his first venture at 17 to founding six companies – four of which he successfully exited. As a graduate of IESE’s PDG program and a WeGrow mentor, Rafael credits IESE with honing his corporate strategy and collaboration skills. In his latest book, Rafael demystifies AI, highlighting its potential to improve lives. His advice for entrepreneurs? Master the fundamentals, embrace change, and think globally. Read the full interview in our blog.

https://www.iese.edu/es/emprendedores/business-angels-academy/
entrepreneurial finance.
 
Family offices share best practices and investment opportunities at IESE

On December 17, 2024, IESE's Barcelona campus hosted "Family Offices: Sharing Best Practices and Investment Opportunities." This event brought together family office professionals to discuss strategies and explore new investment avenues. The agenda featured expert-led sessions on effective family office management and emerging market trends. Participants also attended the 200th Investment Forum of IESE's Business Angels Network, showcasing innovative startups seeking investment. The next Family Offices events will take place on May 21 and June 18 in Barcelona and Madrid respectively. Registrations are open

business trends.
5 key trends for your 2025 business agenda

Prepare for the challenges transforming business today: sustainability, AI, hybrid work, geopolitical shifts, and multistakeholder collaboration. Insights from IESE professors like Pascual Berrone, Gaizka Ormazabal, and Sampsa Samila explore how to integrate sustainability and adapt to the demands of AI. Discover Sebastian Reiche's award-winning work-design framework to find the best organizational model. Stay ahead of geopolitical shifts and, as a leader, foster dignity, belonging, and community in your organization. Read the full article on IESE Insight to find out more.

IESE's Founders Radar
 d
 
 
Starting a new venture? Looking to connect with one? Check out IESE's Founders Radar
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Insights.

 
corporate innovation.
 FrFre
 
Rethinking competitiveness in an era of stakeholder returns 

Companies are moving from focusing solely on shareholder returns to creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, society and the environment. But does this broader approach harm competitiveness? New research by IESE’s Jeroen Neckebrouck and David Kryscynski suggests otherwise. Studying over 14,000 firms, they found that how companies share benefits –especially with employees– drives loyalty, innovation and sustainability. Success isn’t just shareholder returns, it's the total value shared. Learn more here.

technology transfer.
Practical guide to generative AI adoption for your company

In a recent article, Professor Sandra Sieber offers a practical guide for companies looking to adopt generative AI. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's potential and challenges, starting with pilot projects, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By following these steps, businesses can effectively integrate AI into their operations, driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. For a comprehensive overview, read the full article on LinkedIn or access the technical note here

Agenda.
 

 
 
 
9 January Investment session for New Professional Horizons focused program
13 January Entrepreneurship onboarding Alumni Learning Program
22 January WeStart networking event
23 January DIH4CAT mentoring 
6 February Entrepreneurship onboarding AMP
 
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