Future 500 Forum: Elevating Europe's Next Business Leaders

Future 500 Forum Launches to Propel European Innovation
On September 1, 2025, the Future 500 Forum is set to debut at the IEDC – Bled School of Management, gathering influential European decision-makers, investors, visionary entrepreneurs, and innovators. This initiative aims to embark on a significant mission: transforming Europe’s most promising companies into global powerhouses.
Collaboration for Growth and Innovation
Co-led by the Atlantic Council in collaboration with IEDC – Bled School of Management and several strategic partners, the Future 500 initiative will focus on identifying and accelerating 500 high-potential scale-ups from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the broader European Union. This initiative aims to connect exceptional entrepreneurial talent to the necessary capital, partners, and policies essential for growth.
Addressing Europe's Scale-Up Challenge
Europe is under increasing pressure to maintain its competitive edge amidst rapid global technological advancements and business model innovations. Future 500 seeks to showcase and support emerging champions from the continent, facilitating their integration into critical policy dialogues, enhancing their visibility on a global stage, and granting them access to crucial growth capital.
High-Level Discussions and Future Leaders Unveiled
The launch event will feature engaging discussions between influential entrepreneurs, European Commissioners, prime ministers, finance ministers, and prominent investors. It will introduce the first cohort of Europe's scale-up leaders and lay the groundwork for an ongoing initiative that connects business, investment, and policy.
Notable Speakers and Guests
Noteworthy speakers at the event will include Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Mariya Gabriel, President of the Robert Schuman Foundation and former EU Commissioner for Innovation; alongside esteemed founders such as Rafa? Brzoska, Mark Pleško, and Branko Milutinovi?. This lineup represents a powerful mix of entrepreneurs and leaders dedicated to driving change.
A Call to Action for European Entrepreneurs
Stjepan Oreškovi?, Chair of IEDC's Supervisory Board and founder of Future 500, expressed the significance of this initiative, stating: "Future 500 is a much-needed wake-up call. Our mission is about unlocking the potential of bright founders from various regions, enabling them to transition from being hidden champions to global contenders. We intend to support them with capital, visibility, and strategic partnerships. Europe must remember that its future belongs to those actively working to shape it."
Adding to this sentiment, Jörn Fleck, Senior Director at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, emphasized the initiative's commitment to fostering Southeast Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. "Europe is already home to exceptional talent; it simply needs to be scaled. The region is brimming with opportunities and innovative companies in fields like technology, AI, sustainability, and manufacturing. However, too many entrepreneurs seek funding or recognition beyond their borders. With Future 500, we are connecting these innovators with Europe’s policymakers and investors to highlight their potential and strategic value in reshaping the future regionally and globally."
Conclusion: Redefining Europe's Business Landscape
The Future 500 Forum represents more than just an event; it embodies a transformative approach to bridging the gap between innovation, investment, and policy-making. As this initiative unfolds, it aims to create a sustainable support system for rising entrepreneurs eager to make a significant impact in their industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Future 500 Forum?
The Future 500 Forum is an initiative aimed at identifying and accelerating 500 high-potential startups across Europe, connecting them to necessary resources for growth.
Who will participate in the Future 500 Forum launch?
The launch will feature top European policymakers, investors, and visionary entrepreneurs engaged in high-level discussions about scaling businesses.
What regions will Future 500 focus on?
Future 500 will focus primarily on Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European startups looking to expand on a global scale.
How does Future 500 support entrepreneurs?
The initiative provides access to capital, strategic partners, and visibility in policy discussions to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
What is the impact of the Future 500 initiative?
The initiative aims to reshape Europe’s business landscape by uniting innovation, investment, and policy to support emerging champions.
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