We empower the next-gen of entrepreneurs with real-world experiences, startup challenges, and access to an international network of founders, experts, and like-minded builders.
Validate your ideas, build connections, and grow with us!
OUR PARTNERS
YOU BELONG HERE IF…
Friends of Bata is a launchpad for student founders — where ideas get tested, ventures grow, and real connections happen.
Through events, content, podcasts, and startup challenges, we help young builders learn by doing.
You have an idea. You don't need a pitch deck or traction to get started. Just show up ready to build.
Build real relationships with peers who are at the same stage, facing the same challenges, and building real things - not just networking for the sake of it.
Universities teach frameworks. FoB connects you with operators and founders who give you real, actionable feedback based on lived experience.
Startup Challenges, Founder Q&As, Podcast Sessions, Pitch Events, and Real Case Study Debates built to help you learn by doing.
WHAT WE DO
What Is Friends of Bata? — Frédéric Jaquet, who leads our digital strategy.
We are Gen Z students and recent graduates from universities across Europe — curious, ambitious, and building real things. FoB is where we find our people, sharpen our ideas, and turn ambition into action. In 2025, our global network supported 130,000+ young people in improving their entrepreneurship skills.
130K+
Students supported globally
30+
Universities active
20+
Countries represented
We connect students with top international experts in business, management, and strategy. Our mentors don't lecture — they roll up their sleeves, share real playbooks, and provide mentorship that fosters genuine entrepreneurial growth and success.
30+
Vetted mentors
10+
Industries covered
€0
Cost to get matched
🤝 PARTNERSHIPS
We work with forward-thinking international organisations and institutions to co-create high-impact learning opportunities, events, and content that benefit our growing network of student founders.
EVENTS
We host a mix of online and offline gatherings where young entrepreneurs connect, co-create, and challenge each other.
Test your ideas against real challenges, pitch in front of founders and experts, and get feedback that actually moves you forward.
Get direct access to operators and investors through live sessions, online masterclasses, and intimate Q&As built around your questions.
Explore real startup stories, debate the decisions, and meet the founders behind them. Practical context from people who've actually been at zero.
IN THE ROOM
TESTIMONIALS
"FoB completely changed how I think about entrepreneurship. The case study sessions with real founders are unlike anything I've experienced at university."
"I joined not knowing what to expect and left with a network, a mentor, and a much clearer sense of what I want to build. 100% worth it."
"The EHL Innovation Sprint organised with FoB was intense, hands-on, and exactly what I needed. Real feedback, real people, real learning."
"Finally a community that meets Gen Z founders where we are. No gatekeeping, no fluff — just access to people and opportunities that actually matter."
Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship or already building your first idea - we're here to help you explore, connect, and grow.
Let's build something together!
Join UsFree to join · Open to students and recent graduates
