Entrepreneurship in Luxembourg

"Behind every entrepreneur, there is a story"

“What inspires us isn’t just the metrics, but the journeys and stories behind each candidate,” explains Yves Even. “These leaders embody the diversity of entrepreneurial paths in Luxembourg. Whether they’re originally from the country or came from abroad, they’ve chosen the Grand Duchy as a base to grow their ecosystems. All of them share a common passion and unwavering determination.”

YE: Mr. Fischer, your leadership at Julius Baer Europe reflects a true entrepreneurial spirit within the world of private banking. Can you tell us about your experience and career path?

FF: My career has been shaped by a passion for strategic thinking and long-term value creation across several financial hubs. Since 2007, I’ve held senior positions in Luxembourg’s financial sector, witnessing first-hand its remarkable evolution, from a traditional financial place to a dynamic centre for innovation, sustainability, and international entrepreneurship in numerous sectors. In my role, my focus has always been on building trusted relationships and navigating complexity with clarity. At Julius Baer, I’m proud to contribute to a culture that values innovation, integrity, and impact - always with an eye on what’s next.

YE: This year’s competition returns under the theme Shapers. What role do you personally play in promoting entrepreneurship in Luxembourg, and how does Julius Baer contribute to this effort?

FF: At Julius Baer, we support entrepreneurs not only as wealth managers, but as strategic partners. As a private bank with Swiss heritage and strong European network, our role goes beyond investment advice: We help business owners structure their private wealth, navigate succession planning, and align financial strategies with long-term goals. This is especially crucial for internationally structured families in complex financial situations and needs.

Through our involvement in EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year™ initiative, we help foster a culture of innovation and resilience. This contributes to shaping Luxembourg’s future as a hub for responsible growth and international entrepreneurship. 

YE: Through strategic vision, client-focused excellence, and a deep commitment to Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem, you embody the various qualities celebrated by the EOY distinction. But why is it important for you to support an initiative like Entrepreneur Of The Year?

FF: Entrepreneurs are the architects of change. Supporting EY’s initiative means recognising and celebrating those who challenge norms, build responsibly, and inspire progress. We are proud to be a sponsor of this fantastic programme – thriving across Europe, with notable success in our Irish branch over the past nine years, and strong presence in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and now, for the first time, in Luxembourg. We believe in empowering those who shape the future, one bold idea at a time.

YE: Luxembourg stands out for its high level of well-being, remarkable quality of life, and the many opportunities it offers. Why do you think that is, and how can this be maintained?

FF: Luxembourg just gets it right. It’s politically stable, super connected, and open to fresh ideas. You’ve got global expertise close at hand, but things still move fast and people know each other, which makes collaboration easy. What really stands out is how forward-thinking the country is, especially in areas like finance, sustainability, and digital innovation. To keep that edge, we need to keep investing in people, in smart infrastructure, and in businesses that want to create real impact, pillars that ensure the country remains a launchpad for ideas with global relevance and long-term value.

YE: Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of many discussions. Do you believe Luxembourg’s entrepreneurial landscape is sufficiently engaged in this dynamic?

FF: Luxembourg is making good progress, but there’s still room to push further. Innovation and sustainability are no longer optional, they’re must-haves. Like at Julius Baer, where we focus on high-value solutions, Luxembourg needs to keep climbing the value chain. Fintech, green tech, and space are exciting, but we also need that mindset in sectors like logistics, service and manufacturing. It’s not just about promoting startups. It’s about building strong ecosystems that last.

YE: Being an entrepreneur is never easy. In your view, what is the main challenge entrepreneurs face in Luxembourg today? 

FF: One of the biggest challenges is scaling with purpose in a small but highly competitive market. Luxembourg offers great infrastructure and access to decision-makers, but entrepreneurs often struggle to move from local success to international relevance, if they wish so. I’ve seen founders with brilliant ideas — especially in tech and digital services — who sometimes hit a wall when trying to expand beyond the region. Talent acquisition is another hurdle: attracting specialised profiles to a small country is not easy, especially when competing with larger markets. From my experience, persistence, strategic partnerships, and a clear business case are essential for success here and beyond.

YE: You embrace a global role. What would you say to an entrepreneur to convince them to set up in Luxembourg?

FF: I would say: if you’ve got a great idea and want to build something meaningful, Luxembourg is a smart place to start. It’s small enough to move fast, but connected enough to go global. You’ll find support, access to decision-makers, and a community that’s genuinely collaborative. Plus, the quality of life here makes it easier to focus on what really matters :growing your business with purpose.

YE: According to you, what traits define a successful entrepreneur today?

FF: A successful entrepreneur, here, is someone who combines vision with adaptability, and innovation with responsibility. They think globally, act sustainably, dare to disrupt the status quo, and build with purpose—always ready to turn challenges into opportunities.

YE: Each entrepreneur has their own path and vision. Is there a story that particularly stood out to you?

FF: One founder’s journey stood out: starting in fintech, pivoting to climate tech after a personal wake-up call. It wasn’t just a business shift, it was a mission-driven transformation. That kind of resilience and purpose is what defines the new wave of entrepreneurship in Luxembourg. It’s not just about growth, it’s about impact.

YE: If you had to capture the essence of entrepreneurship in Luxembourg in just a few words, how would you describe its DNA?

FF: Luxembourg’s entrepreneurial DNA is a fusion of bold ambition, cross-border thinking, and a deep-rooted commitment to long-term value creation, all of thiswrapped in a pragmatic mindset that gets things done and a collaborative spirit that brings ideas to life. 

YE: To conclude, is there any advice you’d like to share with the next generation of entrepreneurs?

FF: Be curious, stay true to your values, and surround yourself with partners who share your vision. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and every step matters. We encourage and are proud to be a partner to this mindset.

Stay tuned: discover the portraits of the six finalists at the end of September!
Grand finale on November 20. More details on the EOY website.