Circularity, Serendipity & Startup Life: CIRQUEL's week at Ibiza Tech Forum & The Next Unicorn
Some events stay with you because of the stage, some because of the conversations - and some because they remind you why you started building in the first place.
Ibiza tech forum - main stage
This month, CIRQUEL had the privilege to participate in The Next Unicorn programme as part of Ibiza Tech Forum, represented by our Co-Founder & CEO Anna Warchalowska. Selected among 25 startups from more than 500 international applications, CIRQUEL joined an intensive week of workshops, founder challenges, investor sessions, mentoring, filming, live presentations, and moments of exchange designed to push both companies and people outside of their comfort zones.
Ibiza Tech Forum is not structured as a traditional startup conference. It combines entrepreneurship, media production, investment readiness, leadership development, and experiential learning into one immersive programme. Throughout the week, founders worked side by side while engaging with investors, jury members, operators, and ecosystem builders - not only pitching their companies, but also testing ideas, navigating uncertainty, and building relationships. Activities took place across locations including Romeo’s Motel & Diner, Bonito Ibiza, and the Palacio de Congresos de Ibiza, creating an atmosphere that felt closer to building together than competing.
Anna Warchalowska at the Ibiza Tech Forum - one of the 25 Unicorns!
For CIRQUEL, this experience was especially meaningful because it reinforced something we deeply believe: innovation is never built in isolation. Alongside us were outstanding startups tackling challenges across AI, climate, biotech, health, infrastructure, consumer products, and industrial transformation: Orobo, Fazil Crypto, BioTitan Nanotechnology, Mediterranean Algae, zick learn, Amilis, dataLobster, Hulahoop, GREENJET, Bluana Foods, XRAI | Radiografías Dentales con IA, Skor, FlamAid, IKI Health Group, EnerKite GmbH, Kenomic, Whale Dock, AiKit, Sentinella, VENTUREST, Kolbev, Nantek, Algocyte, and many more founders and teams bringing bold ideas into reality.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the entire Ibiza Tech Forum & The Next Unicorn team for making this experience possible - particularly Carlos Toribio, Angelica Ortega, Ramón Castro, Carla, Yassir and all the people working behind the scenes who continuously adapted, solved problems, and created an environment where founders could focus on building and connecting. A huge appreciation also goes to Rafa and the production crew, whose work documenting the journey reminded us how much effort goes into storytelling beyond what appears on camera. We are equally grateful to the jury - Marcus Dantus, Ron Oliver, Desirée Alayza Serra, Adel Alawadhi, Daniela Machado, and Mitchell Weinstock - for their openness, mentorship, feedback, and the conversations that extended far beyond evaluation.
Amazing jury
But above all, what CIRQUEL is taking back from Ibiza are the people. The founders behind the startups. The investors behind the capital. The organisers behind the experience. The conversations between sessions, unexpected introductions, and moments of serendipity that often become more valuable than the programme itself.
At CIRQUEL, we often talk about circular systems, intelligent infrastructure, and building for the future. But this week reminded us that behind every ecosystem, every company, and every breakthrough - there are people.
And we have a strong feeling that many of these paths will cross again.
Stay tuned !!! more reflections and behind-the-scenes insights from Ibiza will follow soon. 🚀
Anna Warchalowska is CEO and co-founder of CIRQUEL. If you are a brand, investor or partner interested in circular fashion, sustainable returns, or commercial partnerships, we would love to connect at cirquel.co.