Founders DayMarch 17th, 2026.

March 17th, 2026 | IESE Business School (South Campus) | 14:30 to 20:00

Theme: Zero to One - The Journey of Entrepreneurship

Founders Day brings together founders, entrepreneurs, and investors for an afternoon of high-signal conversations, practical insights, and powerful entrepreneurial storytelling. Expect real lessons from those who have built - and continue to build - in today's evolving landscape.

About the Event

Founders Day celebrates the Zero to One journey - from early validation and conviction-led decisions to scaling, resilience, leadership, and navigating uncertainty.

Through candid founder stories, deep-dive panels, and interactive sessions, we explore how ideas become real ventures - highlighting the wins, setbacks, pivots, and defining moments along the way.

Entrepreneurship thrives through community, shared experiences, and bold ambition. This event brings together the people who build, who support, and who push ideas forward.

Agenda - March 17

14:00 - 14:30

Doors Open | Welcome & Framing

14:30 - 15:00

Opening Keynote

Timo Buetefisch - Founder & CEO, Cooltra

15:00 - 15:45

Founder Deep Dive Panel

Moderated by Mathieu Carenzo (IESE)

Panelists:

• Carlota Pi - Holaluz
• Ivan Rodriguez - Modelia
• More TBC

15:45 - 16:00

Coffee Break

16:00 - 16:45

AI: Hype vs. Reality

Moderated by Liinus Hietaniemi (IESE)

Panelists:

• Sampsa Samila - IESE
• Elisenda Bou-Balust - Cala
• More TBC

16:45 - 17:30

School of Founders Interactive Session

Ramon Estrada

17:30 - 18:00

Closing Keynote

Alexandre Nucci Soncini - Co-Founder, VTEX

18:00 onwards

Networking & Drinks

Why Attend?

Founders Day offers:

• Practical insights from exceptional founders
• A clearer understanding of challenges across the venture lifecycle
• Exposure to leading voices in AI and innovation
• An interactive founder reflection session
• High-value networking with founders, investors, and the IESE community
• Renewed clarity, momentum, and entrepreneurial conviction

Built to inspire you at any stage of the Zero to One journey.

See you on March 17.

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