On March 13, MBA students kicked off their IESE Summer Entrepreneurship Experience (SEE) journey with a matchmaking event, where participants pitched 11 business ideas, leading to the formation of 8 final teams. 
Starting June 2, over the course of 10 weeks, students will engage with industry experts, hone practical skills, and network with fellow innovators in this immersive learning opportunity. Supported by IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, and under the guidance of Mathieu Carenzo and Mauricio Prieto, the SEE equips aspiring entrepreneurs validate and develop new business models.

The Spanish online personal shopping platform Lookiero, founded by Oier Urrutia (MBA’13) has merged with its largest competitor to date, the German platform Outfittery. The newly formed Lookiero Outfittery Group aims to establish itself as the European leader in assisted online shopping. With a combined customer base of 3 million across 13 markets, this merger strengthens technology, logistics, and data-driven personalization, shaping the future of online fashion retail.
Congratulations, Oier Urrutia, and teams Lookiero and Outfittery on this merger. We're excited to see what this new chapter brings!

Throughout the academic year, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center hosts information sessions across IESE programs, introducing students and executives to the school’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From MBA, EMBA, and GEMBA to MiM, PhD, PDD, PDG, PADE, AMP, GMP, these sessions connect aspiring entrepreneurs with key resources, insights, and opportunities. With 1,500 participants from 90 nationalities, these gatherings provide a gateway to the resources, events, and community that help turn ideas into ventures. 
Pictured above: PDD participants dressed in Where’s Waldo attire during Carnival, at the conclusion of the Entrepreneurship information session.

April 2025 marks 50 years of entrepreneurship at IESE, a journey that began with an entrepreneurial vision under Antonio Valero and materialized in the 1970s with Emeritus Professor Pedro Nueno. In 1975, the "Seminar on New Business Adventures" (NAVES) was introduced into the MBA program, shaping the future of entrepreneurial education in Europe. NAVES pioneered the Business Plan assignment, an innovation that encouraged students to develop real-world business opportunities. What began with 26 sessions has evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, shaping generations of founders and innovators.
Join us in celebrating this milestone in IESE’s entrepreneurial legacy and explore IESE’s entrepreneurial history!
Pictured above: Emeritus Professor Pedro Nueno teaching MBA students in April 1984.

On April 4, the MBA student-led Private Equity & Venture Capital Conference returns to IESE, bringing together top investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Organized by IESE’s MBA PE&VC Club, this year’s agenda features panels on market dislocation, VC value creation, and investing in emerging markets, plus fireside chats on financing the green transition and unlocking Europe’s potential. With speakers from General Atlantic, Blue Owl Capital, Mundi Ventures, and more, the conference offers exclusive insights and high-calibre networking. Join us for a day of cutting-edge discussions and connections. Register now!

Registrations are now open for the next edition of the Business Angels & Family Office Academy, a training designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking expertise in startup investment and family office structure and operations. Led by IESE professors and industry experts, the academy provides practical methodology and insights, attracting executives, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from diverse ecosystems. Sounds of interest? Find out more here!​​​

As AI and deep tech advance globally, Europe faces a crucial challenge: staying competitive in innovation. In a recent El País article, Professor Mª Julia Prats explores how regions like China and the U.S. continue to outpace Europe in AI, quantum computing, and tech scaling, despite the continent’s world-class talent and research.
The Draghi Report calls for urgent reforms, including greater R&D investment, a unified innovation market, and better access to growth capital. The question remains: does Europe have the will to lead in disruptive technologies? Read the full analysis on El País or check out Julia Prats' post on LinkedIn.  

A new study sheds light on the evolution of scale-ups (high-growth, tech-driven companies with revenues around €1 million) within Barcelona, the leading startup ecosystem in Southern Europe. The Barcelona Global Scale-Up Monitor 2024 study, conducted by Barcelona Global in collaboration with CaixaBank and with the methodological support of IESE led by Professor Mª Julia Prats, sheds light on key trends on the following areas: International talent acquisition, remote work trends, and challenges in financing and bureaucracy. Discover all the findings and access the full report on IESE Insight to explore how these companies grow and adapt.