The EU-Startups Summit 2026 will bring together founders, investors, and startup ecosystem leaders in Malta for two days of discussions focused on innovation, venture growth, and entrepreneurship. Scheduled for May 7 and May 8, the event is expected to host around 2,500 participants from across Europe and beyond. Among the many sessions planned for the summit, one panel is drawing particular interest from founders and early stage entrepreneurs. Titled “The role of luck in entrepreneurship and how to deal with bad luck and keep going,” the session will explore the unpredictable nature of building startups and the resilience required to navigate challenges in the entrepreneurial journey.

Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as a process driven by strategic thinking, strong leadership, and disciplined execution. However, many founders recognize that external circumstances such as market timing, economic conditions, and unexpected events can significantly influence the outcome of a startup venture. The upcoming panel aims to address this reality by bringing together experienced entrepreneurs who have faced both success and setbacks while building companies.

Founders Share Lessons from Real Startup Experiences

One of the panel speakers is Karl Sjöblom, the chief executive officer of Eicorn and a serial entrepreneur with years of experience launching and managing startups. Sjöblom previously founded Iplay Sport, a sports technology platform that gained significant traction after raising approximately one million euros in funding. The mobile application quickly became one of the most downloaded apps in its category on the Apple App Store.

Despite early success, the company later faced financial and market challenges that ultimately forced the business to file for bankruptcy. Sjöblom’s experience illustrates the complex realities of the startup environment where even promising ventures can encounter unexpected obstacles. Through his work with new ventures today, he shares insights about persistence, resilience, and how founders can learn from difficult moments in business.

The panel aims to highlight how such experiences shape entrepreneurial leadership. Many founders discover that failure can provide valuable lessons about market strategy, product development, and investor relations.

Entrepreneur and Investor Karolina Pelc Joins Discussion

Another speaker joining the panel is Karolina Pelc, an entrepreneur and investor who has spent more than two decades working across the global gaming and technology industries. In 2021, Pelc founded BeyondPlay, a business to business software company that develops engagement tools for digital gaming platforms.

The company successfully raised more than seven million euros in venture capital funding before being acquired by FanDuel in 2024. After the acquisition, Pelc served as vice president focusing on product integration and strategic development. Her career experience provides valuable insights into scaling technology companies and navigating high growth startup environments.

Pelc is also the author of an upcoming book titled “Her Play: Make Your Own Luck.” The book explores how ambition, persistence, and strategic decision making influence entrepreneurial outcomes. Her perspective challenges the idea that success is purely based on chance, arguing that founders can actively position themselves to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

Marketing Entrepreneur Stephanie Melodia Adds Perspective

Stephanie Melodia will also join the panel discussion. She is a serial entrepreneur and media host known for her work in brand marketing and startup communications. Melodia founded Bloom, a marketing agency that supported high growth startups and technology scale ups across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Through her agency, she helped emerging companies develop brand strategies and creative marketing campaigns designed to accelerate growth. In addition to her work with startups, Melodia hosts The Top 20 Business Show podcast and regularly speaks at conferences about entrepreneurship and innovation.

Her keynote presentation titled “Hacking Luck” focuses on how founders can create opportunities through deliberate strategy and persistence. Instead of relying on chance, she argues that entrepreneurs can influence outcomes by building strong networks, identifying market opportunities, and maintaining adaptability during uncertain periods.

Entrepreneurship Often Involves Unpredictable Factors

The panel discussion reflects a broader conversation within the startup community about the role of timing and uncertainty in entrepreneurial success. While business planning and product development remain essential components of building a company, many founders acknowledge that external factors can significantly affect outcomes.

Market shifts, funding availability, regulatory changes, and consumer trends can quickly reshape startup opportunities. For early stage founders, learning how to adapt to these variables often becomes a critical part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Startup events like the EU-Startups Summit provide opportunities for founders to exchange experiences and learn from peers who have navigated similar challenges. By sharing honest stories about both success and failure, experienced entrepreneurs can offer practical insights to those building new ventures.

EU-Startups Summit Strengthens European Startup Ecosystem

The EU-Startups Summit has grown into one of Europe’s major gatherings for startup founders and investors. The event focuses on fostering collaboration, sharing industry knowledge, and highlighting emerging innovation trends within the European technology ecosystem.

Participants at the summit typically include venture capital firms, startup accelerators, technology entrepreneurs, and policy makers interested in supporting the growth of new businesses. Discussions at the event often cover topics such as venture funding, product innovation, scaling strategies, and leadership development.

Organizations supporting the summit also play an important role in promoting entrepreneurship across the region. Economic development agencies, private companies, and technology service providers contribute resources and mentorship programs designed to help early stage businesses grow.

Outlook

As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, events like the EU-Startups Summit provide valuable platforms for founders to exchange ideas and build connections. The panel on luck in entrepreneurship aims to offer honest insights into the realities of building companies in uncertain environments while highlighting the resilience and adaptability required for long term success.