Global Chairman’s Remarks 2025
World Business Angel Investors Week 2025 will be a great platform from which to campaign for solutions to such critical issues and other worldwide concerns at the United Nations, the European Union and in G20 countries..
In an increasingly interconnected world, entrepreneurship has transcended national boundaries to become a global force for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. The theme of this year’s World Business Angel Investors Week—Entrepreneurship Without Borders: Advancing Partnerships for a Sustainable Future—reflects our belief that cross-border collaboration, shared knowledge, and global partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of the startup economy.
World Business Angel Investors Week 2025, globally coordinated by the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)—an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)—offers a unique platform to connect entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, and thought leaders across borders and industries. It is a week dedicated to exploring how smart finance and inclusive partnerships can power sustainable growth in both developed and developing economies.
Building on the Momentum of 2024
The remarkable success of World Business Angel Investors Week 2024 has inspired us all. Celebrated in 138 countries across 5 continents and 2 regions, the Week united over 200,000 participants globally. With 300 keynote speakers, 740 distinguished panelists, and the addresses of 4 Presidents, 2 Prime Ministers, and 32 Ministers, it became one of the most influential gatherings of the global startup ecosystem. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every stakeholder who contributed to this outstanding achievement.
Crossing Borders to Create Value
Entrepreneurship is no longer confined by geography. In today’s digital age, a startup in one corner of the globe can scale internationally with the right support, funding, and guidance. However, to achieve this, we must eliminate the barriers that hinder cross-border entrepreneurship. That means ensuring equitable access to finance, fostering regulatory cooperation, and promoting inclusive policies that support entrepreneurs regardless of their location, gender, or background.
World Business Angel Investors Week 2025 aims to advance global partnerships that can catalyze innovation and sustainable growth. Through roundtables, workshops, and networking forums, stakeholders will explore how early-stage equity markets can drive green innovation, social impact, and economic empowerment.
A Call for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
The WBAF believes that sustainable economic development requires not just capital, but smart capital—investment that brings with it mentorship, networks, and strategic partnerships. By fostering entrepreneurship without borders, we are taking a stand for a world where every entrepreneur, regardless of nationality, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a better future.
Throughout this special week, we invite angel investors, venture capitalists, policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs to reflect on the role they can play in building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated startup ecosystem. Let us harness our collective wisdom and resources to empower entrepreneurs as agents of positive change in the global economy.
As we move forward, I am confident that collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures will unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Together, we can shape a sustainable future powered by innovation, driven by partnerships, and anchored in entrepreneurship without borders.
I extend my sincere thanks to the organizing committee, our country chairs and co-chairs, global partners, and all our speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions. Your efforts not only enrich this Week but help forge a brighter future for generations to come.
Let us embrace this journey together—united in purpose, global in outlook, and bold in vision.
Thank you,
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Baybars Altuntas
Global Chair, World Business Angel Investors Week
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)