#Slovenia #Future 500 Forum #Bled School #European Startups #Bled

Future 500 Forum Marks a New Era for European Startups

The highly anticipated Future 500 Forum is set to launch on September 1, 2025, at the IEDC – Bled School of Management in Slovenia. This landmark event aims to gather premier European policymakers, investors, and unicorn founders with a shared goal: to transform the most promising startups across Europe into global leaders in their fields.

Co-led by the Atlantic Council and the IEDC, the initiative comes in partnership with the Bled Strategic Forum, along with Podim and the Institute for Strategic Solutions (ISR). The Future 500 will identify and accelerate 500 high-potential startups from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as the European Union, bridging the gap between bold entrepreneurial talent and the capital, partners, and policies necessary for growth.

Addressing Europe's Competitive Challenges

As Europe faces mounting pressure to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Future 500 initiative aims to highlight and support emerging champions in the region. The event will integrate these startups into crucial political discussions, enhance their global visibility, and provide access to strategic growth capital.

The launch event will feature high-level discussions among visionary entrepreneurs, European Commissioners, Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers, and leading investors. It promises to unveil the first cohort of European valuation leaders and pave the way for a long-term initiative connecting businesses with the necessary capital and political support.

Building Connections Between Innovation, Investment, and Policy

Confirmed speakers include Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Mariya Gabriel, President of the Robert Schuman Foundation and former European Commissioner for Innovation; Rafał Brzoska, Founder of InPost; Mark Pleško, Founder of Cosylab; and Branko Milutinović, Founder of Nordeus, among others.

Stjepan Orešković, President of the Supervisory Board at IEDC and founder of BOSQAR d.d., stated, “The Future 500 initiative is a long-overdue call to action. It aims to unlock the potential of brilliant founders in cities like Kraków, Sofia, Vodnjan, Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Cluj, helping them transition from being hidden champions to global players.” The panel will strive to support these startups by providing capital, visibility, and transatlantic connections, reinforcing the message that Europe’s future belongs to those who create it.

Jörn Fleck, Senior Director at the Atlantic Council's Europe Center, further emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “With our new SEEUS (Southeast Europe United for Success) initiative, led in partnership with the IEDC, we believe Europe possesses the talent needed to take a leading role globally; however, it lacks the necessary scale. Central and Southeastern Europe is rich in untapped potential, with entrepreneurs and high-growth companies capable of transforming fields such as technology, AI, sustainability, and manufacturing. Too many are forced to look abroad for growth capital or recognition. Through the Future 500 Forum, we aim to connect these change-makers from the SEE entrepreneurial ecosystem directly with policymakers, investors, and transatlantic partners, ensuring their work is recognized as a strategic opportunity for Europe. This fosters real and sustainable impact throughout the region.”

Conclusion

For further insights regarding the event and the Future 500 platform, please visit www.future500forum.com. This initiative represents a crucial step for European startups, aiming to elevate their status on the global stage and ensuring they are armed with the resources and connections necessary for their success.