Why joining Friends of Bata opens doors to unforgettable experiences, international connections, and real entrepreneurial growth.
When we talk about the Friends of Bata network, we talk about real access. Access to top-tier learning experiences, global connections, and community-fueled growth.
This summer, Valéry — one of our rising talents from Youngpreneurs Switzerland — got to experience this first-hand at the Unknown University Summer School in The Netherlands: a one-week entrepreneurship deep dive designed to empower Gen Z founders to learn by doing.
This one-week experience brought together young minds from 27 countries for a unique mix of entrepreneurship workshops, real-life challenges, and bold self-discovery. From pitch sessions to team bonding to surfing and even a Marine bootcamp (!), it was intense, fun, and unforgettable.
“It’s not every day you get to build business ideas with people from all around the globe— all in one room, all with one thing in common: the drive to build something meaningful.” — Valéry
We sat down with Valéry to unpack his 3 biggest takeaways from the experience — and why every young founder should seek out this kind of challenge
💬 1. Community Is Your Superpower
“During this camp I was able to meet people from Argentina, Egypt, Slovakia — all with different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. But one thing connected us: the passion for entrepreneurship and building the world of tomorrow.”
Valéry discovered firsthand what we always say: you don’t build startups alone. The diversity of ideas and energy from fellow participants sparked new perspectives and inspired him to think bigger.
It wasn’t just networking for the sake of it — real bonds were formed, teams were created, and even future collaborators emerged. The experience showed how much further you can go when surrounded by like-minded, driven people from around the world.
🔑 Takeaway: If you want to grow, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you — even if they come from wildly different paths.
🏢 2. Environment Shapes You
“What struck me was the amazing energy in the spaces of Unknown University. Whether in The Hague or Rotterdam, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs — all on different missions, but all helping each other.”
Beyond the workshops, Valéry was struck by the power of a purpose-driven physical environment. Just being in a space where everyone is building, sharing, and supporting each other had a major influence on how he saw his own path.
The setup at Unknown University — a hybrid space where students build real ventures while studying — showed him what’s possible when your environment is built for bold thinking, experimentation, and collaboration.
🔑 Takeaway: Where you learn and build matters. Find spaces and communities that elevate your mindset.
❤️🔥 3. Purpose > Perfection
“Speaking to the founders of Unknown University, I could feel their passion. Their mission to build a new kind of education system — one that truly reflects their values — was contagious. It made me realize that knowing your WHY is everything.”
This was Valéry’s biggest personal breakthrough: realizing that your ‘why’ is your fuel. It’s what keeps you going when things get messy, when your MVP flops, or when doubt creeps in.
For him, that “why” is rooted in sustainability and ecology. The camp helped him sharpen that focus — and reminded him that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a product, it’s about building with purpose.
🔑 Takeaway: Clarify your personal mission early. Let it guide your decisions — and attract the right people and opportunities.
Want to join our next experience?
👉 Join the Friends of Bata Network
👉 Get notified about future events, summer schools, and exclusive programs
👉 Be the first to know when applications open
📸 Check out the gallery of his favorite moments below!
