The IESE Center for Family-Owned Business and Entrepreneurship (CEFIE) and the CEO-Collaborative Forum (CEO-CF) have recently formalized a long and successful working relationship with a sponsoring agreement that has broad ramifications for entrepreneurship across the EU.

CEO-CF will provide support for the ongoing development of IESE's CEFIE, which is dedicated to the creation and growth of new companies in Europe. CEFIE is developing pan-European-based research, publications, and pedagogical materials that reflect the real challenges facing today's entrepreneurs. The formalized relationship gives both entities the opportunity to strengthen their collaboration and foster equity investment in startups and growing companies on the front lines of a volatile marketplace.

"Now more than ever, entrepreneurs need access to the essential knowledge, tools and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses. The agreement with CEO-CF is a reflection of IESE's commitment to entrepreneurship, and fostering effective collaboration among business leaders, investors, banks, governmental agents and firms," said Mathieu Carenzo, CEFIE managing director.

Since 2006, CEFIE and CEO-CF have collaborated on the development of business cases culminating in a soon-to-be-released book on high-growth entrepreneurs. Under the new formalized relationship, the two organizations hope to raise awareness about the economic importance of promoting new ventures and strengthening the ecosystem that drives entrepreneurs, investors, banks, governmental agents, and corporate companies towards more productive collaborations.