Top entrepreneurs talk business and benevolence at the Brandenburg Gate

A sold out Berlin Summit for purpose-driven entrepreneurs has been organised for the first time by Leith-based startup FutureX in partnership with Entrepreneurial Scotland.

The summit took 20 entrepreneurs on a journey through Berlin on foot.

Not to office spaces and business parks, but to monuments and community projects.

According to programme designer Laura Westring, the Fx team have created an urban retreat in which “the exploration of many contrasting and unexpected parts of Berlin’s economy meet with quiet moments for reflection on mission-led business leadership”.

The programme included a dip into Berlin’s cult Tech Open Air festival through a fringe event sponsored by Scottish entrepreneurial organisation WeAreTheFuture, as well as opportunities to reflect on a number of deep dive themes: from the lasting impact the Berlin Wall still has on the city’s economic and urban development, to the consequences of gentrification in some of the city’s trendier districts.

The startups and scale-ups represented at the summit range from EnteroBiotix, an Aberdeen biotech company that recently raised £500,000, to global gift experience curators Tinggly. Among the delegates were EIE17 winner and Amiqus CEO Callum Murray, MadeBrave founder Andrew Dobbie and Social Investment Scotland entrepreneur in residence Rachael Brown.

FutureX co-founder Adam Purvis said: “We’re delighted by the calibre of delegates this programme has attracted. Berlin’s pull can be felt in the interest we’ve already had from several entrepreneurs keen to take part in the 2018 edition next year. This is a city that is constantly redefining itself, with a startup community who intend to make a positive impact on the world. Considering that a Scottish Investment and Innovation Hub is also planned for Berlin, there are many reasons to keep coming back.”

Emma Watson Mack Development Director at Entrepreneurial Scotland said: “Connecting entrepreneurs at different stages through learning journeys like this is a fantastic way to share experiences and generate new ideas. Taking time out of the day job to create thinking space and connect with like minded people from different sectors and backgrounds is a highly valuable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Entrepreneurial Scotland is always keen to collaborate with partners who challenge the norm and are skilled at delivering an alternative experience, like FutureX, helping to build our links with entrepreneurial communities in Europe and internationally.’”

Float founder Colin Hewitt said: “It’s always a huge boost to spend time with other founders who are dedicated to building businesses that make a difference in the world. This programme has provided a great space that inspires, motivates and energises for the next steps in the journey.”