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The energy in Madrid was undeniable. This year’s South Summit was not just another startup event. It was a magnet for founders, investors, operators, and visionaries shaping the future of entrepreneurship across Europe and beyond. For COREangels, it marked a powerful week of learning, connection, and celebration, culminating in our very own COREangels Day at ESCP Business School.

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From stage insights to late lunches, the week offered a masterclass in what makes early-stage ecosystems thrive: people, perspective, and purpose.

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Day One: The Angel Effect Live on Stage

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The journey began with a standout session titled "The Angel Effect and Unlocking Early Potential", moderated by Beatriz Arias from WA4STEAM and DigitalES. The panel featured three leading voices in early-stage investing:

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This conversation unpacked what angels really look for in startups, far beyond the pitch deck. Cintia focused on founder adaptability and the need for entrepreneurs to take sales seriously from day one. Andrea brought in the lens of team dynamics and market readiness. Tülin, with her background in venture capital, emphasized traction and the grit required to bounce back when things get tough.

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Red flags were also openly discussed. Solo founders, unclear leadership, or lack of execution mindset these are signals that experienced angels often spot early. But the discussion was not just about risks. It was about the full value that angels bring. Money is only part of the picture. True angel support includes mentorship, trusted networks, and a long-term relationship built on belief and resilience.

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Going Global with Intention

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On the second day, we had "Go Global or Go Home: Scaling Beyond Borders", a panel moderated by Tata Maytesyan from Grow Global Tech. Speakers included:

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The session’s message was clear: global scaling should be intentional, not automatic. If your home market is too small, go global from the beginning. But if there is enough room to grow locally, focus first on getting it right before expanding. This perspective resonated deeply with COREangels' global network of funds and founders working across multiple regions.

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Insights from the Investment Trenches

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Another highlight was the session "Fueling the Future: Early Stage Investment in Tech", moderated by Rui Rodrigues of Indico Capital Partners. He was joined by:

Tom shared that traction remains the key signal in early-stage tech. Startups must show they can execute, not just ideate. Mercè spoke about the role of venture partners and how support should not be confused with micromanagement. Founders need to be self-driven, but they should also know they are not alone. Encomenda provides meaningful value, recruiting talent, opening doors, and bringing partners into critical conversations.

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Creative and Unexpected Perspectives

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Ela also joined the more unconventional session "Cracking and Breaking the Future", featuring TakFund, XRF, and an unexpected guest—Álvaro Herraiz Solla from the Spanish Navy. Together with Pablo Ventura and Gustavo Medina, they explored what resilience will mean in a future shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and innovation across sectors.

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This kind of session, blending military thinking with venture innovation, brought a fresh perspective on future-proofing organizations and ecosystems.

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The Role of AI in Everything

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The "Intelligent Systems" session offered another deep dive, focused on artificial intelligence and its cross-sector impact. Moderated by Youssouf Traore of EI University and the European Investment Bank, the panel included:

Jaime is also part of the COREangels Global portfolio, backed by COREangels Barcelona. He stressed the importance of human oversight in business-to-business AI. No matter how smart the model, validation from people remains critical. Filippo echoed the importance of curated data and highlighted the role of private sector innovation in advancing Europe’s AI leadership. Jaime concluded, “AI will change how we live socially. It is not just a tool, it is a shift.”

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COREangels Day at ESCP Business School

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After the buzz of the summit, COREangels Day was held at ESCP Business School and offered a completely different rhythm, more intimate, more reflective, and deeply community-oriented.

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COREangels team arrived early with fund leaders Guillermo Soto Ugalde and Rui Falcão to meet the local ESCP team:

  • Niko Muñoz, PhD, Teaching Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Bachelor's in Management

  • Daniela Pavlova, Head of Blue Factory ESCP Spain

As the venue came to life, Andrés Martín, winner of The Voice Spain, arrived for a live acoustic performance that would later anchor the evening.

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When the guests, angel investors, fund leaders, selected startup founders, and partners began arriving, the space filled with energy. Niko welcomed the group with heartfelt words: “From today, all of you are ESCP alumni. This is your home. Just knock, and you will be welcomed.”

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Cintia then opened the evening and invited each COREangels fund leader to introduce themselves. From there, the evening unfolded organically. Music, wine, spontaneous pitches, and laughter filled the room. New connections formed. Conversations sparked. A few guests even left for a late lunch together the next day.

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A Community on the Move

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To close the week, the COREangels team took a field trip through Madrid. It was not just a tourist walk. It was a moment to reflect, bond, and enjoy the city that had just hosted one of the most meaningful weeks in the network’s calendar.

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From investor panels and AI forecasts to rooftop conversations and live music at a business school, this was a week that showcased what COREangels is all about, supporting early-stage startups through community, clarity, and global connection.

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Want to be part of the next COREangels experience?
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Join COREangels Syndicate: our community of angels, fund leaders, and founders building a better future.