Spain Edition 2026April 22-24, 2026

Inspiring Minds,
Creating Impact

In Madrid, where leading Italian minds meet the next generation.

Italian Symposium Madrid Edition 2026

The Italian Symposium 2026 in Madrid brings together some of the most exciting Italian minds across private equity, tech, entrepreneurship, and family business for a series of open and engaging conversations with students.

Through five panels, you’ll get a closer look at how these industries really work; from the impact of AI and data infrastructure to building global companies and scaling family businesses.

More than just talks, this is a chance to connect. You’ll be able to meet the speakers, ask questions, and have real conversations with people working at the highest level. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, clarity on your career path, or simply to expand your network, the Symposium is designed to bring you closer to the people and ideas shaping the future.

Madrid Symposium Participants
Visionary Minds

Distinguished Guests

The most compelling Italian voices shaping Italy’s future across the globe.

Marco Belletti

Marco Belletti

CEO, Azimut Libera Impresa

Marco Belletti is CEO of Azimut Libera Impresa, the private markets arm of Azimut Group. He focuses on supporting SMEs and expanding access to alternative investments across Europe. With a strong background in private equity and asset management, he has led initiatives that connect capital with real-economy growth, strengthening Azimut’s international footprint and deal sourcing capabilities.

Fabio Corsico

Fabio Corsico

Director of Institutional Affairs & Group Development, Caltagirone Group

Fabio Corsico works at the intersection of institutional relations, strategy, and large-scale infrastructure. At Caltagirone Group, he contributes to projects linked to energy, telecoms, and digital infrastructure, with a growing focus on data centers and the foundations enabling AI at scale. His perspective bridges policy, capital, and execution.

Guido Maria Brera

Guido Maria Brera

Co-Founder, Kairos Group; Founder, Be Water

Guido Maria Brera is a leading Italian investor and entrepreneur. Co-founder of Kairos and founder of Be Water, he has decades of experience in capital markets and strategic investments. Known for his macro view and storytelling, he brings insights on markets, technology shifts, and how capital shapes industries.

Patrizio Messina

Patrizio Messina

Country Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells

Patrizio Messina is Country Managing Partner at Hogan Lovells Italy. He advises on complex cross-border transactions and infrastructure projects, including those related to digital transformation and data ecosystems. His work connects legal strategy with investment execution in fast-evolving sectors.

Mirja Cartia D’Asero

Mirja Cartia D’Asero

Chair, Clessidra Holding & Clessidra Private Equity SGR

Mirja Cartia D’Asero is Chair of Clessidra Holding and Clessidra Private Equity SGR. With a strong background in business leadership and private equity, she brings a unique perspective on governance, growth, and decision-making in complex markets.

Raffaele Coriglione

Raffaele Coriglione

Host, Black Box Podcast; Former Executive

Raffaele Coriglione is the host of the Black Box Podcast and a former executive at Morgan Stanley. He focuses on unpacking how decisions are made in finance and business, bringing a practical and transparent approach to markets, deals, and leadership conversations.

Matteo Danieli

Matteo Danieli

Co-Founder & CPO, Bending Spoons

Matteo Danieli is Co-Founder and CPO of Bending Spoons, one of Europe’s leading tech companies. He has helped scale the company globally through product excellence and strategic acquisitions (including Evernote and Meetup assets). His work centers on building high-performing teams and products at scale.

Alessandro Folio

Alessandro Folio

Co-Founder & President, Lasatec Industrial Holding

Alessandro Folio is Co-Founder and President of Lasatec Industrial Holding. He focuses on scaling industrial family businesses internationally, combining long-term vision with global expansion strategies. His experience highlights how heritage companies can evolve and compete across markets.

Program Schedule

Join the panels hosted at IE University.

Day 1

Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026IE TOWER, 24th Floor
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Capital With Vision - A Conversation With Marco Belletti

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Marco Belletti, CEO of Azimut Libera Impresa, exploring the role of capital, vision, and private markets in shaping the future of global investments. This event also represents a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for all IE students to connect directly with a top industry leader, gain first-hand insights, and build valuable relationships in a highly interactive setting.

Speakers:

  • Marco Belletti

Day 2

Thursday, Apr 23, 2026MARIA DE MOLINA, 11, Aula Magna
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Powering The AI Era

Join us for a dynamic conversation with leading industry figures on the role of data centers and infrastructure in powering the AI revolution and shaping the next wave of technological growth. This event is also a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to engage directly with top professionals, gain real-world insights, and build meaningful connections in an interactive setting.

Speakers:

  • Fabio Corsico
  • Guido Maria Brera
  • Patrizio Messina
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

The Black Box

Join us for an exclusive and immersive experience along the lines of The Black Box Podcast. Explore the intricate decision-making processes embedded in high-stakes environments.

Speakers:

  • Mirja Cartia D’Asero
  • Guido Maria Brera
  • Raffaele Coriglione

Day 3

Friday, Apr 24, 2026IE TOWER, 24th Floor
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Family Business, Global Play

Join us for a conversation with Alessandro Folio on how family businesses evolve beyond borders, exploring the challenges and opportunities of scaling internationally while preserving identity and long-term vision. This event also offers a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to engage directly with an experienced entrepreneur, gain practical insights, and build meaningful connections in an interactive setting.

Speakers:

  • Alessandro Folio
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Building At Scale

Join us for a conversation with Matteo Danieli, Co-Founder of Bending Spoons, as he shares the journey behind building one of Europe’s leading tech companies and the key decisions that shaped its growth. This event also offers a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to connect directly with a top entrepreneur, gain first-hand insights, and build meaningful relationships in an interactive setting.

Speakers:

  • Matteo Danieli

Our Partners & Sponsors

Made possible through the support of sponsors who share our commitment to fostering dialogue.

Main SponsorBending Spoons logo
Supporting SponsorHogan Lovells logo
Supporting SponsorGomry logo
United Italian Societies

In Collaboration With

Partnering with leading Italian student societies in Spain.

Meet the Team

The volunteers who made this symposium possible.

Al

Alessandro Acatti

Head of Symposium

Ca

Carlo Zacutti

Symposium Officer

Da

Davide De Michele

Symposium Officer

Gi

Giulia Tenderini

Symposium Officer

Gi

Ginevra Guarnerio

Head of Communications

Ma

Martina Cason

Country Manager