Tech visionaries showed attendees how artificial intelligence will transform industries and shape the future of startups
We're still buzzing with the energy, innovation and vision that filled 4YFN25. From groundbreaking startups to transformative technologies, this year's gathering in Barcelona wasn't just our biggest – it was our most forward-looking.
The four-day gathering attracted more than 1,000 startups and 109,000 combined attendees with MWC Barcelona, showcasing the incredible dynamism of our ecosystem. With €60 billion in investment capital represented by over 900 investors, the connections made at 4YFN25 will ripple through the innovation landscape for years to come.
4YFN25 in Numbers
- 109,000+ combined MWC Barcelona/4YFN attendees
- 1,000+ startups & exhibitors
- €60 billion in investment funds represented by 900+ investors
- 800+ curated meetings
- 350+ startup pitches
- 375+ visionary speakers
- 105 countries & territories represented
- 2,900+ media & industry analysts
From Innovation to Impact
This year's AI XL theme captured the journey we're witnessing from experimental AI to exponential growth. Throughout the halls, booths and stages of 4YFN25, we saw how artificial intelligence has evolved from a promising technology into a fundamental force reshaping industries.
“The next four years will see AI mature from a tool into a transformative force,” explains Pere Duran, our Event Director. “What makes 4YFN special is that we're not just talking about this future – we're bringing together the innovators who are actively building it.”
Our analysis of participating startups revealed that 60% are leveraging AI in their business models, with 30% placing it at the core of their value proposition. This isn't just incremental improvement – it's a fundamental shift in how companies are building for the future.
Tomorrow's World Builders
The 4YFN Awards competition, which attracted applications from 65 countries, showcased how AI is moving beyond digital applications to tackle real-world challenges.
Bankuish, our overall winner, exemplifies this shift. The Miami-based fintech startup is using AI to provide financial access to gig economy workers – breaking down long-standing barriers to essential services.
“AI is empowering a whole new class of digital freelancers, with new services and marketplaces popping up worldwide,” explains José Fernández, Founder and CEO of Bankuish. “Being recognized as the 4YFN Startup of the Year is more than just an award – it’s a powerful validation of our mission: to bring dignity to the financial lives of the future of work.”
Our Next Chapter
Our event is founded on the principle of looking forward, so we're excited to share our vision for what comes next. After celebrating our biggest event to date, 4YFN is setting in motion its next paradigm shift. For 2026, we'll co-locate with MWC Barcelona as an independent yet deeply connected event.
“We now have the chance to refresh our format and consolidate the focus on our community,” explains Duran. “Co-locating with MWC supports our mission of continued growth in the next decade and empowers our community to engage with the event in ways that suit them best.”
This evolution will introduce a tailored pass structure designed to create more personalised experiences for solo attendees, teams, investors and VIPs.
Beyond AI XL
The future belongs to founders who can articulate a clear vision of how their technology will transform our world. At 4YFN26, we'll create more platforms for these visionaries to share their perspectives, inspiring and nurturing the next wave of innovation.
By combining the independence that allows startups to flourish with the global reach of MWC Barcelona, 4YFN26 will create unprecedented opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth. The journey to a more innovative future begins here – and we can't wait to share it with you.
Join us for 4YFN26 in Barcelona next March. Registration will open in November 2025. For more information, visit 4yfn.com