Javier Santiso

Who Is Javier Santiso?

Javier Santiso is a distinguished economist, entrepreneur, and professor at IE Business School, globally recognized for his expertise in innovation, emerging markets, and venture capital investment. As the founder of Club Mundi and Mundi Ventures, he has spearheaded initiatives that connect entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Named a *Young Global Leader* by the World Economic Forum (Davos) from 2009 to 2013, he has been featured among the most influential Latin American thinkers of his generation by *Foreign Policy* magazine.

Santiso blends his academic expertise with his entrepreneurial and investment roles, positioning himself as a key figure in promoting innovation and venture capital across Europe and Latin America.

What is his Background?

Javier Santiso has a wealth of international experience in economics and investment. As Vice President of ESADEgeo’s Center for Global Economy and Geopolitics (2010-2015), he worked alongside Javier Solana to promote innovative strategies for global markets. He served as Director and Chief Economist at the OECD Development Center, becoming the youngest executive to hold this position. He also worked in investment banking at Lazard Frères and Crédit Agricole Indosuez and as Chief Economist for Emerging Markets at BBVA.

In entrepreneurship, he led initiatives such as Amerigo, a venture capital network managing over €300 million across Europe and Latin America, and Talentum Startups, a platform for accelerators. He also founded *Start Up Spain*, a project to foster innovation and technology in Spain.

As a professor, Santiso has taught at prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins University, the University of Oxford, and HEC School of Management in Paris. He has been a keynote speaker at major global events, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos and *The Economist Emerging Markets Summits*.