Future 500 Forum Launches to Champion European Startups
On September 1, 2025, the Future 500 Forum will premiere at the IEDC – Bled School of Management. This pivotal gathering will bring together top European policymakers, investors, unicorn founders, and innovators on a mission to elevate some of the most promising companies in Europe into global industry leaders.
Collaborative Efforts to Fuel Growth
Co-led by two key organizations, the Atlantic Council and the IEDC – Bled School of Management, this forum is set to redefine support for scale-ups. In collaboration with the Bled Strategic Forum, Podim, and the ISR – Institute for Strategic Solutions, the Future 500 initiative explicitly targets 500 high-potential scale-ups from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the broader EU. The aim is to connect determined entrepreneurial talent with the necessary capital, partners, and supportive policies to thrive.
The Urgency of Europe's Scale-Up Challenge
At present, Europe is charting a course to sustain its global competitiveness amidst rapid technological advancements and evolving business models. The Future 500's mission is clear: spotlight emerging champions from the region by integrating them into critical policy discussions, enhancing their visibility, and facilitating access to essential growth capital.
Event Highlights and Participation
The launch event will host engaging discussions featuring visionary entrepreneurs, influential European Commissioners, prime ministers, finance ministers, and elite investors. Participants will witness the unveiling of the inaugural cohort of Europe’s scale-up leaders, who will participate in an initiative designed to weave together business operations, investment, and effective policy-making.
Keynote Speakers and Voices of Innovation
Notable confirmed speakers at the event include Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Mariya Gabriel, President of the Robert Schuman Foundation; and Rafa? Brzoska, founder of InPost, among others. These individuals are expected to inspire and provide insights at this groundbreaking forum.
Facilitating Connections for Success
“The Future 500 initiative represents a timely wake-up call,” stated Stjepan Oreškovi?, Chair of IEDC's Supervisory Board and founder of Future 500. “It’s about unlocking the potential of brilliant founders throughout the region, aiding them in transitioning from hidden champions to globally recognized players. Our support includes vital capital, increased visibility, and transatlantic collaboration, underscoring that the future indeed belongs to those who take the initiative to shape it.”
SEEUS Initiative and the Vision Ahead
The Future 500 is also part of the new SEEUS initiative (“Southeast Europe United for Success”), developed alongside the IEDC Bled School of Management. Jörn Fleck, Senior Director at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, emphasized that Europe possesses the talent essential for global leadership; however, it needs to maximize that potential. The initiative seeks to build bridges by connecting change-makers from the Southeast European entrepreneurial ecosystem directly with European policymakers and investors, ensuring their contributions are recognized as vital opportunities for the continent.
Additional Information and Contacts
For details about the Future 500 Forum and its initiatives, parties interested can find information on the forum's official site.
Contact Information
Mark Walter
Hyder Strategies
+447967789383
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Future 500 Forum?
The Future 500 Forum aims to elevate promising European scale-ups, connecting them with policymakers and investors to drive growth.
When will the Future 500 Forum take place?
The forum is set to launch on September 1, 2025.
Who is organizing the Future 500 Forum?
The forum is co-led by the Atlantic Council and the IEDC – Bled School of Management, in collaboration with several strategic partners.
What regions are being targeted by the Future 500 initiative?
The initiative focuses on high-potential scale-ups from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe across the entire EU.
What type of event will the launch feature?
The launch will host discussions involving entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to unveil scale-up leaders and foster important connections.
