Overview of 4YFN on its 10th anniversary
As a keen student of philosophy, Pere Duran is captivated by the humanist debate sparked by the rapid pace of technology. He remains convinced that startups and tech-based ventures are becoming a vital force in today’s economy. That wasn’t the case a decade ago when the conference 4 Years From Now, known as 4YFN, debuted as a smaller companion to the Mobile World Congress focused on emerging tech companies. This year, as the event marks its tenth edition, the organizers anticipate more startups, larger venues, and bigger crowds than ever before.
What is 4YFN for someone who has never heard of it?
4YFN is a digital startup event that runs alongside the Mobile World Congress, with the primary goal of helping founders grow their businesses. It also supports a range of related activities: helping companies recruit talent, identify new technologies, and position themselves as innovative players in the market.
Are there examples of companies that began at 4YFN and are now recognized leaders in the ecosystem?
This year, to celebrate a decade, notable participants from the early days of 4YFN such as Factorial, Glovo, and TravelPerk will join to share their experiences and discuss growth and their involvement with the conference.
What is the overall takeaway from these ten years?
The organizers feel satisfied with the progress. The event has grown significantly, expanding to a new pavilion at Fira Gran Via and occupying spaces 8.1 and 8.0. The roster of exhibitors has reached a record, with more than 900 companies showcasing products from around the world. There are already 170 confirmed nationalities attending, underscoring the event’s international reach. Moving 4YFN from Fira Montjuïc to Fira Gran Via has helped internationalize the gathering.
An impressive show of global exhibitors
The event now boasts more than 900 exhibitors from 170 different countries, a milestone that demonstrates its growing global character.
In discussions, Pere Duran notes that about one third of the active lineup is made up of Catalan companies. He also highlights that there are relatively few international startup events on the world stage, with Web Summit being one of the few competitors. Local representation is common and healthy, but roughly half of the 4YFN exhibitors come from outside Spain, creating a diverse convergence of new technologies under one roof for attendees.
Does being located inside the Mobile World Congress limit 4YFN’s growth?
The emphasis is on quality rather than size. Being within the Mobile provides a high caliber of attendees that would be hard to match elsewhere. The reach and influence of Mobile attendees at 4YFN is remarkable, offering a level of engagement that goes beyond a standalone event.
How many visitors does the event attract?
<p Exact totals aren’t published, but estimates suggest around 50,000 people attended last year. This represents a qualitative leap that broadens access to the Mobile ecosystem for the local community. The integration with the Mobile has not barred entrepreneurs from participating in their own events, which used to be a significant hurdle.
The event’s overall growth is also reflected in its per-year visitor numbers, with the growth seen as proof of democratization and expanded access to the broader tech startup landscape.
What new elements stand out this year?
The organizers are introducing dedicated industry zones for the first time. Digital health and sustainability will be highlighted in pavilion 8.0, while research, universities, and spin-offs will be featured in 8.1. The remainder will host standard exhibitions. The focus on these three verticals signals a belief that health, data-driven innovation, and sustainability will shape the future of the startup and tech sectors. Investors consistently express strong interest in startups leveraging artificial intelligence and those addressing health and sustainability, which signals strong market opportunities.
Health care is gaining prominence at the conference, correct?
For the first time, 4YFN makes a bold push into digital health, aiming to connect with the traditional health sector. The lineup will include clinicians and innovation leaders from hospitals, suggesting that Barcelona could become a hub for digital health innovation.
Looking ahead, what is expected for the next four years?
Artificial intelligence, digital health, and sustainability are set to grow significantly. Beyond that, there are deeper shifts in play. The advancing technologies tend to empower individuals over large institutions, which will influence business models. The humanities are likely to gain weight, as technology increasingly intersects with human-centered concerns. This is evident in how AI models are trained and in ongoing discussions about the ethical and regulatory frameworks guiding these technologies.
What might the 4YFN look like in ten years?
The prediction is clear: entrepreneurial skills will be even more central. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to pivot will define how startups shape the modern economy—an evolution that was already underway in 2014, and continues to accelerate today.