Opening remarks

Unlocking Startup Growth: Web Summit Lisbon 2025 Explores IPOs, AI, and Entrepreneurial Adaptability

Ms. Naureen Zahid, Head of Fundraising & Investor Relations at Beringea, extended a warm welcome to attendees at the Startup University stage during Web Summit Lisbon 2025. She expressed gratitude for their early morning presence, setting an enthusiastic tone for the day’s insightful discussions. Ms. Zahid then introduced Beringea as a prominent growth equity investor, highlighting its substantial portfolio with $900 million in assets under management across funds in both the UK and the US.

Beringea takes immense pride in supporting a diverse array of businesses, including well-recognized names such as Lucky Saint, MPB, Grilla, and Creative X. Ms. Zahid emphasized that the defining characteristic of the most successful entrepreneurs lies in their innate ability to continuously learn, adapt to new challenges, and effectively build innovative solutions. This fundamental principle serves as the guiding philosophy for all the sessions scheduled at the Startup University stage.

The morning’s agenda at the Startup University is meticulously crafted to explore critical themes that are currently shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. These discussions will cover a broad spectrum of topics, from the initial stages of scaling businesses from zero to significant growth, to effectively navigating the complexities of an AI-driven economy, and understanding the intricate process of taking companies public in today’s market.

Attendees will have the invaluable opportunity to gain insights directly from some of the industry’s most accomplished founders and builders. These experts are poised to share their profound knowledge and perspectives on the fundamental issues that are influencing the world of startups and growth-stage companies, offering practical advice and strategic foresight to all participants.

The inaugural session of the day is specifically dedicated to examining the dynamic and ever-evolving IPO landscape. This segment aims to thoroughly explore the significant changes currently impacting this sector, identify emerging opportunities for businesses seeking public investment, and forecast future trends for public markets around the globe. Such a discussion is vital for any company contemplating a public offering.

To provide comprehensive insights into the contemporary state of going public, the stage will feature two distinguished speakers. Ms. Cassandra Sie, who serves as the Head of International Capital Markets at the New York Stock Exchange, will share her extensive expertise. She will be interviewed by Ms. Maria Aspen, a respected financial correspondent from NPR, offering a detailed perspective from the epicenter of the world’s foremost IPO destination.

This particular session is anticipated to be an invaluable resource for both entrepreneurs and investors, providing a clear understanding of the various pathways to public markets and the strategic considerations involved in such a significant transition. The discussions planned throughout the day at Startup University are designed to equip attendees with the essential knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment.