Javier Echarri, a well known figure in Brussels due to his former 11 year leadership at the Invest Europe (formerly EVCA, European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association), will officially join EBN as next CEO on 1st July 2017.

EBN is well recognised as one of the key stakeholders of the EU institutions for advice on policy making in support of innovation. EBN members support innovation of entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs. EU|BICs are recognised through a quality certification scheme. With more than 12,000 startups supported in 2016, close to 8,000 funded, a survival rate of around 90% and almost 20,000 jobs created, it positions EBN as the most successful innovation support network in Europe.

Javier’s first official appearance within his new mandate will be at EBN Annual Congress “Open Ecosystems for Innovation” 5-7th July 2017, in Enghien-les-Bains (France). The Congress will also host the Annual Assembly of EBN members.

Patrick Valverde, EBN President, said: “We are very satisfied with the appointment of Javier. His skills in membership organisation management, and his experience in the innovation financing sphere, both from the market and the policy making perspectives, fit particularly well in the ambitious plans of EBN. We are looking forward to working with him”.

Javier Echarri said: “I had been in contact with EBN and its members over the years and witnessed their professionalism and commitment to innovation. I admire the reach, the capacity to work across borders, and the unconditional support to startups and SMEs. It will be an honour to contribute to its continuous success and help drive this exceptional organisation into the fast changing landscape of innovation.”