The world of entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship goes far beyond starting a business. It’s constantly asking why – and why not. It’s wondering if there’s a better or more efficient way to do things. It’s having the boldness to bet on innovation.
It’s the desire to create social change. And it’s the kind of quality that takes you far, no matter your goals.
WHO WE ARE
Discover more about who we are, our spaces and who we work with.
WITH ENTREPRENEURSHIP, EVERYONE WINS
Whether you want to start your own business, excel in someone else’s, or anything in between, an entrepreneurial mindset is the key to unlocking your potential. And not only does it help you – it helps the world. Entrepreneurship fosters innovation, creates jobs, promotes diversity, and encourages adaptability.
When you combine what you’re passionate about with what you’re good at and what the world needs, you’re left with a fulfilling and successful career journey.
THE TRUTH IS IN THE DATA
The world of entrepreneurship has exploded in recent years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. As new generations of workers bring new demands and goals with them, entrepreneurship is providing an alluring and sustainable solution.
- $288bILLIONVC investment in startups in 2022, a record high
- 22MILLIONNew global jobs created by startups per year
- 50%Of entrepreneurs have taken steps to maximize social impact
- 1,821number of businesses started by women per day in 2022
WHAT KIND OF ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKER ARE YOU?
You can become your own kind of entrepreneur by:
- Starting your own company
- Shaking things up in a long-established organization
- Leading change as part of a new startup team
- Using your resources to invest in others’ great ideas
- Teaching and mentoring other entrepreneurs
What all of these types of entrepreneurs have in common is a set of skills and traits that make them highly sought-after: drive, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking.
There’s room at the table for all types at IE University. Check out some of the members of our Entrepreneurship community :
the entrepreneur
Nicholas Saye is a designer and entrepreneur with a talent for producing eccentric ideas and making them a reality. His passions lie in sustainability and seeing a positive impact on the world.
After having the opportunity to live all around the world, he was amazed at how people and cultures lived symbiotically with the environment. Instead of fighting against nature, he believes that we can learn to work with it to benefit the ecosystems we live in.
THE INTRAPRENEUR
Brenda Zikonda is a Zambian born Cybersecurity and IT Specialist. She considers herself a global citizen because of her love of traveling and also, having been raised in Zimbabwe and later settling in South Africa for her undergrad and initial work experience.
Brenda is passionate about empowering the girl child and changing the narrative that people have about women in the ICT industry or predominantly male dominated industries. She is an enabler and loves connecting people in a way that they can achieve their goals and purposes. Recently she added podcasting to the list of passions, she co-hosts her podcast called Honeypot Chats, which looks at simplifying Cybersecurity concepts.
THE Teacher
Born to a Tunisian mother and a Dominican father, and married to a French citizen, Professor Rachida Justo likes to describe herself as a product of globalization:
“I am very versatile and in that respect, the cultural diversity and openness to change of IE Business School provides me with an ideal environment where I can develop my potential."
THE mentor
Yuri Herreras Yamban is as a degree in Industrial Engineering as well as a Master in Nuclear Science and Technology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM).
POSITION
- Co-founder & Director of Camelina
- Company España, Co-founder
- Camelina Solutions, Co-founder
- Excel Supplements Europe, Co-founder Doxel Supplements
AT IE UNIVERSITY, WE LIVE AND BREATHE ENTREPRENERUSHIP
From day one…
IE University was created by and for entrepreneurs. Our community is and has always been made up of doers, creators, practitioners, and industry pros with their sleeves rolled up and their minds wide open. Back in the 80s, we became the first-ever university to include entrepreneurship as a mandatory course for all programs. In short, it’s in our DNA – and part of our guiding principles.
...to every day
Entrepreneurship is a palpable energy on campus. It’s how we see the world and dream our dreams. It’s a way of tackling challenges and finding solutions. We give you the mentality, the toolbox, the opportunities, and the community to become a lifelong entrepreneur. It’s no wonder we were ranked #1 in Europe for Entrepreneurship Teaching.
OUR MISSION
Empower entrepreneurial professionals to build sustainable value propositions that make a positive impact in the world.
OUR COMMITMENT: Elevating Your IE University Experience
We continually strive to elevate your IE University experience, taking pride in our data-driven successes that reflect your achievements, because your success is our success.
- 25%IE alumni who start their own companies
- +1500Students trained in entrepreneurial management per year
- 4In europe - mba european rankingPitchbookOctober 2023
- 7worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & QuantsOctober 2023
- 4worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial TimesFebruary 2022
Become an entrepreneur by leveraging the power of…
How you think: ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
It’s no coincidence that everyone you meet at IE University – students, faculty, and beyond – has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an ecosystem bursting with life and possibility, where in any given room on campus, a new idea is brewing. We nurture this way of thinking both inside and outside the classroom.
But it doesn’t come easy. To embody this way of life, you have to know how to manage risk. You have to embrace that the only way to really create value and make an impact is through effective problem-solving and innovation. And we get you there by training you to ask the tough questions. We teach you through failure and iteration. And we create a diverse environment brimming with new perspectives, where you can learn, experiment, and grow.
What you do: INITIATIVES
During your time at IE University, you’ll fine-tune the way you think and behave, developing the skills needed to become an entrepreneur inside and out. Whether you’re starting your own business or innovating from within a pre-existing organization, you’ll have the transversal, future-proof skills you need to succeed – thanks to the endless initiatives we offer our budding entrepreneurs.
Startup accelerators, mentorship programs, networking events, industry coaching, student clubs… At IE University, there are infinite ways to get involved and grow as an entrepreneur. We even have a dedicated team at the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation who ensures there’s no shortage of opportunities to get your hands dirty. And our cutting-edge spaces – such as the renowned Area 31 – are incubators for your best ideas.
WHO YOU DO IT WITH: A BUSTLING COMMUNITY
Our tight-knit network of entrepreneurs includes founders, professors, mentors, investors, partners, companies, collaborators, and so much more. They lead entrepreneurship-related research projects, debates, conferences, and award shows. And while a huge part of entrepreneurship is how you think and what you love, it’s also who you know. Here, you’ll find a culture of ongoing connection, collaboration, and support that you won’t find anywhere else. Endless opportunities await.
Contact us
Find out how you can get plugged in and harness the power of our highly awarded entrepreneurship ecosystem.