The Basque Government and IBM have inaugurated Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two San Sebastian, marking a major step for quantum innovation. IESE is supporting this initiative by partnering with the Basque Government and Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, through BIC Gipuzkoa, to co-launch a new Creative Destruction Lab dedicated to quantum technologies. Multiverse Computing, co-founded by IESE alum Enrique Lizaso (MBA’90), also participated in the launch.

IESE and the Women’s Search Network will co-host the 2nd Women in Search Forum on 19 November at the Barcelona South Campus. This event brings together women CEOs, investors, and aspiring searchers to share insights on sourcing, fundraising, and deal execution. The program includes panel discussions, fireside chats, workshops, and mentor-led networking. Registration priority will be given to active or prospective female searchers. A unique opportunity to promote female inclusion and leadership in the search fund space. Learn more. 

In this year’s edition of IESE’s School of Founders event, Founders’ Forum, Professor Yih-Teen Lee interviewed Patty McCord—Netflix’s former Chief Talent Officer and co-creator of its famed Culture Deck. McCord shared how letting go of conventional HR practices (bonuses, rigid vacations, performance reviews) enabled Netflix to build a culture grounded in freedom, responsibility, and talent density. For founders, her message is clear: early HR choices shape long-term culture. Build systems that empower autonomy and accountability. Eliminate bureaucracy. Prioritize what drives execution and scales with clarity. Read the full interview.

The 2025 edition of the WeStart mentoring initiative wrapped up with 29 IESE alumni founders supported by 30 seasoned mentors. The program reaffirmed the power of structured mentorship in accelerating founder growth and strategic decision-making. Founders evolve faster and navigate challenges more effectively when guided by experienced professionals. At the same time, mentors report strong personal fulfillment. WeStart continues to build a vibrant ecosystem of learning and impact. Looking to sharpen your startup path and expand your network? More information here. 

On October 14, David Delfassy, Investment Director at TDK Ventures, joined Professor Desirée Pacheco for a session on how corporate venture capital drives innovation and decarbonization. Delfassy outlined how TDK Ventures scouts startups aligned with strategic goals and offers more than capital—providing market access, technical validation, and long-term collaboration. The session unpacked both the value and complexity of working with corporate VCs, offering actionable insights for those building investable, mission-aligned ventures. Learn more about TDK Ventures and access a related IESE case in this blog post.

IESE Venture Day Munich brought alumni entrepreneurs, students, investors, and founders together for a packed afternoon of real talk and practical insight. Hosted by the IESE Entrepreneurship Club EMBA Munich with Professor Thomas Klueter, the event featured keynotes, fireside chats, and panels on international expansion, corporate venturing, and finding the right funding partners. With networking at its core, the day reinforced the strength of IESE’s global entrepreneurial community: one that equips founders to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose.

Acquiring technology is only the beginning. In the article From acquisition to advantage: the power of tech licensing, Professor Thomas Klueter and his co-authors examine how firms like Roche, Cisco, and IBM navigate the complex decisions that follow a tech acquisition—what to retain, develop, or license out. Licensing offers an often-overlooked path: monetizing non-core IP while preserving strategic flexibility. The article introduces a five-factor framework to support these decisions and help organizations make the most of acquired technologies—whether through development, retention, or external licensing. Read the full article.

In Harvard Deusto Business Review, Professor Joaquim Vilà challenges leaders to rethink why bold strategies often seem “impossible.” The issue, he argues, is usually analytical, not aspirational. Traditional SWOTs overemphasize internal limits and lead to incrementalism. Vilà contrasts this with “possibilists”—leaders who use design thinking, integrative thinking, and creativity techniques to reframe problems before locking strategy. Cases from medtech to SpaceX show how structured innovation can turn major constraints into solvable challenges. The message: don’t downgrade ambition—solve the constraints with method. Read the full article.