Entrepreneurship is booming across Europe, and its business schools are at the centre of this growth. These institutions are not just about lectures and exams; they are incubators of innovation, creativity, and leadership. Whether you want to build a startup, launch a social impact project, or join a multinational company, Europe’s best business schools can open the door to opportunity.
What Makes a Great Business School for Entrepreneurs?
A great business school does more than teach theory. It connects students with the right people, resources, and experiences that shape successful careers. The best schools for entrepreneurs focus on:
- Practical learning with incubators, venture labs, and startup accelerators.
- Networking opportunities with mentors, alumni, and investors.
- Global exposure through partnerships, campuses, and exchange programmes.
- Strong academic reputation backed by research and real-world relevance.
These qualities make Europe an outstanding destination for future founders.
The Best Business Schools in Europe for Entrepreneurs (2025 Edition)
United Kingdom
University of Oxford (Saïd Business School) Ranked among the top global business schools by Financial Times, Oxford offers unparalleled access to investors and entrepreneurs through the Oxford Foundry. Its alumni include Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn. The Saïd MBA is known for integrating sustainability and innovation, preparing graduates to lead change globally.
University of Cambridge (Judge Business School) Cambridge Judge is home to the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning and the Cambridge Enterprise initiative. Its close ties to Silicon Fen, one of Europe’s most dynamic tech clusters, make it ideal for founders. Notable alumni include Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind.
Imperial College Business School Imperial ranks consistently in Europe’s top 10 for innovation and entrepreneurship. Its Enterprise Lab supports hundreds of startups each year. Alumni like Dyson’s R&D leaders and successful biotech founders showcase its practical impact.
London Business School (LBS) LBS ranks among the top 3 business schools in Europe and has a global alumni network of over 50,000 professionals. Its Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and London Venture Capital network help turn business ideas into reality.
London School of Economics (LSE) LSE is renowned for economics and social innovation. Its LSE Generate programme has supported over 4,000 startups. Famous alumni include George Soros and Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox. The university’s MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship is particularly popular among impact-driven founders.
University College London (UCL) School of Management UCL has produced more than 2,000 startups in recent years. Its BaseKX incubator and access to London’s tech ecosystem make it ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs. UCL alumni include Alexander de Carvalho, co-founder of Beelivery.
University of Edinburgh Business School Edinburgh’s MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation blends academic rigour with real-world application. The school ranks in the top 100 globally and benefits from Scotland’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
University of Manchester (Alliance Manchester Business School) Founded in 1965, Alliance MBS is one of the UK’s first business schools. Its Entrepreneurship Centre helps over 1,600 students annually launch ventures. Alumni include Sir Howard Davies, Chairman of NatWest Group.
France
HEC Paris HEC Paris ranks number one in Europe for entrepreneurship according to QS World Rankings. Its MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers access to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus. Alumni include François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering.
INSEAD Known as “The Business School for the World”, INSEAD operates campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. It ranks second globally for MBA programmes. Famous alumni include Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Credit Suisse, and Antoine Arnault of LVMH.
ESCP Business School ESCP is Europe’s oldest business school and operates across six major cities. It is ranked in the top 10 globally for its Master in Management. The school’s incubator, Blue Factory, supports students in developing scalable ventures.
ESSEC Business School ESSEC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation track attracts founders from all over the world. Alumni include Nicolas Brusson, co-founder of BlaBlaCar. Its partnership with the Paris-Saclay ecosystem enhances its startup support network.
EMlyon Business School Ranked top 5 in France, EMlyon focuses on “early makers” – students who learn by doing. Its startup incubator has supported over 1,500 ventures. Alumni include Frédéric Mazzella, founder of BlaBlaCar.
EDHEC Business School EDHEC’s MSc in Entrepreneurship & Innovation is recognised for linking finance and startup strategy. Alumni include Jean-Pierre Mustier, former CEO of UniCredit.
Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM School of Management) TUM ranks first in Germany for innovation. Its TUM Venture Labs have produced companies such as Celonis, now valued at over €10 billion. Alumni benefit from connections with global corporations like BMW and Siemens.
University of Mannheim Known for its excellence in management research, Mannheim fosters entrepreneurship through its MCEI platform. Alumni include top executives at SAP and Deutsche Bank.
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management WHU ranks consistently among Europe’s top 10 for entrepreneurship. The school hosts the IdeaLab! startup conference and counts the founders of Zalando and Rocket Internet among its alumni.
Spain
IESE Business School IESE ranks number one in Europe by Financial Times. It integrates entrepreneurship across its MBA and executive education programmes. Over 30% of graduates start a business within five years. Alumni include Pablo Isla, former CEO of Inditex.
IE Business School IE is a global leader in entrepreneurship education, with a Venture Lab that has launched over 1,500 startups. Its Global MBA is ranked among the world’s top 10. Alumni include Martin Varsavsky, founder of Jazztel and Prelude Fertility.
ESADE Business School ESADE is known for combining innovation with social responsibility. Its Entrepreneurship Institute supports 1,600 startups annually. Notable alumni include Javier Soltero, Vice President at Google.
Italy
SDA Bocconi School of Management Ranked the best business school in Italy, Bocconi produces leaders in finance and entrepreneurship. Alumni include Vittorio Colao, Italy’s Minister for Technological Innovation. The school’s MBA and MISA programmes are top choices for aspiring founders.
Politecnico di Milano School of Management Politecnico combines design, engineering, and business. Its Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation connects students with Italy’s industrial network and venture funds.
Netherlands
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) TU Delft’s YES!Delft incubator is one of Europe’s leading tech accelerators. The university is known for producing successful startups like Hardt Hyperloop. Its strong links to engineering and design make it ideal for tech founders.
Erasmus University Rotterdam (RSM) The Rotterdam School of Management ranks in Europe’s top 10 for business education. Alumni include Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman of DSM. Its Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship supports hundreds of startups each year.
University of Amsterdam (UvA) The UvA’s MSc in Entrepreneurship is among the Netherlands’ most popular programmes. The university’s Startup Market connects students with angel investors and accelerators.
Other Leading European Schools
Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Denmark CBS promotes research-driven entrepreneurship through its Entrepreneurship Platform. Alumni include Lars Rebien Sørensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk.
Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Ireland Trinity’s Business School ranks among Europe’s top 50. Its Tangent incubator provides space, mentoring, and funding opportunities. Alumni include Patrick and John Collison, co-founders of Stripe.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden KTH produces a high number of tech startups through its Innovation Office. Alumni include Spotify engineers and Klarna’s co-founders.
Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), Sweden SSE’s Business Lab has produced several global companies, including Klarna and Voi. It ranks as Scandinavia’s best business school.
IMD Business School, Switzerland IMD is known for executive education and leadership development. Alumni include top executives from Nestlé and Logitech. Its Entrepreneurship Community provides global networking and mentorship opportunities.
How to Choose the Right Business School in Europe
When choosing a school, think about your career goals. Consider the strength of the entrepreneurship network, availability of funding, and international exposure. Speak to alumni and visit open days to find the right cultural fit.
FAQs
Do business schools in Europe offer startup funding?
Yes. Many schools provide grants, competitions, and investor introductions.
Which country is best for startups in Europe?
The UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are leading hubs for innovation and startups.
Is an MBA in Europe worth it for entrepreneurs?
Absolutely. It offers global networking, access to venture capital, and practical experience.
Europe’s business schools are among the most dynamic in the world. From London to Paris and Milan to Amsterdam, they nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs ready to lead innovation across industries. Whether your goal is a global startup or social enterprise, these schools will help you build the skills, network, and confidence to succeed.
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