IESE Business School will host the 6th International Search Fund Conference on October 10-11 in Barcelona, bringing together search-CEOs, active searchers, and investors to share insights. Since 2015, IESE has alternated hosting the biennial event with Stanford. On October 9, IESE will also host the first Women in Search Forum, promoting search funds as a career path for women. IESE, the first non-North American school to offer an intensive search fund course, now one of its most popular electives, has seen over 65 graduates raise funds in 20 countries. More information here.

IESE Business School hosted the Ignite Bootcamp from July 27-31 in Barcelona, bringing together top European engineering students. Over 4 intensive days, teams from 7 universities worked on transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions, guided by industry mentors and IESE professors. The event featured workshops, mentoring, and networking, with a focus on sustainability and technology challenges. As part of the EuroTeQ alliance, it strengthened collaboration between leading engineering institutions and business schools. Watch this video to get a flavour of IESE's first Ignite Bootcamp.

We sat down with Luis Martín Cabiedes, a prominent investor and Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at IESE, who shared his journey from a philosophy major to pioneering investor in Spain’s venture capital and search fund space. Luis discusses his career path, beginning at his family business, Europa Press, before transitioning to internet startups and eventually discovering search funds. He reflects on the impact of entrepreneurship on society, the challenges of today’s macroeconomic environment, and offers advice for future entrepreneurs. Read the full interview and discover what inspires him, his thoughts on the future of venture capital, and his passion for sailing.

A new wave of startups in Spain and Portugal is focusing on software platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, according to a new study by CaixaBank and IESE's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. The study, led by Professor Mª Julia Prats, reveals that software platform companies make up 32% of the startup ecosystem, followed by AI at 15% and data analytics at 9%. The report highlights increased financing, with 14% of startups receiving over €1 million. Key sectors include healthcare, education, and social commerce, with 62% of startups exporting abroad. Read this IESE Insight piece for further analysis and highlights.

IESE Business School, in collaboration with Línea Directa Aseguradora, will host the 2nd Insurance Revolution Investment Forum. This event invites AI-driven startups that offer solutions to the insurance sector, particularly in auto, multi-risk, and health. Selected projects will pitch before Línea Directa’s executive committee, with the potential for future collaboration. The initiative aims to improve efficiency in product offerings, processes, and risk underwriting. Startups in the idea, pre-seed, or seed phase can apply until September 27. More information here.

On September 18, IESE hosted an academic session on Private Equity in collaboration with SpainCap and Deloitte. This event follows the 17th Private Equity Awards held in July. Attendees heard from IESE Emeritus Professor Juan Roure and Professor Guido Stein, as well as José Zudaire, Managing Director at SpainCap. Key discussions focused on ESG, capital expansion, and impact. As a proud academic partner, IESE continues to support initiatives that foster growth in businesses at the startup and expansion phases.

The 2024 International Search Funds Study by IESE analyzes over 400 search funds across 30 countries, offering insights into the growing popularity of this unique investment model. Authored by PhD Candidate Ann-Sophie Kowalewski, Peter Kelly, Professor Jan Simon, and visiting professor Rob Johnson, the report highlights strong search fund performance in the U.S. and Europe, along with increased global investor participation. It also examines macroeconomic impacts, regional trends, and emerging market interest. This study is a key resource for investors, entrepreneurs, and academics. More information here. 

In this eye-opening conversation, Professor Sampsa Samila, IESE's Director of the AI and Future of Management Initiative, speaks with Gabriele Mazzini, the architect of the EU AI Act. Their IESE Insight discussion covers the delicate balance of regulating AI without stifling innovation. Adopted in May 2024, the EU AI Act, like GDPR, may set global standards, aiming for safe, transparent AI practices across Europe by 2027. Mazzini’s experience in U.S. tech shaped his approach to AI regulation. In a time of AI disruption, this is undoubtedly a relevant conversation from two top voices in the field for anyone in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.