Jan Brinckmann: Director - ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute (#08)

Show notes

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Prof. Dr. Jan Brinckmann, one of Europe’s leading thinkers at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and venture building. As Professor at ESADE Business School—one of the world’s most international and practice-driven institutions—Brinckmann offers a rare inside look into how he develops entrepreneurial talent and why ESADE consistently ranks among the top universities in the Redstone University Startup Index.

Together, they explore how entrepreneurship education has evolved from traditional lectures to case-based learning and now to fully immersive, real-world project work. Brinckmann explains why the desire to act, the belief that you can, and powerful triggering moments matter far more than theoretical models—and how his programs are designed to move students from the “comfortable couch” into real entrepreneurial execution.

He discusses the importance of role models, hands-on experimentation, and high-velocity project cycles, as well as why young founders should “build now” instead of waiting for perfect business plans. Brinckmann also offers insights into ESADE’s unique ecosystem: from weekly founders’ meetups to revenue-generating challenges, from cross-disciplinary collaborations to the mindset shifts required for building globally relevant companies.

The conversation touches on Europe’s need to accelerate in AI and digital innovation, the persistent gap between business schools and engineering faculties, and how universities can become platforms for ambitious, pan-European technology initiatives.

Brinckmann also shares stories of standout founders—including the creator of Touchland, who scaled her company to a multi-hundred-million-dollar exit—and outlines what truly distinguishes the top performers: curiosity, hunger, and an intrinsic drive to learn and build.

This episode offers deep insights into entrepreneurial education, founder psychology, and the future of European innovation ecosystems—told by one of the most influential educators, entrepreneurs, and early-stage investors in the field.

Welcome to "AlpMomentum - Innovate, Educate, Elevate," a captivating new podcast series brought to you by entrepreneur Michael Brehm, founding partner of Redstone.vc and founder of the Think Tank AlpMomentum. Join us as we delve into the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, technology, and policy with some of the brightest minds shaping our future.

Each episode will bring you personal stories, expert opinions, and inspiring discussions from leading academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. We'll explore what it takes to create thriving educational environments, the traits of successful founders, and the future of tech-driven solutions to global challenges.