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.

Discover more here

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.

A graphic with three overlapping circles in shades of blue, containing texts about entrepreneurship and core values at IE University.

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.

$288
bILLIONVC investment in startups in 2022, a record high
22
MILLIONNew global jobs created by startups per year
50%
Of entrepreneurs have taken steps to maximize social impact
1,821
number 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.

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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.

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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."

Rachida Justo. It will open in a new tabRead more

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
+1500
Students trained in entrepreneurial management per year

4
In europe - mba european rankingPitchbook
October 2023
7
worldwide & 3rd In europe - top mba programs for entrepreneurshipPoets & Quants
October 2023
4
worldwide & 1st In europe - Best entrepreneurship teachingFinancial Times
February 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.

learn more. It will open in a new tablearn more

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.

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.

DISCOVER OUR INITIATIVES. It will open in a new tabDISCOVER OUR 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.

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.

Meet the community. It will open in a new tabMeet the community