We are thrilled to announce the return of our annual Launchpad Learning Expedition to London, one of the most electrifying events in the HEC calendar! Each year, the HEC UK Office welcomes over 120 student-entrepreneurs from the HEC Paris Startup Launchpad for an immersive, hands-on journey into the heart of the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, mentor, or simply passionate about innovation, this event is a must-attend moment in our global community calendar — full of energy, ideas, and that unmistakable Launchpad vibe!
If you would like to see how academic excellence meets industry transformation in our community, we warmly invite you to read this recent article about the HEC Paris Master in International Finance. We are already preparing the Finance trip to London this September! If you are interested in welcoming our students, hosting a visit, or connecting with the cohort, please do contact us.
And a heartfelt thank you to our Alumni who are always so generous in opening their doors to our students, your support truly makes a difference.
To mark International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight the 7Cs — a navigator’s map for bold women leaders — a powerful framework to accelerate impact and take the lead. If leadership programmes are of interest to you or your teams, we would be delighted to continue the conversation and explore how we can support your ambitions.
We cannot wait to see you for our London Grand Pitch Night at the Curzon Soho Cinema, where innovation meets inspiration!
Kind regards,
Your HEC in the UK Team
FOCUS OF THE MONTH: THE LAUNCHPAD PROGRAM IN LONDON
Every year the HEC UK Office organises a Learning Expedition to London for 120 student-entrepreneurs from the HEC Paris Start up Launchpad. This program works like an accelerator with a learning by doing approach, in partnership with Ecole Polytechnique. This trip is not just a study visit, it’s a high-impact accelerator experience where students learn by doing, sharpen their startup skills, and connect with founders, investors, and mentors from around the world.
What makes Launchpad London unmissable:
A vibrant 3-day Learning Expedition with workshops, founder talks, networking sessions and startup engagements.
The highlight:Grand Pitch Night— a Dragons’ Den-style evening where finalists from the Launchpad cohort pitch to a live audience of alumni, investors, and ecosystem players in a buzzing atmosphere you’ll remember!
A chance for HEC alumni to join the Pitch Night, reconnect with the HEC startup community, support emerging founders — and witness tomorrow’s success stories as they unfold!
& join us for our Annual London Grand Pitch Night, on Wednesday 25th March at 6:30pm, live from the Curzon Soho movie theatre with our 2026 HEC Paris startup launchpad entrepreneurs' students. This special evening will feature 6 finalists who have been chosen from 30 teams by a panel of expert judges. Register HERE.
HEC IN THE UK EVENTS
HEC Life Project : Ditch your to do list
Friday 13th March - 12:00pm
ONLINE
We're often stuck in our to-do lists and they can feel neverending and all consuming. Worse, they stop us from making the big changes that we so often want.
We feel "too busy" to even think about it. The to-do lists keep getting in the way.
Luckily, it's not a lot of time that we need, it's simply a different kind of "to do" list.
Who do you need TO BE to make the changes you want? Your "to be" list is so much more powerful than your "to do" list.
Alumni x Students: Data Science for Business Networking Evening
Monday 23rd March - 6:30pm
IN PERSON
30 HEC Masters students will attend this learning expedition in London. Their trip is devoted to networking, company visits, conferences and entrepreneurship. They are eager to meet HEC Alumni working in the data science for business sector in London.
Whether you wish to hire them, to mentor them or to just find out what is new on the Jouy-en-Josas Campus, they are looking forward to meeting you!
Please join us for our annual London Grand Pitch Night, live from the Curzon Soho movie theatre with HEC Paris startup launchpad entrepreneurs' students. This special evening will feature 6 finalists who have been chosen from 30 teams by a panel of expert judges. These finalists will pitch their startup projects in front of a jury of entrepreneurs, investors, and an audience of eager supporters. A replay of the event will be available on the HEC Paris YouTube channel the following day.
MBA Networking Evening with MBA Finance Trek Students
Tuesday 31st March - 6:30pm
IN PERSON
25 MBA students are coming to London for a finance trek. Their trip is devoted to company visits and networking, and they are eager to meet with our MBA Alumni in London!
Join us for an informal networking session, to share you tips and advice and connect with our new MBA cohort!
The Mystery of Personality invites you to explore what shapes you – and how it influences the way you meet others. What to expect:
Live music to land softly after your work day
An unconventional talk on personality
Interactive and insightful moments
Time to connect around food and drinks
Each participant will receive access to a personality test and a personal report (entirely private), with the option to join a short preparatory webinar ahead of the event.
Whether you come out of curiosity, for inspiration, or simply to meet people beyond your usual circles, this evening is designed to be as insightful - professionally and personally - as it is enjoyable.
Co-founded by the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society and HEC Paris Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Women Entrepreneurs 4 Good (WE4G) is a unique accelerator program that supports women entrepreneurs at the early stages of their journey. This 7-month online program equips participants with the resources and capabilities to innovate and grow their businesses through coaching, visibility, technical support, and access to a global network of stakeholders and partners.
We are looking forward to receiving your applications Join this programme that has supported more than 600 teams of women entrepreneurs from almost 60 countries! Apply here.
BE PART OF THE NETWORK
Corporate and Academic Relations
Enriching Students Life
Help HEC Paris foster synergies with your company in talent recruitment, brand and business development and knowledge!
Participate in enriching HEC students' life by welcoming students during their learning expeditions in London, sharing your experiences and challenges, as well as hiring or mentoring new talents!
Join a supportive and team of 40 active volunteers that organise 100+ events each year. Gain exclusive access to the HEC network and enjoy connecting and developing new projects with us!
Everything is possible at the HEC UK House! Whether you wish to come in the lounge in between meetings, book a meeting room, organise an event or become a corporate sponsor, get in touch with our team to discuss your next project with us!
