Bizkaia Provincial Council Launches B Founders Club: Entrepreneurship Network with 30 Startup Founders

The community of entrepreneurs B Founders Club held its first meeting this Monday at BAT (B Accelerator Tower), in which around thirty founders of consolidated companies and startups in the territory participated. With this presentation day, “a journey to become a catalyst for advanced entrepreneurship in Bizkaia“, as explained from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia.

B Founders Club aims to connect local entrepreneurship leaders with other startup founders, promote the transfer of knowledge and “strengthen the competitiveness of the innovation ecosystem” from Bizkaia.

About thirty founders of established companies and startups in the territory have participated in this launch event, which “marks the official beginning” of the club and its public activity.

B Founders Club is born driven by a motor group made up of: Fernando Bacaicoa (Grupo Educaedu), Unai Extremo (Virtualware) Eneko Knörr (Hostalia, Ideateca, Ludei, Stabolut), Grutz Linazasoro (VIVEbiotech), Ander Michelena (Acurio Ventures and Ticketbis), Oier Urrutia (Lookiero) and Iratxe Zuluaga (Ariadna Grid and Merytronic).

The club will offer two levels of participation to generate a space for collaboration between entrepreneurs of different stages. Thus, it has a promoter group, made up of startup founders, and a group of founders, made up of entrepreneurs who have raised a professional investment round of at least 500,000 euros or exceeded one million euros in turnover in the last three years.

The session was chaired by the Deputy for Economic Promotion of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Ainara Basurkoand has had the assistance of the Councilor for Economic Promotion of the Bilbao City Council, Conchi Claver.

Support to more than 430 startups

In the last ten years “in Bizkaia we have supported the creation of 431 startups, of which 332 are still active, with a survival of 77% and that they have created 3,033 jobs and have an accumulated turnover of 754 million euros,” Basurko highlighted.

“This club provides precisely the missing piece: a community of references who will share their experience to inspire other entrepreneurial people and to promote advanced entrepreneurship in our territory,” he highlighted.

B Founders Club is promovido por BAT B Accelerator Towerthe Bizkaia International Entrepreneurship Center located in Torre Bizkaia and supported by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the Bilbao City Council, with the collaboration of the Basque Government.

The initiative, which aspires to “become a catalyst for advanced entrepreneurship in Bizkaia”, will meet again on March 26“strengthening an ecosystem that combines local roots, international ambition and a community committed to the economic development of the territory.”

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What specific benefits does the B Founders Club offer to early-stage startups beyond typical networking events?

The Bizkaia Provincial Council has unveiled the “B Founders Club,” a new initiative designed to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the Basque Country. This exclusive network brings together 30 carefully selected startup founders from diverse sectors, aiming to accelerate growth and innovation through peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and access to resources. This program represents a notable investment in Basque entrepreneurship and positions Bizkaia as a key hub for technological innovation in Spain.

What is the B Founders Club?

The B Founders Club isn’t just another networking event. It’s a curated, long-term program built around the needs of high-potential early-stage startups.The Council’s goal is to create a supportive environment where founders can overcome common challenges, share best practices, and collectively drive forward the Bizkaia innovation landscape.

Hear’s a breakdown of the core components:

* Exclusive Membership: Limited to 30 founders, ensuring a focused and impactful experience.

* Peer-to-Peer Learning: Regular sessions designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

* Mentorship Opportunities: Access to experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.

* Resource Access: Connections to potential investors, funding opportunities, and relevant support services.

* Strategic Workshops: Focused training on topics crucial for startup success, such as scaling, marketing, and fundraising.

Who are the Inaugural Founders?

The 30 founders selected represent a wide range of industries, including:

* Fintech: Companies disrupting traditional financial services.

* Biotechnology: Innovations in healthcare and life sciences.

* Artificial Intelligence (AI): Startups leveraging AI for various applications.

* Lasting Technologies: Businesses focused on environmental solutions.

* Advanced Manufacturing: Companies utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

While specific company names haven’t been widely publicized to respect founder privacy, the Council has emphasized the high caliber of the selected participants and their potential for significant impact. The selection process prioritized high-growth potential, innovative business models, and a commitment to contributing to the Bizkaia economy.

Benefits of Joining the B Founders club

For the selected founders, the benefits are ample. Beyond the tangible resources,the B Founders Club offers:

* Accelerated Growth: Access to expertise and support can significantly shorten the learning curve and accelerate business growth.

* Reduced Isolation: Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. The Club provides a community of like-minded individuals facing similar challenges.

* Enhanced Visibility: Association with the Bizkaia Provincial Council and the B Founders Club can raise a startup’s profile and attract investment.

* Strategic Partnerships: opportunities to collaborate with othre members and potential partners.

* Improved Decision-Making: Benefit from collective wisdom and diverse perspectives.

Bizkaia’s Commitment to Startup Support

The launch of the B Founders Club is part of a broader strategy by the Bizkaia Provincial Council to strengthen its startup ecosystem. Recent initiatives include:

1. Seed Funding Programs: providing early-stage financial support to promising startups.
2. Incubator and Accelerator Programs: Offering workspace, mentorship, and resources to help startups develop their businesses. Examples include the beaz program.
3. Investment Attraction Initiatives: Actively seeking to attract venture capital and angel investors to the region.
4. Digital transformation Support: Programs designed to help traditional businesses adopt new technologies.
5. Talent Development Programs: Investing in education and training to create a skilled workforce for the tech industry.

Practical tips for Startups in Bizkaia

Even if you weren’t selected for the inaugural B Founders Club, there are numerous resources available to entrepreneurs in Bizkaia:

* Explore Beaz: The Bizkaia Entrepreneurship Agency (Beaz) offers a wealth of information, funding opportunities, and support services. (https://www.beaz.eus/en/)

* Network Actively: Attend industry events and connect with other entrepreneurs in the region.

* Leverage Local Resources: Take advantage of the incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces available in Bizkaia.

* Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support.

* stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the Basque startup ecosystem.

The Future of the B Founders Club

The Bizka