BeAngels x GUBERNA x TheMerode

"Could Your Company Thrive Without its Founder(s)? The Governance Challenge for Start-ups and SMEs." Organized by TheMerode. Powered by BeAngels. In partnership with GUBERNA. In the early years of a company, everything often revolves around its founder; vision, network, decision‑making, fundraising, recruitment… This centralisation can be a tremendous strength, but it also creates a significant vulnerability. What happens if the founder is suddenly no longer able to lead the business? Illness, an accident, an unexpected departure or a shift in direction can quickly jeopardise continuity and impact relationships with investors, employees and customers. Yet very few young companies truly prepare for such a scenario. To address this critical topic openly, GUBERNA, in partnership with BeAngels and TheMerode Club, is organizing a lunch session dedicated to how governance can strengthen the resilience of start-ups and SMEs. Practical information: Date: Friday 16 October 2026 Time: 12h00-13h15 Location: TheMerode, Place Poelaert 6, 1000 Brussels Contact: [email protected] Through insights from entrepreneurs, investors and experienced board directors, the discussion will explore practical governance approaches that reduce dependency on a single individual, reinforce decision‑making and support sustainable business growth. At the heart of the debate lies one essential question: Could your company continue to grow if its founder were no longer there tomorrow? This is a crucial conversation for any organisation seeking to evolve from a founder‑centric structure to a governance model that ensures long‑term resilience, continuity and sustainable value creation. Participation is free of charge, but please make sure to secure your spot as seats are limited.