This week, IESE’s School of Founders brought together over 200 scaleup founders from more than 50 nationalities for the IESE Founders Forum 2025 in Barcelona. Centered on the theme Finding the Levers of Growth, the forum explored how personal growth fuels business expansion. Professor Franz Heukamp, Dean of IESE, and the Academic Directors of the School of Founders opened the event, setting the tone for two days of hands-on workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, and candid talks from experienced founders and thought leaders. From scaling customers and teams to people and culture or building resilience, participants walked away with practical tools—and renewed perspective on scaling themselves.

On June 3–4, IESE and Innovation Roundtable gathered global innovation leaders to Barcelona for two dynamic workshops focused on emerging innovation practices. Following the opening keynote by Professor Mª Julia Prats, June 3 focused on Innovating for Sustainability & Leveraging AI, with insights from IESE, HP, Rolls-Royce, Essity, Amazon, Siemens Healthineers, PepsiCo. June 4 explored Startup Collaboration, Ecosystems & Venture Building, with IESE, Siemens, Nestlé, Airbus, Bosch, AstraZeneca, Electrolux Group discussing venture clienting, co-creation, and scaleup engagement. More information here.

On May 20, London hosted the New Scientist Emerging Technologies Summit, bringing together 300+ senior leaders from science, business, and the UK government. The event explored how breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and space technology can address real-world challenges and transform industries.
With speakers from Microsoft, IBM, BT, and ARIA, the summit featured hands-on demos, case studies, and expert panels. Josemaria Siota, Executive Director of IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, joined the session Turning breakthrough ideas into profitable ventures, alongside leaders from Google, the Aerospace Technology Institute, to name a few.

The 16th Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit held its Spain session this week at IESE’s Madrid campus, bringing together Chinese and European business leaders, policymakers, and innovators, including China’s ambassador to Spain and senior Spanish ministers. Held under the theme Opening a New Chapter of Cooperation, the summit offered a valuable platform to build high-level connections, sharpen global vision, and boost international influence. Participants engaged in dialogue on AI, fintech, smart manufacturing, and green energy. With curated project matchmaking, visits to local firms, and cultural exchanges, the summit promotes collaboration in both business and society. 

In a recent IESE Career Chats episode, IESE MBA alumnus Timo Buetefisch, Founder and CEO of Cooltra, shared an honest look at what it takes to lead a startup through uncertainty with Professor Mireia Las Heras. From navigating early setbacks to scaling a purpose-driven mobility company, Timo emphasized the power of resilience, clear communication, and surrounding yourself with people who share your values. He spoke openly about learning from failure, managing risk with realism, and continuing to bet on yourself—even when the road gets rough. Watch the full interview.  

The latest edition of IESE’s Business Angels & Family Office Academy is well underway, bringing together over 40 investors, entrepreneurs, and executives for four days of intensive learning and networking across the Barcelona and Madrid campuses. Sessions cover early-stage investing, startup valuation, portfolio strategy, and family office governance—blending academic rigor with practical tools and real-world cases. Led by IESE faculty and expert practitioners, the Academy offers actionable insights for building smart investment strategies. With the Barcelona sessions complete, next stop: Madrid. More information here.

Professor Sandra Sieber has authored a practical new guide—An Executive’s Guide to Generative AI—to help leaders identify smart use cases and craft effective prompts. The 16-page note offers a hands-on framework for using generative AI to boost productivity, automate tasks, and personalize services, while managing risks like bias or inaccuracies. Ideal for decision-makers looking to apply AI responsibly and strategically across their organizations. Access the guide here.

How can a Nigerian bank drive innovation amid volatility? A new IESE case, Sterling Bank: Driving impact through corporate entrepreneurship and venturing in emerging markets, explores CEO Abubakar Suleiman’s strategy focused on agility, digitalization, and HEART sectors—Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. Authored by Professor Mª Julia Prats and Clinton Ofoedu, the case offers insights into corporate venturing in emerging markets. Access the case here.